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Proposed Organics Notice on inputs for generic substances

Background to this consultation

The Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) is developing a system to manage inputs under the Organic Products and Production Act 2023 that aims for consistency, fairness, and transparency in the assessment process.

Under the new organics regulatory regime, the Act requires MPI to publish a register of acceptable and unacceptable inputs. These inputs will be set out in a new Inputs Notice for Generic Substances.

The assessment, management, and use of inputs is a critical component of organic production and processing.

The incorrect use of an input can affect the ability of a product to carry an organic claim and a product's eligibility to be exported.

Have your say about the proposed organics inputs notice

We are seeking your feedback on the proposed notice.

The notice sets lists for substances that can be used in products such as cleaners and sanitisers, fertilisers and soil conditioners, and crop protection.

Each substance listed is acceptable on the basis that its use complies with the circumstances and any conditions specified for each input.

We opened consultation on 30 September and are accepting submissions until 5pm on 7 November 2025.

Full details are in the consultation documents, including definitions of acceptable and unacceptable inputs, how the input list was developed, and how the input approval process will work.

Consultation documents

Draft Organics: Inputs Notice for Generic Substances [PDF, 744 KB]

Discussion document: Inputs Notice for Generic Substances [PDF, 359 KB]

Fact sheet: About organic inputs and the process for approving them [PDF, 228 KB]

Organics legislation

Organic Products and Production Act 2023

Organic Products and Production Regulations 2025

Organic Standards Regulations 2025

Making your submission

We must get your feedback on the draft notice by 5pm on 7 November 2025.

When you are making your submission, answer these 5 questions:

  1. Is the list of generic substances accurate?
  2. Should any other generic substances be added or removed?
  3. Do you agree that the conditions listed are correct?
  4. Are the circumstances for use correct?

We'd prefer you send us your submission by email to organicsconsultation@mpi.govt.nz

However, if you wish to send your submission in writing, post it to:

Organics: Inputs notice for Generic Substances
New Zealand Food Safety
Ministry for Primary Industries
PO Box 2526
Wellington, 6140.

What to include

Include the following information in your submission:

  • your name and title (if applicable)
  • your organisation’s name (if applicable)
  • the answers to the 5 questions we have listed under 'Making your submission'
  • your address and contact details.

The following points may help you prepare your comments.

  • Where possible, comments should be specific to a proposal.
  • Include any reference numbers from the notice so these can be used to link comments to the document.
  • Reasons and data to support your comments are welcomed.
  • Examples to illustrate points are encouraged.

Submissions are public information

Note that all, part, or a summary of your submission may be published on this website. Most often this happens when we issue a document that reviews the submissions received.

People can also ask for copies of submissions under the Official Information Act 1982 (OIA). The OIA says we must make the content of submissions available unless we have good reason for withholding it. Those reasons are detailed in sections 6 and 9 of the OIA.

If you think there are grounds to withhold specific information from publication, make this clear in your submission or contact us. Reasons may include that it discloses commercially sensitive or personal information. However, any decision MPI makes to withhold details can be reviewed by the Ombudsman, who may direct us to release it.

Official Information Act 1982 – NZ Legislation

MPI business units