Import Health Standard  
Issued under the Biosecurity Act 1993   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 Research samples 
(excluding animal and 
human samples)  
[Subtitle]  
30 March 2021  
 Import Health Standard : Research samples (excluding animal and human samples)    
 Draft for Consultation  30 March 2021  
Ministry for Primary Industries  Page  1 of 12 
TITLE  
Import Health Standard : Research samples (excluding animal and human samples)   
COMMENCEMEN T 
This Import Health Standard  comes into force on the date of signing.  
REVOCATION  
This import health standard revokes and replaces  the following:  
a) Parts 5.1, 5.2  and 5.3 of the PLANTMATERIAL.IHS: Dried and Preserved Plant Material, and 
Plant Material for Research  import health standard   
b) Part 2.1 of the IHS.SOWTR: S oil, rock, gravel, sand, clay, and water import health standard  
c) Part 1.7 of the GCFP.IHS: Grain and seeds for consumpt ion, feed or processing import health 
standard  
d) Part 1.8 of the 155.02.05: Seeds for Sowing import health standard  
e) Part 4.13 of the 152.02: Importation and Clearance of fresh fruit and vegetables into New 
Zealand   
f) Part 2.4 (7) of the IHS.FERTGRO: fertilisers and growing media of plant origin  
ISSUING AUTHORITY  
This Import Health Standard  is issued  under section 24A of the Biosecurity Act 1993.  
 
Dated at Wellington, 30 March 2021  
 
 
Paul Hallett  
Manager , Environmental Health   
Ministry for Primary Industries  
(acting under delegated authority of the Direc tor-General) 
 
Contact for further information  
Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI)  
Biosecurity New Zealand  
Plant Imports  
PO Box 2526  
Wellington 6140  
 
Email: plantimports@mpi.govt.nz   Import Health Standard : Research samples (excluding animal and human samples)    
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Ministry for Primary Industries  Page  2 of 12 
Contents  Page 
Introduction  3 
Part 1:  General Requirements  5 
1.1 Application  5 
1.2 Incorporation by reference  5 
1.3 Definitions  5 
1.4 General requirements  6 
1.5 Permit  6 
1.6 Biosecurity clearanc e 6 
Part 2:  Specific Requirements  7 
2.1 Laboratory specimens  7 
2.2 Herbarium specimens  8 
2.3 Trade samples  9 
Appendix 1: Defi nitions  11 
Appendix 2: Document History  12 
 
 
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Introduction  
This introduction  is not part of the  Import Health S tandard (IHS) , but is intended to indicate its general effect.  
Purpose  
This IHS specifies the requirements that must be met when import ing samples  of plants, plant materials, 
inorganic matter, organic matter (excluding animal and human matter), water, and microorganisms associated 
with them  for research  into New Zealand . 
Background  
An IHS issued under the New Zealand Biosecurity Act 1993 (the Act) specifies the r equirements to be met to 
effectively manage biosecurity risks associated with importing risk goods, including the risks from incidentally 
imported new organisms. IHSs include measures that must be applied in the exporting country before the risk 
goods are exported . IHSs also include requirements that must be met by importers during importation, 
including while the risk goods are in t ransit to New Zealand and held in a transitional/containment facility . 
Post-clearance conditions m ay also be specified in an IHS.  
Who should read this?  
This IHS should be read by anyone  involved in importing samples of  samples of  plants, plant materials, 
inorganic matter, organic matter (excluding animal and human matter), water, and microorganisms associated 
with them  for research  into New Zealand or anyone who has  an interest in importing th ose samples . 
Why is this important?  
It is the responsibility of the importer to ensure that risk goods comply with the requirements of the re levant 
IHS. Risk goods that do not comply with the requirements of an IHS may not be cleared for entry into New  
Zealand and may be directed for treatment, re -export, destruction  or further action deemed appropriate by a 
Chief Technical Officer (CTO). The pathway may be suspended if certain types of viable regulated pests or 
weed seeds are intercepted on the consignment.  
Importers should  take all responsible steps to ensure that the goods comply with this IHS (section 16B of the 
Act). Importers are liable for all associated expenses.  
Equivalence  
A CTO may consider an application for an equivalent phytosanitary measure to be approved, different from 
that provided for in this IHS, to maintain at least the same level of protection assured by the current 
measure (s). 
Equivalence will be considered with reference to the International Standard for Phytosanitary Measures 
(ISPM) 2 4: Guidelines for the determination and recognition of equivalence of phytosanitary measures .  
Document History  
Refer to Appendix 2 for the amendment record for this IHS.  Import Health Standard : Research samples (excluding animal and human samples)    
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Ministry for Primary Industries  Page  4 of 12 
Other information  
This is not an exhaustive list of compliance requirements , and it  is the importer's responsibility to be familiar  
and comply with all New Zealand laws , particularly the following : 
Hazardous Substances and New Organisms (HSNO) Act (1996)  
Imported goods that may be, or may  contain , a substance defined as a hazardous substance under the 
Hazardous Substances and New Organisms (HSNO) Act 1996, may require an approval from the 
Environmental Protection Authority (EPA).  
Imported goods  that are, or contain , a new  organism (e.g. plant s and microorganisms, including  seeds, 
spores, pollen, cells or other propagules) where  those new organisms are essential and integral to that 
importation (i.e. intentionally imported)  may require a HSNO  approval from the EPA.  
Trade in Endangered Species (TIES) Act (1989)  
The importation of plants and plant products of some plant species is regulated under the Convention on 
International Trade of Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora ( CITES ), to which New Zealand is a 
signatory. The Trade in Endangered Species (TIES) Act (1989) implements the CITES in New Zealand.  
A permit or certificate  issued by the Department of Conservation may be required to import specime ns of 
species covered by the TIES Act . Importers are advised to contact the Department of Conservation  for further 
information .  
Domestic and international transport requirements  
It is the importer’s responsibility to ensure that the exporter is informed of the international and domestic 
requirements concerning the safe handling, transport and labelling of risk goods.  Import Health Standard : Research samples (excluding animal and human samples)    
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Part 1:  General Requirements  
1.1 Application  
(1) This IHS applies to the import of research samples , including samples derived from plants,  plant 
materials,  inorganic matter , organic matter (excluding animal and human matter), water , and 
microorganisms associated with them  for research  (hereafter referred  to as ‘ research samples’ ), from 
all countries into New Zealand . 
(2) The following items are out of the scope of this IHS and are eligible for import under other IHSs:  
a) Test kits except those that contain viable microorganisms   
b) Materials derived  from animals (including invertebrates)   
c) Human  samples  
d) Axenic culture of microorganisms   
 
Guidance  
• If the import requirements of this IHS cannot be met, it might be possible to import research 
samples  under a different  IHS: 
− Cut flowers and foliage (155.02. 04) 
− Dried and preserved plant products (PLANTMATERIAL.IHS)  
− Fresh fruit and vegetables (152.02)  
− Grains/seeds for consumption, feed or processing (GCFP.IHS)  
− Fertilisers and g rowing media of plant origin (IHS.MPI..FERTGRO)   
− Nursery stock (155.02.06)  
− Poles, piles, rounds and sleepers (IHS:PPRSWOOD)  
− Sawn wood (IHS:SWOOD)  
− Seed for sowing (155.02.05)  
− Truffles for propagation (MPI.IHS.TUBER)  
− Soil, rock, gravel, sand, clay, and water (IHS.SOWTR)  
1.2 Incorporation by reference  
(1) The following documents are incorporated by reference under section 142M of the Act:  
a) HSNO approval code NOC002466  (application code NOC04018 )  
b) Index Herbariorum  
c) ISPM 5. 2017. Glossary of Phytosanitary Terms  
d) MPI Plant Biosecurity Index  
e) Official New Zealand Pest Register (ONZPR)   
f) The International Air Transport Association (IATA) Dangerous Goods Regulations (DGR)  
(2) Under secti on 142O(3) of the Act , it is declared that section 142O(1) does not apply, that is, a notice 
under section 142O(2) of the Act is not required to be published before material that amends or 
replaces any material incorporated by reference has legal effect as  part of those documents . 
1.3 Definitions  
(1) Definitions are listed in  Appendix 1.  Import Health Standard : Research samples (excluding animal and human samples)    
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1.4 General  requirements  
(1) Research samples  must be free of animal  and human material unless  that material is also eligible for 
importation under an applicable IHS. 
(2) Research samples  that constitute , or contain, intentionally imported  viable organism s must be 
accompanied by a description of those organisms  including , where applicable,  the scientific name and 
taxonomic authority.  
(3) Research samples  must be securely  packag ed to prevent escape of quarantine  pests  that maybe 
present in the consignment .  
(4) Packaging materials must  be inert, clean, and free from contaminating material s. 
(5) Package s must be clearly labelled to identify the general nature of the contents (e.g., plant material, 
water, soil, microorganisms), along with the names and contact details of the recipient and sen der. 
(6) Required documentation  must be attached to the external of the package so that the primary package 
does not have to be opened to access the documentation .  
1.5 Permit  
(1) A permit is required where specified in Part 2: Specific Requirements  of the IHS.  
 
Guida nce 
• A permit will specify : 
− whether the research samples  are eligible for biosecurity clearance on arrival;  
− whether the research samples should be directed  to a transitional facility or containment 
facility on arrival, the standard(s) th at facility must comply with , and physical containment 
level, where applicable;  
− any special conditions necessary to show  the requirements of this IHS are met; and  
− any special  conditions that effectively manage the biosecurity risk.  
• To apply  for an import permit , fill out the  Application for a Permit  to Import , and sen d it to Plant 
Imports at plantimports@mpi.govt.nz .  
1.6 Biosecurity clearance  
(1) Research samples are eligible for biosecurity clearance if  the relevant clearance requirements  set out 
in this IHS are met.  Import Health Standard : Research samples (excluding animal and human samples)    
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Part 2:  Specific Requirements  
(1) Research samples may be imported under one of the following categories:  
a) Laboratory specimens  (Part 2.1 ) 
b) Herbarium specimens ( Part 2.2 ) 
c) Trade samples ( Part 2.3 ) 
2.1 Laboratory specimens  
(1) A permit  is required  for import ation of  laboratory specimens (Refer to Part 1.5). 
(2) Laboratory specimens  that constitute or contain any organism s that fall into one or more of the 
following categories must be imported into a containment facility or transitional facility  that will manage 
the biose curity risk as provided for in the permit : 
a) unwanted organism ; or 
b) regulated  pest; or 
c) an organism which is listed as “entry prohibited” in the MPI Plant Biosecurity Index ; or 
d) unidentified organism ; or 
e) new organism ( unless incidentally imported) . 
(3) Laboratory specimens that contain an organism that falls into one or more of the categories listed in 
Part 2.1 (2) must be packaged according to Packing Instruction 650 of the International Air Transport 
Association (IATA) Dangerous Goods Regulations and land transport regulations.  
(4) Propagation of microorganisms from laboratory specimens that contain an organism that falls into one 
or more of the categories listed in Part 2.1 (2) must  only be carried out in : 
a) a containment facility or transitional facility approved in accordance with the standard : Facilities 
for microorganisms and cell cultures  2007a ; or 
b) a containment facility or transitional facility that will manage the b iosecurity risk as provided for in 
the permit.  
(5) Propagation of p lant material must  only be carried out  in:  
a) a containment facility or transitional facility approved in accordance with the standard: Facilities 
for microorganisms and cell cultures  2007a ; or 
b) a containment facility approved in accordance with the standard: Containment facilities for plants : 
2007 ; or 
c) a containment facility or transitional facility that will manage the biosecurity risk as provided for in 
the permit.  
 
Guidance  
• Processed or preserved  laboratory specimens without  viable organisms (e.g. plant material  
preserved in formalin, microscopic slides , gamma radiated soil ) are not considered ‘risk goods’ 
and do not need to meet the requirements of this IHS.  
• Laboratory specimens  containing  non-regulated organisms may be eligible for  biosecurity 
clearance on arrival . The full list of regulated and non -regulated pests for New Zealand can be 
found in  the Official New Zealand Pest Register (ONZ PR). 
• The physical containment level for research using  laboratory specimens  with new organisms  
(including  genetically modified organisms ) or unwanted organisms might be specified in the 
HSNO  approval or the unwanted organism permission.  
• The physical containment level for research using laboratory specimens  containing  regulated 
pests may be specified in the permit.  Import Health Standard : Research samples (excluding animal and human samples)    
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• Packing Instruction 650 of the IATA Dangerous Goods Regulations says that risk goods must be  
triple -packaged, with the packaging constructed and closed to prevent any loss of contents 
during transportation . 
• When laboratory specimens are no longer required, the specimens and any material or waste 
from the laboratory specimens (includi ng biological material) may be:  
− rendered nonviable to be eligible for biosecurity clearance; or 
− rendered non -viable and disposed in accordance with the relevant facility standard, any 
approval, and/or permission granted; or 
− re-exported following an MPI ins pector’s authorisation; or 
− granted biosecurity clearance if plant samples meet the requirements specified under the 
IHSs for import ing of nursery stock (155.02.06) or seed for sowing (155.02.05) following an 
MPI inspector’s authorisation . 
2.2 Herbarium  specimens   
(1) A permit  is required for importation of herbarium specimens  (Refer to Part 1. 5). 
(2) Herbarium specimens must : 
a) be free from live insects ; and 
b) be free from  soil; and 
c) only be imported from : 
i) registered herbaria on Index Herbariorum ; or 
ii) qualified botanists.  
(3) The outer package of imported herbarium specimens must be labelled as:  
a) ‘Herbarium Specimens’; and  
b) with the direction t hat the package sho uld not be opened at the border . 
(4) The scientific name s of herbarium specimens must be : 
a) provided  in full; and  
b) linked to either the herbarium accession numbers or collectors’ details/identifiers.  
(5) Material from herbarium specimens  must not be propagated or mu ltiplied.  
(6) Herbarium specimens  that contain viable plant pathogens  must :  
a) be packaged in accord ance  with packing instruction No. 650 of the IATA Dangerous Goods 
Regulations and Land Transport Regulations , and packages shall only be opened within the 
transitional facility or containment  facility ; and 
b) be imported into and maintained within a n area in a transitional  facility or containment facility  
where there are no living or propagated plants ; and   
c) undergo mandatory cold treatment at -18°C for seven  consecutive days before the inner layer of 
the packaging is  opened . 
(7) Herbarium specimens that contain new organisms must be imported under a HSNO Act approval.  
(8) Herbarium specimens are eligible for biosecurity clearance  if they do not contain new organisms  or 
viable plant pathogens. Herbarium specimens must be accompanied with a declaration specifying:   
a) that the specimens before packaging were without visible symp toms and signs of harbouring  
plant pathogens or pests .  
 
Guidance  
• The HSNO Act approval NOC002466 covers importation of a wide range of herbarium 
specimens . Import Health Standard : Research samples (excluding animal and human samples)    
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• Partially dried herbarium specimens  or herbarium specimens that do  not meet the requirements 
of Par t 2.2 (3)  may be eligible for import under  Part 2.1 of this IHS .  
• When  importing herbarium specimens, i t is recommended  to use a registered courier  company . 
Using a courier company means  you can track  the movement and receipt of your specimens , 
which is not possible through the mail system.  
2.3 Trade samples  
(1) A permit is not required  for importation of t rade samples.  
(2) Trade samples of the  following commodities  are eligible for importation:   
a) fruits and vegetables ; and 
b) seeds and grains ; and   
c) coco peat (coir pith, coir peat ). 
(3) Trade samples  must not contain any of  the following : 
a) an unwanted organism ; or 
b) an organism that is listed as “entry prohibited” in the MPI Plant Biosecurity Index ; or 
c) a new organism . 
(4) Propagation of /from  any material imported as  a trade sample is prohibited.  
(5) Trade samples must be labelled as ‘Trade Samples’.   
(6) Trade samples  and the package in which the sample s are contained  must be free of visually 
detectable quarantine pests.  
(7) Inspection must occur within an approved transitional facility or biosecurity control area appropriate for 
the inspection of trade samples . 
2.3.1 Trade samples of fruit s and vegetable s 
(1) Trade samples of fruit s and vegetable s must not exceed 30 kilograms  of any p articular commodity per 
consignment . 
(2) Trade samples of fruit s and vegetable s must be free of any visible signs of pest infestation  or disease 
infection . 
(3) On arrival, t rade samples of fruit s and vegetable s must be directly transported to  a transitional facili ty 
approved for inspection of fruits and vegetables under the Standard for transitional facilities for general 
uncleared risk goods . 
(4) Trade samples of fruits and vegetables must undergo 100% inspection at the transitional facility by a 
MPI inspector.  
(5) Trade samples of fruit s and vegetable s and packaging must be destroyed in accordance with the 
facility standard and t o the satisfaction of the MPI inspector  within 48 hours of importation.  
 
Guidance  
• To ensure timely inspection of trade samples of fruit and vegetables,  please  notify MPI at least 
48 hours before  your samples  are expect ed to arrive.  
2.3.2 Trade samples of grains and seeds  
(1) Trade samples of grains and seeds must be derived from a species eligible for import under the 
Grains/seeds for consumption, feed or processing import health standard.  
(2) Trade samples of grains and seeds must be free of any visually detectable live regulated pests.  Import Health Standard : Research samples (excluding animal and human samples)    
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(3) Trade samples of grains and seeds  must be directly transported to a transitiona l facility approved for 
holding or processing grain s and seeds under the Standard for transitional facilities for general 
uncleared risk goods.  
(4) Upon completion of the testing , trade sample of grains and seeds must be  rendered non -viable  and the 
packages must be destroyed in accordance with the facility standard . 
2.3.3 Trade samples of coco peat (= coir pith, coir pith)  
(1) Trade samples of coco peat must not exceed 5 kilograms  per consignment .  
(2) On arrival, trade samples of coco peat must undergo 100% inspection by a MPI inspector.  
(3) To be eligible for  biosecurity clearance, trade samples of coco peat must be free of  visually detectable 
seeds, soil, animal material, plant material and live regulated pests.  Import Health Standard : Research samples (excluding animal and human samples)    
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Appendix  1: Definitions  
Definitions have the same meaning as defined by the Act and ISPM 5.  Glossary of Phytosanitary Terms , 
unless set out below:  
Herbarium specimens  
Herbarium specimens are processed (e.g. dried, mounted, preserved) samples  from four kingdoms (Plantae, 
Mycenae, Protista and Cyanobacteria) . 
Index  Herbariorum  
It is a detailed directory of the public herbaria  of the world and the staff members associated with them.  
Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI)  
The national plant protection organisation of New Zealand.  
Non-regulated   
means that a CTO has assessed the organism and found it is either  present in New Zealand, or  unlikely to 
ever establish in New Zealand, or  unlikely to cause significant harm if it does become established.  
Plant Biosecurity Index  
It is an MPI listing which identifies the import approval status for importing plant species into New Zealan d. 
Permit  
A document issued by the Director -General pursuant to section 24D(2) of the Act.  
Plant materials  
Plant materials include cells, tissue cultures, seeds, fruits, vegetables, cuttings, bulbs, flowers, tubers, foliage, 
wood, pulp, and timber.  
Prima ry packaging  
Primary packaging is the packaging in direct contact with the product itself which contain, protect and/or 
preserve the product, particularly against contamination.   
Qualified botanists  
Qualified botanists have the training and skills to collect, prepare and package herbarium material in 
accordance with recognised herbarium practices . 
Regulated  
means that a CTO has assessed the organism to be of potential importance to New Zealand and not yet 
present here, or present but not widely distri buted and being officially controlled, or a vector for another 
organism that is regulated. The CTO identifies actions required to manage any risk of entry and establishment 
from specific regulated organisms .  
Research  
Research refers to testing, analysis , activit ies undertaken to evaluate a trade sample , or teaching . 
Trade sample  
A portion or piece of a good imported for sensory evaluation, assessment and testing for future trade.  
 
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Appendix 2: Document History  
No. Date of Issued 
Amendments  Section amended  Amendment(s) Description  
1.