You will need to make an application if the organism you wish to import, develop, field test or release fits the definition of a new organism and is viable (capable of living, reproducing, or germinating under favourable conditions).
Prohibited organisms cannot be given approval.
In addition.....
- If unidentified cultures are being imported for identification, and there is the potential for new organisms to be present, then a HSNO Act approval is required (unless the persons importing are doing it as an agent for MPI under the Biosecurity Act).
- If samples are being imported with the intention of isolating, growing and then identifying organisms, and there is the potential for new organisms to be present, then a HSNO approval is required (unless the persons importing are doing it as an agent for MPI under the Biosecurity Act).
- If samples are being imported with the intention of using destructive analytical techniques to identify organisms (e.g. using molecular techniques) and there is no intention to isolate and grow the organism, then a HSNO Act approval is not required. If these samples are to be stored on a long term basis, this must occur under Biosecurity direction. However, if at a later date, the purpose of the importation changes and organisms are to be isolated, then the point above applies and a HSNO Act approval is required.