Importing Grain and Seed for Processing and Consumption

Importing Grain and Seed for Processing and Consumption

Seed and grain can be imported into New Zealand for processing or consumption in accordance with the import health standard BNZ-GCFP-PHR Importation of Grains/Seeds for Consumption, Feed or Processing Plant Health Requirements Link to PDF document (1427 KB).

Only certain species of seed and grain for processing or consumption can be imported under this standard. For species not included within the standard, the seed for sowing requirements must be met.

Viable seed and grain imported for processing can, in some cases only be imported from specified countries, as indicated by the standard.

Non-viable seed, or seed to be devitalised on arrival can be imported from all countries.

Grain Import System

The Grain Import System (GIS) has been designed to establish biosecurity assurances and security for the further handling and processing of imported grain consignments in New Zealand. It also includes guidelines so organisations can produce a GIS for themselves while insuring the grain imported for processing meets MAF’s biosecurity requirements.

Information on the GIS is included within the operational standard PIT-GFP-ISR Grain for Processing Import System Requirements Link to PDF document (305 KB).

Import Health Standards

These documents state the requirements for seed and grain for processing and consumption approved in accordance with New Zealand MPI's obligations under the Biosecurity Act 1993 and the International Plant Protection Convention (IPPC).

Import Permit

Seed and grain being imported into a MPI approved transitional facility, for further processing will require a valid permit to import.

To apply for a permit, complete the appropriate Application for Permit to Import.

The completed form should be returned to MPI Plant Imports, where requirements will be checked before an import permit is issued. Allow 10 working days for processing.

  • Plant Imports Team
    Standards Directorate
    Ministry for Primary Industries
    P.O. Box 2526
    Wellington
    NEW ZEALAND
  • Fax: +64 4 894 0662
    E-mail: plantimports@mpi.govt.nz

Transitional Facilities

Information on transitional facilities.

Page last updated: 14 May 2013