You will need to work out whether the microorganism is considered to be a new organism. Species of microorganisms that are new organisms will need our approval to import or use in New Zealand.
The following steps set out what you can do to work out whether your microorganism is a new organism. After completing this process, we advise that you confirm with us whether your microorganism is considered to be a new organism or not.
Part 1: Working out if your microorganism is considered to be a new organism
When importing a live microorganism into New Zealand, you will need to work out whether your microorganism is a new organism. If it is a new organism, then you will need to get approval from us to import and use your product.
For an organism not to be classed as a new organism (and therefore would not require approval from us), you will need to find evidence that the microorganism has been isolated or used in the New Zealand environment prior to 29 July 1998.
The best database for micro-organisms is the Landcare fungi (and bacteria) database. This database also records organisms in other countries so you will need to make sure that the organism is listed as present in New Zealand.
Other evidence to prove that the microorganism is present in New Zealand can be from scientific papers describing that the microorganism has been isolated in New Zealand, signed statements from person(s) who have imported or used products that contained this microorganism in New Zealand or pre-1998 import permits for products containing this microorganism.
If you can find evidence that the microorganism is present in New Zealand
If we agree that the microorganism is present in New Zealand, we will provide you with informal (non-statutory) advice (as a letter) stating this that you can provide to the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI). This will mean that you won’t need to get an approval from us to import or use this microorganism in New Zealand. However, you will still need to comply with the biosecurity requirements of MPI (discussed below).
If you can’t find evidence that the microorganism is present in New Zealand
If there is no evidence that this microorganism is present in New Zealand, you will need to make an application (a release application) so that we can do a risk assessment before your microorganism can be introduced into the New Zealand environment. Please note that release applications do require a substantial amount of information about the microorganism and you will need to provide information on the potential effects of the microorganism on the environment, human health, society, Māori culture and traditions and the market economy.
Part 2: Other things to think about
Is your product hazardous?
You may also need to determine if your product contains any hazardous substances.
Are there any biosecurity issues?
You will need to comply with the requirements of MPI which prevent diseases, pests and unwanted organisms from being brought into the country. The import of products containing live microorganisms into New Zealand will require an import permit from MPI. As part of the application, you will need to supply them with the specific species of microorganisms contained in the product for them to assess whether the microorganisms are unwanted or new. You can contact MPI by phone at 0800 008 333 or email at AnimalImports@maf.govt.nz
You should also check whether your microorganism is an unwanted organism in New Zealand. Unwanted organisms are managed under the Biosecurity Act by MPI. They are organisms that a chief technical officer believes is capable of causing unwanted harm to any natural and physical resources or human health. You may need special permission from MPI if you want to import an unwanted organism into New Zealand.