Proposed changes to the import health standard for importing grain and seeds for consumption, feed, or processing

Update –12 November 2021

Final import health standard released

MPI has released the final import health standard (IHS).

IHS for Grains and Seeds for Consumption, Feed, or Processing [PDF, 858 KB]

Update – 29 October 2021

Provisional import health standard released

Following the consultation that closed on 1 October 2021, a provisional import health standard was released along with the review of submissions.

Provisional IHS for Grains and Seeds for consumption, feed, or processing [PDF, 1.1 MB]

Review of Submissions [PDF, 405 KB]

About this consultation

From 23 August to 1 October 2021, Biosecurity New Zealand invited comment on a proposed change to the import health standard (IHS) for importing grain and seeds for consumption, feed, or processing. Biosecurity New Zealand is a business unit of the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI).

The proposed change to the IHS was the removal of the requirement for importers to have a permit for the import of specified grain or seeds for processing in New Zealand.

Full details of the proposed change are in the consultation documents.

Consultation documents

Risk Management Proposal: Amendment to the grain and seeds for consumption, feed, or processing IHS [PDF, 275 KB]

Draft IHS for importing grain and seeds for consumption, feed, or processing (for consultation only) [PDF, 1.3 MB]

Submissions are public

Any submission you make becomes public information. Anyone can ask for copies of all submissions under the Official Information Act 1982 (OIA). The OIA says we must make the information available, unless we have a good reason for withholding it. You can find those reasons in sections 6 and 9 of the OIA. Tell us if you think there are grounds to withhold specific information in your submission, such as information that is commercially sensitive or personal. However, any decision MPI makes to withhold information can be reviewed by the Ombudsman, who may require the information to be released.

Legal background

Biosecurity New Zealand must consult interested parties in accordance with section 23 of the Biosecurity Act 1993 (the Act) and Biosecurity New Zealand's consultation policy before issuing or amending import health standards (IHSs) under sections 24A and 24B of the Act. Biosecurity New Zealand is not required to consult interested parties if the changes are minor or urgent.

An IHS specifies import requirements that must be met either in the country of origin or of export, or during transit, before biosecurity clearance can be given for the goods to enter New Zealand. MPI must ensure that these requirements are technically justified and provide an appropriate level of biosecurity protection.

Find out more

Importing stored plant products for human consumption (includes grains, seeds, and nuts)