Follow the steps
Step 1 What you need to know
An overview of importing seed for sowing from start to finish.
To import seeds for sowing you need to know about:
- the scientific name (genus and species) of your seeds
- the Seeds for sowing import health standard (IHS)
- complying with the IHS requirements
- treatments and post-entry quarantine (if required)
- product prohibitions and restrictions
- New Zealand Customs Service tariffs and permits
- using a customs broker
- relevant fees and charges.
New rules for some seeds from March 2016
MPI introduced new border measures in March 2016 for pelleted and Beta vulgaris seeds for sowing.
The new requirements are that:
Step 2 What you need to do
The tasks you need to complete.
Check whether the seed species can be imported
The MPI Plant Biosecurity Index (PBI) database lists all seed species that can be imported. You can search the database to find out if your seed species is listed and its import requirements. You'll need to know your seed's scientific name (genus and species) to complete a search. Complete the genus and the species field in the PBI.
Make sure you:
- spell the scientific name correctly
- don't leave a space after the last word
- use the scientific name – common names (like mandarin) won't work
- use the correct scientific name if the plant has another scientific name.
Search for a plant product in the PBI database
Interpreting search results
The PBI search results state whether a species can be imported as seed, and list the section in the Seeds for sowing IHS where specific requirements can be found.
After searching the scientific name, 2 columns will appear:
- Column 1 lists the scientific name.
- Column 2 lists the specific import results or requirements for the seed.
What the results mean
|
Result |
What it means |
|
Basic |
Seed can be imported under general import requirements in the IHS, Part 1. |
|
see 155.02.05 under _X_ |
Seed can be imported according to 'X' section in the IHS, Part 2. (155.02.05 refers to the Seeds for sowing IHS). |
|
Requires assessment |
Seed can't be imported – you can ask MPI about having the seed assessed by emailing plantimports@mpi.govt.nz |
|
Entry prohibited |
Seed can't be imported – to import a new species that isn't listed in the PBI, apply to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for approval. |
|
Blank (no result) |
Usually happens when a synonym has been used – for example, Abelia grandiflora instead of Abelia xgrandiflora. Search using the synonym (Abelia xgrandiflora) to get requirements. |
|
"No records found matching search criteria" |
Seed can't be imported. |
Visit the EPA website to find out about importing new species
Botanical synonyms
How to get a synonym assessment for a species in the PBI
MPI allows the use of approved synonyms to identify plant species eligible for importation. You will need to apply to MPI for a synonym assessment if you want to import a plant species under an alternative recognised name (a synonym) that is different from the one that is listed in the PBI. These requests must be made before the plant material arrives in New Zealand to prevent possible delays at the border.
To apply for a determination, email PlantImports@mpi.govt.nz
In your email, tell us:
- the purpose of the request
- the botanical name (genus and species) of the plant listed in the PBI for which you want a synonym assessment
- the plant synonyms (genus and species) you wish MPI to assess
- if you have information to support your request (for example, scientific papers, or links to botanical websites).
Requests for synonym assessment can take a minimum of 10 working days. If the synonym is confirmed, the PBI will be updated, and you will be informed of the outcome.
Check the seed for sowing import health standard
Biosecurity requirements are detailed in documents called import health standards (IHS). The Seed for sowing IHS provides the details of what you need to do to successfully import your seed. All seed must comply with the general import requirements outlined in Part 1 of the IHS. Your seed may also have specific requirements outlined in Part 2 – check the section of the IHS that was listed in the PBI.
Genera listed in the document linked below are eligible to import under part 2 of the IHS. As they were last imported before 2017, their requirements might be out of date. If you want to import species of these genera, MPI will need to reassess potential biosecurity risks, which might lead to changes in import requirements. Before booking post-entry quarantine, applying for an import permit, or ordering seeds, email plantimports@mpi.govt.nz
Plant genera with specific import requirements last imported into New Zealand before 2017 [PDF, 153 KB]
Download the IHS for importing seed for sowing [PDF, 1.7 MB]
Contact MPI about your product
Contact MPI plant imports team to discuss the requirements (including post-entry quarantine) for the seeds you intend to import by emailing plantimports@mpi.govt.nz
Check other agencies' import restrictions
Check with the New Zealand Customs Service whether:
- you can import the product without restriction
- the product will be subject to duties or tariffs.
Visit the NZ Customs website to find out more about the import entry process
Some plants (including their seeds) are protected under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) and cannot be transported between countries, or can only be imported with a permit. Check that your seeds are not protected.
Find out about CITES requirements – Department of Conservation website
Comply with phytosanitary requirements
A phytosanitary certificate is required if specified in Part 2: Specific Requirements. The IHS will state the requirements you need to meet (including additional declarations) before your seeds leave the exporting country.
To apply for a phytosanitary certificate or if you have questions, contact your export broker or the relevant National Plant Protection Organisation (NPPO, an equivalent agency to MPI) in the country of export. You can find contact details on the International Plants Protection Convention (IPPC) website.
Search for NPPO contact points on the IPPC website
If a chemical treatment is a specific requirement for the seed species you are importing, ensure you include as part of the documentation:
- the volume of formulated product you used to treat a stated weight of seed (using either the metric or imperial system, ideally both if you are primarily using the imperial system)
- the concentration of active ingredients in the formulated product (always attach each label for each active ingredient in case multiple formulated products are used)
- the intended target concentrations and treatment code.
Our calculator can be used to convert metric or imperial units to the required grams of active ingredient per kilogram (g.a.i/kg).
Calculation tool for seed treatments [XLSX, 12 KB]
Consider getting a seed analysis certificate
You can choose to have your consignment accompanied by a seed analysis certificate (SAC), which can result in faster clearance of your consignment at the border when it arrives in New Zealand.
For more information about SACs, refer to section 1.5.3 of the IHS.
A phytosanitary certificate is issued once the contact point NPPO is satisfied that the requirements of the IHS have been met, along with any additional declarations required.
Apply for an import permit, if required
The IHS will tell you whether an import permit is required for your seed species. If needed, apply for a permit by completing the application form and returning it to MPI. Fees apply.
Download the form to apply to import seed for sowing – PDF version [PDF, 344 KB]
Download the form to apply to import seed for sowing – Word version [DOCX, 122 KB]
Testing for genetically modified (GM) seed
Some seed species must be tested for the presence of genetically modified seed if specified in the IHS.
Find out more about testing for GM seed
Request assessment under equivalent measures
If your seed won't be able to meet all of the IHS requirements you can ask MPI about assessing your product under equivalent measures. This is known as 'equivalence'. Find out more about equivalence in the IHS. Fees apply.
To ask MPI about equivalence, email plantimports@mpi.govt.nz
Arrange transitional storage, if required
MPI approves transitional facilities to hold and manage imported goods that might pose a biosecurity risk. These goods may need to be inspected or treated at the transitional facility before they can be cleared by MPI.
If importing a small amount of seed through the mail centre or the airport, special arrangements for transitional facilities are generally not required.
All sea containers arriving in New Zealand need to be taken to a transitional facility and unpacked there.
You or your customs broker need to arrange for the transfer of your container to a transitional facility, before your goods arrive in New Zealand.
Read more about finding a transitional facility
Book space in a post-entry quarantine facility, if required
Check the IHS to find out whether your seed needs to be held at a post-entry quarantine (PEQ) facility before being released to you. PEQ requirements are listed for your plant species in Part 2: Specific requirements of the IHS.
PEQ may be needed so that your seeds can be actively grown in controlled conditions. During quarantine, your seeds will be inspected, tested, and treated for the presence of any potential pests or diseases. We recommend that you contact an MPI-approved facility directly to make a booking prior to import. Fees apply.
Find details for MPI-approved PEQ facilities
Check the process for booking space in MPI's PEQ facility
Check packaging and labelling requirements
Correct packaging and labelling will help ensure that your consignment is quickly identified and processed by border clearance when it arrives in New Zealand.
The outside of the package must be clearly labelled with the scientific name (genus and species) of the seeds and must be clean and free from soil, pests, and other contaminants.
If you use packaging such as wood crates or peat, there are extra requirements or restrictions to ensure there are no hidden pests or diseases. Refer to the import requirements for:
Submit all required documentation
Consider using a customs broker
For information on customs brokers, contact the Customs Brokers and Freight Forwarders Federation.
Visit the Customs Brokers and Freight Forwarders Federation website
You or your customs broker need to make sure that all the necessary documentation is submitted to NZ Customs or MPI at least 48 hours before your consignment arrives in New Zealand.
A copy of the phytosanitary certificate must be included. Other documentation may include:
- treatment certificates
- a purchase invoice
- the bill of lading or air waybill
- the certificate for GM testing, if required
- the seed analysis certificate (recommended).
Comply with on-arrival inspections
An MPI inspector will check your documentation and may inspect the consignment when it arrives in New Zealand, to make sure it complies with the IHS. The inspector checks that:
- the consignment is as described in the documentation
- correct labelling is used, if required
- the consignment and packaging are free of contaminants (detritus, soil, disease, and pests).
The MPI quarantine inspector may issue a Biosecurity Authority Clearance Certificate (BACC) requiring:
- documentation to be corrected
- the consignment to be treated
- the consignment to be moved to a transition facility, to be held for inspection
- the consignment to be moved to a post-entry quarantine facility, for quarantine.
More information about the inspection process and maximum levels of pest or weed contamination is provided in sections 1.4 and 1.8 of the IHS.
If your consignment does not comply
If contamination (such as live organisms) is found in a container or your seed when it arrives, an MPI inspector will tell you the options for dealing with the consignment. Depending on the type of pest or disease found, you may:
- treat your product (for example, by fumigation)
- identify the organism (and treat it if it's a restricted pest)
- ship the product to another destination country
- destroy the product.
All treatments have to be done by an approved treatment provider at a transitional facility. You are liable for any costs associated with non-compliance or contamination.
Search for an approved treatment provider [PDF, 223 KB]
Find an MPI-approved pest identification service [PDF, 220 KB]
Search for a pest name in the Biosecurity Organisms Register for Imported Commodities (BORIC)
Step 3 Getting your import documents
How you know you've met MPI requirements.
Check that you or your customs broker have complied with the conditions listed in the IHS for all pre-shipment, transit, and on-arrival tasks.
Biosecurity clearance
If a biosecurity inspector is satisfied that your products comply with the import health standard (IHS 155.02.05), clearance will be issued soon after your goods arrive.
If your products do not comply with the IHS, your goods won't be cleared until you have complied or been given permission to make an 'equivalence import'.
