Post-entry quarantine for imported plants
If you are importing plant material, such as nursery stock or seed for sowing, you may need to book them into a PEQ facility. PEQ requirements are listed for different plant species in the relevant import health standard (IHS).
Download the nursery stock IHS [PDF, 3.4 MB]
Download the seeds for sowing IHS [PDF, 1.7 MB]
Find out about importing plants
Book PEQ space
If you plan to import plant material that needs to be held in a level 3B facility, you will need to book PEQ space.
About PEQ and the PHEL facility
Most plants need to be tested for pests and diseases to get clearance for import. The required tests are listed in the IHS.
MPI may allow a lower level of quarantine if the plant material was imported from a high-health source. These plants may still need to be tested for pests and diseases.
Tests for pests or diseases will be required if plants show symptoms during routine PEQ inspections.
Download our tests and charges [PDF, 339 KB]
Terms and conditions [PDF, 79 KB]
Quarantine periods
Plant material will be held in PEQ for at least the period stated in the IHS and the permit to import. The PEQ period can be longer if plants grow slowly, pests or diseases are detected, or plants need treatment.
Common plant quarantine times are:
- 3 months for Solanum (potato)
- 9 months for Vaccinium (blueberry) tissue culture
- 16 months for Vaccinium (blueberry) dormant cuttings
- 16 months for Fragaria (strawberry) and Rubus (blackberry/raspberry).
Nursery stock IHS [PDF, 3.4 MB]
Seed for sowing IHS [PDF, 1.7 MB]
PEQ manuals
MPI's PEQ manuals list the test methods for different plants, based on IHS requirements.
The PHEL facility is registered as a:
- level 3B transitional facility for imported plants and plants in tissue culture
- physical containment level 2 (PC2) facility for microorganisms and cell cultures
- PC2 facility for plants.
For more information on facility levels:
- Download the guidance document PEQ for plants (see section 4) [PDF, 524 KB]
- Download the standard for facilities for microorganisms and cell cultures (see section 8.2) [PDF, 268 KB].
What plants does the PEQ facility hold?
The PEQ facility can hold any high-value crop. This includes strawberry (Fragaria sp.), kiwifruit (Actinidia sp.), blueberry (Vaccinium sp.), blackberry and raspberry (Rubus sp.).
Subscribe to updates
PHEL provides email updates on current PEQ activities.
To subscribe to updates, email peqtesting@mpi.govt.nz
Who to contact
To ask about PEQ bookings and facilities:
- email peqtesting@mpi.govt.nz
- phone 09 909 3068.
