Determining whether your organism is new
Genetically modified organisms (GMOs) and organisms that were not present in New Zealand before 29 July 1998 are considered new.
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Genetically modified organisms (GMOs) and organisms that were not present in New Zealand before 29 July 1998 are considered new.
Genetically modified organisms (GMOs) are organisms whose genes or other genetic material have been modified by in vitro techniques.
In New Zealand, there are regulations stating which organisms are not regarded as GMOs.
You do not need approval from us to develop the following organisms (unless the organism is new to New Zealand):
However, if nucleic acid molecules produced using in vitro manipulation are transferred using physiological processes such as conjugation, transduction or transformation, the resulting organism is a genetically modified organism.
You need approval to import and grow new plant species in New Zealand.
If you want to import and grow new species of plants (for example, to grow in your home garden or commercially) you need approval from us and the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI). We look at whether the plant species itself may cause harm to New Zealand, while MPI assesses the biosecurity risks from the pests and diseases the imported plants may carry.
Please contact us by phone 0800 CALLEPA (0800 225 537), or email neworganisms@epa.govt.nz to discuss your options if you want to import new plants.
You need approval to import new animal species into the New Zealand environment.
If you want to import new animal species you need approval from us and the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI). We look at whether the animal species itself may cause harm to New Zealand, while MPI assess the biosecurity risks from the pests and diseases the imported animals may carry.
Please contact us by phone on 0800 CALLEPA (0800 225 537) or email neworganisms@epa.govt.nz to discuss your options if you want to import new animals.
You need approval to import new microbial species to use in the New Zealand environment.
If you want to import a new species of microorganism you need approval from us and the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI). We look at whether the microorganism itself may cause harm to New Zealand, while MPI assesses the biosecurity risks.
Please note that there are some organisms that are not allowed in New Zealand at all.
See what organisms are prohibited in New Zealand
Please contact us by phone 0800 CALLEPA (0800 225 537) or email neworganisms@epa.govt.nz to discuss your options if you want to import new microorganisms.
To talk to MPI about importing new microorganisms, contact the Animal Imports team at animal.imports@mpi.govt.nz
You will need to work out whether the microorganism is a new organism. Species of microorganisms that are new organisms will need our approval to import or use in New Zealand.
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.
Go to Landcare fungi (and bacteria) database
Check our list of microbes we have determined to be present (PDF, 360KB)
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 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. 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. Please contact us to talk about whether this option is right for you.
You may also need to determine if your product contains any hazardous substances.
Find out about hazardous substances in New Zealand
You will need to comply with the requirements of MPI which prevent diseases, pests and unwanted organisms from being brought into the country. You can contact MPI by phone at 0800 008 333 or email at animal.imports@mpi.govt.nz
Get in touch with us for help in determining the status of your new organism