Issue 5, 30 June 2007
Good news for Germplasm - HSNO is here to help
Welcome to the fifth edition of Germplasm News. The objective of this newsletter is to provide people with an interest in importing new plants species into New Zealand with information about how to successfully engage with the Hazardous Substance and New Organisms (HSNO) Act 1996.
Confusion between the roles of ERMA New Zealand and MAF Biosecurity New Zealand when importing new plant species
When importing a new plant species into New Zealand, you will need approval from both ERMA New Zealand (under the HSNO Act) and MAF Biosecurity New Zealand. ERMA New Zealand and MAF Biosecurity New Zealand are independent government agencies, although they work in close association with each other. This association can confuse applicants because it may seem unclear what roles are performed by which agencies.
This issue of Germplasm News will explain the roles of ERMA New Zealand and MAF Biosecurity New Zealand, clarify any points of confusion, and make the ERMA New Zealand application process more seamless.Clarifying the roles of ERMA New Zealand and MAF Biosecurity New Zealand when importing new plant species
ERMA New Zealand
ERMA New Zealand is the regulatory agency that makes decisions on the introduction, importation, containment, development or release of new organisms under the HSNO Act.
The role of ERMA New Zealand is to protect the environment and the health and safety of people and communities by preventing or managing the adverse effects of a new plant species. ERMA New Zealand does this by assessing the potential risk the new plant species might pose to the New Zealand environment and its people. For example, the potential for the plant to become a weed, be toxic to humans, or hybridize with native flora.
Whether you want to import a new plant species into a containment laboratory, to use in a field test or to release into the environment, ERMA New Zealand approval is required before MAF Biosecurity New Zealand approval for import can be given. However, in the initial ERMA New Zealand application process, we strongly encourage applicants to contact MAF Biosecurity New Zealand so any requirements by MAF Biosecurity New Zealand can be addressed early.
MAF Biosecurity New Zealand
MAF Biosecurity New Zealand is the lead agency in New Zealand 's biosecurity system. Their role is to prevent unwanted pests and diseases (also called hitchhikers) associated with the new plant species being imported, and to control, manage or eradicate them should they arrive. MAF Biosecurity New Zealand is also responsible for enforcing the HSNO Act, ie, preventing the importation of organisms that do not have HSNO Act approvals.
MAF Biosecurity New Zealand is responsible for conducting pest risk assessments of hitchhiker organisms on risk goods and consequently developing Import Permits and Import Health Standards (IHS). An IHS is a document that details the import conditions for risk goods, such as seeds or nursery stock, into New Zealand. It defines the conditions that must be met in the country of origin or export, during the transit, importation or quarantine of the plant material. An IHS will also tell you if you need an Import Permit or Post Entry Quarantine. For further details contact the Imports Group at 04 894 0832 or imports@maf.govt.nz .
To sum up, ERMA New Zealand carries out an environmental risk assessment on the plant while MAF Biosecurity New Zealand carries out a pest risk assessment of the hitchhiker organism that are associated with the plant.
It is understandable how confusion can occur about the different roles of ERMA New Zealand and MAF Biosecurity New Zealand due to the similar purposes of the two agencies, which is to protect the New Zealand environment along with its people and communities from the adverse effects associated with the importation of new plant species.
Engaging with both ERMA New Zealand and MAF Biosecurity New Zealand early in the application process
As noted previously, ERMA New Zealand approval to import new plant species into New Zealand is required before MAF Biosecurity New Zealand approval; however, we encourage you to contact MAF Biosecurity New Zealand early in the ERMA New Zealand application process to determine what requirements are needed for the new plant species you are interested in.
CONTACT:
Geoff RidleyScience Manager, New Organisms
Geoff.Ridley@ermanz.govt.nz
(04) 9184795
Brenda Pottinger
Environmental Risk Advisor, New Organisms
Brenda.Pottinger@ermanz.govt.nz
(04) 9184797