Production and Handling Site Identification Number (PHSIN)

• PHSIN Application Form
• PHSIN Registration Renewal Form

Introduction

The Production and Handling Site Identification Number (PHSIN) for plant export registration is a replacement for the orchard registration system (ORS) formerly operated under the New Zealand Grown Fruit and Vegetable Regulations 1975.

PHSIN was initiated to provide a centrally managed unique coding system for the identification of horticultural and arable production sites.

The registration of production sites (horticulture or arable) within PHSIN is voluntary and is available to any grower, packhouse, coolstore etc. Any person may apply for a PHSIN to identify and trace the sale and distribution of their produce.

Growers may have multiple PHSINs to enable them to differentiate between blocks within a production site or production from more than one production site.

PHSIN provides a means of readily identifying produce through the production, harvest, packing, storage and retail stages. The advantage to a grower of using a PHSIN is that one number can be used for all the various crop types produced on the grower’s production site. Using the PHSIN code is an optional alternative to recording the grower’s name and address of their production site(s) on export packaging.

Note: To register your production site for pipfruit (Apples, European pears and Nashi), Kiwifruit or Avocado fruit, please contact the following organisations directly:

Pipfruit	NZ Pipfruit Ltd	Phone: (06) 877 3263	www.pipfruitnz.co.nz
Kiwifruit	Zespri International Ltd	Phone: (09) 367 7500	www.zespri.com
Avocado	Avocado Industry Council	Phone: 0800 286 223	www.nzavocado.co.nz

Retention of Existing MAF ORS Numbers

Growers/producers/handlers may request to retain their existing historical MAF ORS number’s numerical digits or to have a new number allocated. Requests for the retention of existing MAF ORS numbers (numerical digits only) will be processed on a “first come first serve” basis.

Note: Existing MAF ORS numbers (numerical digits only) may be transferred to a new property owner. MAF requires written confirmation from the previous property owner, authorising the transfer of their old MAF ORS number to the new property owner. This letter of authorisation must accompany the applicant’s request for the transfer of a number or a new PHSIN number will be allocated.

Access to the PHSIN Register

MAF Plants Biosecurity will hold and administer the master PHSIN register, however a subset of the master register will be posted on the MAF website and list only the PHSIN, the grower’s surname, and the trading name.

Any applicant has the right to request access to their registration information held under their name and request correction of it.

View the register.

Official use of PHSIN

The Privacy Act 1993 requires MAF to properly collect, manage and disclose any personal information acquired for the purpose of their lawful business.

MAF may use the information contained within PHSIN as the basis of MAF/Industry approved crop surveys, undertaking trace-back of product to its production site and as a means of obtaining inspection samples for export certification. The register will, in the case of a “Pest or Disease Response”, form the basis for communicating with growers, the identification of properties, production sites and isolating or restricting the distribution of product.

MAF Biosecurity New Zealand PHSIN Registration Process

The PHSIN is allocated by Exports, MAF Biosecurity New Zealand, and consists of a unique four (4) digit number from 1 to 9999, preceded by another 2 digit number that acts as an identifier to reflect the existence of any MAF export certification accreditation status.

Registration Fee:

The initial fee for PHSIN registration is $80.00 (GST inclusive) per Registered PHSIN, payable on application.

Registration is renewable annually at a fee of $50.00.

Note: Applicants are responsible for renewing their existing registration.

1. Any person or business wishing to register for PHSIN must:

• Complete the details requested on the attached application form
• Forward the completed form and registration fee to:
  Team Support Officer,
  Plant Exports
  Biosecurity New Zealand
  Wellington,
  Phone 04- 894 0515
  Fax 04-894 0731
  Email: plantexports@maf.govt.nz

2. MAF will:

• Ensure the notification of the PHSIN is issued and emailed within two working days of MAF receiving a completed application form and application fee or within 10 working days when contact with this information is only available by post.

Note 1: Where a PHSIN is required urgently any additional cost involved in this processing will be charged to the applicant.

Cancellation of Registration

PHSINs are cancelled where:

• Registration was issued in error.
• The PHSIN has not been used in the last 12 months.
• The holder requests cancellation.
• The annual renewal fee is unpaid within one month of expiry (please contact MAF directly for confirmation of this date as it is applicable to the individual company).

Page last updated: 18 December 2008