Issued under the Biosecurity Act 1993   
 
Import Health Standard  
Dried and Preserved Plant 
Material and Plant Material 
for Research  
PLANTMATERIAL.IHS  
27 November 2020  
 Import Health Standard :  Dried and Preserved Plant Material and Plant Material for Research  
 Final  27 November 2020   
Ministry for Primary Industries    Page 1 of 25 TITLE  
Import Health Standard : Dried and Preserved Plant Material and Plant Material for Research  
COMMENCEMEN T 
This Import Health Standard  comes into force on date of signing.  
REVOCATION  
This import health standard revokes and replaces the Import Health Standard: Dried and Preserved Plant  
Material , and Plant Material for Research  issued 29 November 2019.   
ISSUING AUTHORITY  
This Import Health Standard  is issued  under s 24A of the Biosecurity Act .  
 
Dated at Wellington,  27 November 2020  
 
 
 
 
 
 
Paul Hallett  
Manager , Environmental Health  
Ministry for Primary Industries  
(acting under delegated authority of the Director General)  
 
 
Contact for further information  
Ministry for Primary Industries  (MPI)  
Biosecurity New Zealand  
Animal and Plant Health  Directorate  
PO Box 2526,  
Wellington 6140  
 
Email:  plantimports@mpi.govt.nz   
 
 
 Import Health Standard :  Dried and Preserved Plant Material and Plant Material for Research  
 Final  27 November 2020  
Ministry for Primary Industries    Page 2 of 25 Contents  Page 
Introduction  3 
Part 1:  General Requirements  5 
1.1 Application  5 
1.2 Incorporation of material by reference  5 
1.3 Definitions  5 
1.4 Biosecurity clearance  5 
Part 2: Pre-Shipment Requirements  6 
2.1 Documentation  6 
2.2 Packaging  7 
2.3 Transit requirements  7 
Part 3:  Requirements on Arrival in New Zealand  8 
3.1 Inspection upon arrival  8 
3.2 Interceptions of pests and contaminants  8 
3.3 Treatments  8 
3.4 Products imported via Australia and ir radiated on entry into Australia  10 
Part 4:  Dried and Preserved Plant Material  11 
4.1 Powdered, pasted and liquid extracts  11 
4.2 Dried Plant Material  11 
4.3 Dried/ freeze dried Plant Ma terial for ornamental purposes  11 
4.4 Brushwood fencing, garden frames, screening, roof thatching  13 
4.5 Miscellaneous dried/ processed Plant Material  14 
Part 5:  Plant Material for Research, Analysis or Testing  20 
5.1 Dried herbarium specimens  20 
5.2 Seed  20 
5.3 Other plant material  20 
5.4 Preserved in alcohol or other aqueous preservatives  21 
Appendix 1: Definitions  22 
Appendix 2: Declaration  24 
Appendix 3: Amendment Record  25 
 
 Import Health Standard :  Dried and Preserved Plant Material and Plant Material for Research  
 Final  27 November 2020  
Ministry for Primary Industries    Page 3 of 25 Introduction  
This introduction is not part of the Import Health Standard  (IHS)  but is intended to indicate its general effect.  
Purpose  
This IHS specifies the import requirements for the importation of dried and preserved plant material and plant 
material for research from all countries.  
Backgro und 
An IHS issued under the Biosecurity Act 1993 (the Act) , specif ies the  requirements to be met to effective ly 
manage biosecurity risks associated with importing goods , including the risks from incidentally imported 
organisms.  IHSs may include requirements that must be applied before importation, before the movement to 
a transitional facility or before biosecurity clearance.  
Post clearance conditions may also be specified in an IHS.  
Additional information to the requirements is included in guidance text boxes.  
Who should read this Import Health Standard ? 
Anyone who is involved in the process of importing dried and preserved plant material and plant material for 
research.  
Why is this important ? 
It is the responsibility of the importer to ensure that risk goods comply with th e requirements of the relevant 
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 -shipment, destruction or further action deemed appropriate by 
a chief tech nical officer (CTO). The pathway may be suspended if certain types of viable regulated pests or 
viable unwanted organisms are intercepted on a consignment.  
Importers are liable for all associated expenses . 
Equivalence  
A CTO may consider an application f or 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 measures.  
Equivalence will be considered with reference to the International Stan dard for Phytosanitary Measures 24. 
Guidelines for the determination and recognition of equivalence of phytosanitary measures  
Document history  
Refer to Appendix 3  for the amendment record for this IHS.  
 
  Import Health Standard :  Dried and Preserved Plant Material and Plant Material for Research  
 Final  27 November 2020  
Ministry for Primary Industries    Page 4 of 25 Other information  
Agricultural compound s or animal remed ies are regulated by  the Agricultural Compounds and Veterinary 
Medicines  (ACVM) Act 1997  prior to importation.   
Plant material co ntaining c ontrolled substances are regulated by the Misuse of Drugs Act (1975)  and require 
permission from the Ministry of Health prior to importing.  
Information on animal products and processed food from animals containing plant products can be found on 
the MPI website: Processed food from animals  
Information on f ungi for growing can be found on the MPI website: Fungi for Growing  
Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species  (CITES)  
Endanger ed and threatened plant species are regulated by the Convention on International Trade in 
Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora   
Note: It is the importers responsibility to be familiar with and comply with all New  Zealand laws  as this is not an 
exhaustive list of compliance requirements.  Import Health Standard :  Dried and Preserved Plant Material and Plant Material for Research  
 Final  27 November 2020  
Ministry for Primary Industries    Page 5 of 25 Part 1:  General R equirements  
1.1 Application  
(1) This Import Health Standard (IHS)  applies to dried , preserved and/or processed plant material and 
dried or fresh plant material for research (Plant Material) .   
(2) The term “ Plant Material ” in this IHS also covers lichens, algae or fungi  unless specified  otherwise . 
 
Guidance  
• Animal feed of plant origin are regulated by IHS. Processed animal feeds of plant origin  
• Fertilisers and growing media of plant origin are regulated by IHS : Fertiliser and growing media .  
• Fresh cut flowers and foliage are regulated by IHS: Cut flowers and foliage   
• Fresh fruit & vegetables for consumption are regulated by IHS: Fresh fruit and vegetables   
• Forest product IHSs can be found on the MPI website: Forest products   
• Grains and seed fo r consumption, feed or processing are regulated by IHS: Grains/ seed for 
consumption, feed or processing   
• Micro -organisms containing plant products are regulated by IHS: Micro -organisms  and must 
comply with relevant requirements in Hazardous Substances and New Organisms (HSNO) Act 
1996  and may require approval from Environmental Protection Authority   
• Nucleic acid is regulated by IHS: Biolo gical products   
• Plants for planting IHSs can be found on MP I website: Nursery  stock  
• Seeds for Sowing are regulated by IHS: Seed for sowing   
 
1.2 Incorporation of material by refer ence  
(1) The following documents are incorporated by reference under section 142M of the Act : 
a) ISPM 5. 2017. Glossary of phytosanitary terms.  Rom e, IPPC, FAO  
b) ISPM 12. 2017. Phytosanitary certificates.  Rome, IPPC, FAO  
c) MPI’s Biosecurity Organisms Register for Imported Commodities (BORIC ); 
d) MPI Plants Biosecurity Index (PBI) ;  
e) MPI Schedule of Regulated (Quarantine) Weed Seeds . 
(2) Under section 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 leg al effect as part of those documents .  
1.3 Definitions  
(1) Refer to Appendix 1 for a list of definitions that apply to this IHS.  
1.4 Biosecurity clearance  
(1) If the requirements of this IHS have been met, and regulated pests are not detected or are treated 
following interception/detection, biosecurity clearance may be given.  
 
Guidance  
• To determine if a plant pest is regulated or non -regulated, refer to BORIC.   
• If a visually detectable pest is not listed  in BORIC,  the certifying NPPO may contact MPI to 
establish the status of the pest.  Import Health Standard :  Dried and Preserved Plant Material and Plant Material for Research  
 Final  27 November 2020  
Ministry for Primary Industries    Page 6 of 25 Part 2:  Pre-Shipment Requirements  
2.1 Documentation  
(1) All documentation must be in English.  
(2) All documentation must be clearly legible and describe the Plant Material in a manner to identif y the 
goods and consignment being imported . 
(3) All documentation will be i nspected  to verify compliance with the requirements of this IHS. 
2.1.1 Import p ermit   
(1) Import permit s are only required if specified in Parts 4  and 5 of this IHS .  
 
Guidance  
• An import permit application form  can be found on the MPI website .  
2.1.2 Phytosanitary Certificate  
(1) Phytosanitary certificate s are only required if specified in Parts 4  and 5 of this IHS.  
(2) Phytosanitary certificates  must accompany the consignment and be original (includ ing electronic 
phytosanitary certificates under ISPM 12)  and free of alterations an d erasures.  
 
Guidance  
• Phytosanitary certificate s are i ssued in accordance with ISPM 12 : Guidelines for Phytosanitary 
Certifi cates  by the exporting NPPO . 
2.1.3 Treatment Certificate  
(1) Treatment certificate s are only required if specified in Parts 4  and 5 of this IHS.  
(2) Treatment certificate s must be issued on company letterhead by a person authorised to act on behalf 
of the company .  
(3) Treatment  certificates must accompany the consignment  and contain the following information:  
a) a full description of the consignment;  
b) all relevant identification marks and brands;  
c) details of treatment;  
d) date that treatment was completed ; 
e) the number and/or volume of items treated;  
f) treatment details;  and 
g) container number (where applicable) . 
(4) Invoice , batch or consignment information must match with treatment certificate entries.  
  Import Health Standard :  Dried and Preserved Plant Material and Plant Material for Research  
 Final  27 November 2020  
Ministry for Primary Industries    Page 7 of 25 2.1.4 Manufacturer’s Certificate  
(1) Manufacturer’s certificate s are only re quired if specified in Parts 4  and 5 of this IHS.  
(2) Manufacturer’s certificate s must be issued on company letterhead by a person authorised to act on 
behalf of the company .  
(3) Manufacturer’s certificates must accompany the consignment  and contain the followin g information:  
a) their signature, job title and date of issue;  
b) name and address of the supplier (if different to the manufacturer);  
c) identity of the product (description or brand name) ;  
d) details of processing or manufacturing ;  
e) date of processing or manufact uring ; and  
f) any declarations required in Parts 4  and 5 of this IHS.   
2.2 Packaging  
(1) All packaging must be clean , free of contamination . 
(2) Wood packaging material (e .g. pallets) must meet the requirements of IHS: Wood packaging material   
2.3 Transit requirements  
(1) All consignments must be packed and shipped in a manner to effectively contain Plant M aterial and 
prevent contamination by regulated pests  while in transit . 
 
 Import Health Standard :  Dried and Preserved Plant Material and Plant Material for Research  
 Final  27 November 2020  
Ministry for Primary Industries    Page 8 of 25 Part 3:  Requirements on Arrival in New Zealand   
3.1 Inspection  upon arrival  
(1) Where inspection is required, the Plant Material will be inspected for the presence of pests, signs or 
symptoms of pests, soil, seeds that would not be expected to be present or any othe r visually 
detectable contaminants.  
(2) Inspection is not required for Plant Material  directed for heat treatment on arrival unless stated in Parts 
4 and 5 of this IHS or stated on the import permit .  
(3) Inspection is not required for Plant M aterial that is accompanied by the required documentation and 
has been treated prior to arrival in New Zealand  unless:  
a) stated in Parts 4  and 5 of this IHS  or stated on the import permit;  or 
b) Plant Material is a new product or from a new source ; or 
c) Plant Material i s subject to compliance auditing .  
3.2 Interceptions of pests and c ontaminants  
3.2.1 Pests   
(1) If live organisms are detected during inspection, the importer is to be given the option of identification  
or treatment.   
(2) Plant M aterial may be given biosecurity clearance if the pest identified is non -regulated.  
3.2.2 Soil Contamination   
(1) If Plant Material is contaminated with soil , the soil must be removed (if possible ) or treated in 
accordance with MPI Standard  Approved Biosecurity Treatments . 
3.2.3 Seed Contamination  
(1) If Plant Material is contaminated with regulated weed seeds, prohibited or unidentified seeds , the se ed 
must be removed or treated  in accordance with MPI Standard  Approved Biosecurity Treatments .   
3.3 Treatments  
(1) Where a consignment is treated prior to importation, either a completed treatment certificate or a 
phytosanitary certificate with the treatment and rate recorded in the “Disinfestation and/or Disinfection 
Treatment” section of the phytosanitary certificate must be  provided.   
(2) Consignments may be treated on arrival in New Zealand, unless a pre export treatment is required as 
stated in Parts 4  and 5 of this IHS or stated on the import permit.   
(3) Treatments must be in accordance with Part 3.4 and MPI Standard  Approved Biosecurity Treatments  .  
 
Guidance  
• Approved treatments are listed in the MPI Standard  Approved Biosecurity Treatments  and are 
carried out at the importer’s risk and expense.  
• Processing details incorporating a minimum heating requirement may also be given as an 
additional declaration in the phytosanitary certificate.  
• Where irradiation of Plant Material is a preferred treatment but cannot be undertaken prior to 
importation, the importer may arrange for irradiation to be carried out by Schering -Plough Animal 
Health Ltd .     Import Health Standard :  Dried and Preserved Plant Material and Plant Material for Research  
 Final  27 November 2020  
Ministry for Primary Industries    Page 9 of 25 − Plant Material must weigh no more than 12kg and must be packaged to fit into a container 
with the following dimensions: 384mm x 600mm x 276mm.  
− Contact details:  
Schering -Plough Animal Health Ltd, Upper Hutt, New Zealan d 
DDI: 0800 783 745 or +64 4 439 1900.   
3.3.1 Other Treatments  
(1) The following treatments must only be used pre export and are only available if stated in Parts 4  and 5 
of this IHS . 
Ethylene oxide  
(2) One of the following rates must be used:  
a) under initial minimum vacuum o f 50 kilopascals at :  
i) 1200g/m3 for 5 hours at 50ºC; or  
ii) 1500g/m3 for 24 hours at 21ºC .  
(3) Ethylene oxide treatment must be given within 21 days of arrival.  
(4) Treatment certificate s must match the consignment.  
Bleaching and Dyeing  
(5) The following pre export tre atments may be  accepted in lieu of another treatment for dried foliage and 
for cut flowers (no seeds ) only if stated in Parts 4  and 5 of this IHS .  
(6) Treatments listed below are for fungal precaution/ contamination and not for seed devitalisation.  
(7) Bleaching of material must be carried out in an aqueous solution of at least 3% sodium hypochlorite for 
a minimum of 8 hours, followed by drying .  
(8) Dyeing in an aqueous solution must involve heating the material to a minimum of 80ºC in the solution 
for at least 3 minutes, followed by drying.  
(9) A manufacturer’s certificate is required and must contain a description of manufacturing process  and 
the date of process ing. 
(10) Manufacturing certificate s must match the relevant treatment certificate (s) (refer to Part 2.1.3).  
Freeze drying  
(11) Freeze drying (or ‘lyophilisation’) of foliage and cut flowers without  any cones, capsules, seed heads 
or seeds, must involve fre ezing to at least minus 20ºC, followed by sublimation (a partial vacuum stage 
and subsequent pressure changes) and drying over a minimum of 10 continuous days.  
(12) Freeze drying of seeds and cut flowers with any cones, capsules, seed heads or seeds must involv e 
soaking in an aqueous solution for at least 24 hours prior to freezing to at least minus 20ºC, followed 
by sublimation (a partial vacuum stage and subsequent pressure changes) and drying over a minimum 
of 10 continuous days.  
  Import Health Standard :  Dried and Preserved Plant Material and Plant Material for Research  
 Final  27 November 2020  
Ministry for Primary Industries    Page 10 of 25 3.4 Products imported via Australia and irradiated on entry into 
Australia  
(1) Plant Material irradiated upon entry to Australia at Steritech can be imported into New Zealand for six 
months based on the Steritech treatment certificate and batch numbers.   
(2) For Plant MateriaI that has be en opened/ used in finished mixes and cannot be linked to the imported 
goods directly, a Steritech treatment certificate may be accepted for import up to six months after 
treatment :  
a) these products must be accompanied by a manufacturer’s certificate statin g that the raw 
materials used in the manufacture of the finished mixes are sourced exclusively from products 
imported under given batch numbers, which link with the given Steritech batch numbers.  
(3) This provision is restricted to commercial consignments.  Import Health Standard :  Dried and Preserved Plant Material and Plant Material for Research  
 Final  27 November 2020  
Ministry for Primary Industries    Page 11 of 25 Part 4:  Dried and Preserved Plant Material  
4.1 Powdered , pasted and l iquid extracts    
(1) There are no biosecurity requirements for Plant Material that is commercially  packaged powders  
(including pelleted form) , pastes or liquid extracts from plant s and fungi .  
(2) Plant Mater ial must be labelled or accompanied by a manufacturer’s certificate describing the content, 
ingredients, physical form and intended use.  
 
Guidance  
• Plant Material containing viable organisms are covered by IHS: Micro -organisms    
• Non-commercial plant material is subject to i nspect ion upon arrival.  
4.2 Dried Plant M aterial  
(1) Plant M aterial must  be:  
a) commercia lly manufactured and packaged ; 
b) packed in quantities no greater than 25kg bags;  
c) free of viable organisms of species listed in the PBI as ‘ Entry Prohibited’ ; 
d) free of seeds with requirements that cannot be met in the relevant IHS schedule: Seed for sowing  
e) free of viable organisms of a species new to New Zealand;  
f) free of viable fungi, lichens and multi cellular algae, including spores and other propagules;  
g) free of untreated or unprocessed bark if it is not finely cut; and  
h) free of plant material larger than 1cm.  
(2) If any requirements in Part 4.2 (1) cannot be met, the importer must apply for an import permi t as per 
Part 2.1.1 . 
 
Guidance  
• Examples of Plant Material eligible for import  are b ark, dried finely cut leaves , flowers , plant 
stems , roots  and mycelium . 
• Plant Material for human consumption  is covered by IHS: Stored Plant Products for Human 
Consumption . 
4.3 Dried / freeze  dried Plant Material for ornamental purposes  
(1) Plant M aterial that contain s propagules (flowers , fruits , seed heads  or seeds ) must be accompanied by 
a manufacturer’s certificate declaring the full scientific name (genus and species) . 
(2) Plant M aterial that do es not contain propagules  (i.e. foliage) must be accompanied by a manufacturer’s 
certificate declaring the genus name only.   
(3) All dried cut flowers/stems must be in clean, new cartons/packages with each item individually 
packaged and labelled.  
(4) Other Plant Material that ha s been heat treated or irradiated prior to arrival in New Zealand must be 
accompanied by a manufacturer’s certificate and package d in clean packaging.  
 
 
 Import Health Standard :  Dried and Preserved Plant Material and Plant Material for Research  
 Final  27 November 2020  
Ministry for Primary Industries    Page 12 of 25 Table 1: Dried / freeze dried Plant Material for ornamental purposes  
Category Type or Grouping  Inspection and Treatment Requirements   
• fungal fruiting bodies  
• mosses  and club mosses  
• lichens  
• multicellular algae (including seaweeds)  
• inadequately or unnamed material  Heat treatment (SPT4) or Irradiation (PPT2)  
MPI Standard Approved Biosecurity  Treatments  
• grasses  
• sedges  
• rushes  Species listed as ‘Basic ’ in the PBI – Inspection  
Species not listed as ‘Basic ’ in the PBI - Heat 
treatment (SPT4) or Irradiation (PPT2)  
MPI Standard Approved Biosecurity Treatments  
• all material of family Pinaceae including pine and 
Douglas fir cones  Heat treatment (FPT2) or Irradiation (PPT2)  
MPI St andard Approved Biosecurity Treatments  
• any genus listed in the PBI as L3 (includes those 
listed as “L2,L 3”) or listed as prohibited or not 
listed in the PBI  Heat treatment (SPT4) or Irradiation (PPT2)  
MPI Standard Approved Biosecurity Treatments  
• any spe cies listed in the PBI but not as above  Inspection  
• freeze dried flowers commercially processed and 
not including cones/capsules/mature seeds and 
seed heads  A manufacturer’s certificate is required describing 
the freeze dried process used and stating that  
there are no cones/capsules/mature seeds and 
seed heads  in the arrangement.  
Inspection is not required for commercial 
consignments.  
• freeze dried flowers commercially processed and 
including cones/capsules/mature seeds and seed 
heads  A manufacturer’s cer tificate is required describing 
the freeze dried process used  with a current date 
and link to the invoice.  
Inspection is not required for commercial 
consignments.  
• bleached and dyed commercially preserved foliage 
arrangements and not including 
cones/capsu les/mature seeds and seed heads  A manufacturer’s certificate is required describing 
the preserving process used with a current date 
and link to invoice form.  
Inspection is not required for commercial 
consignments.  
• silica gel commercially preserved flower/foliage 
arrangements dried by silica gel and enclosed in 
air-tight domes and not including 
cones/capsules/mature seeds and seed heads  A manufacturer’s certificate is required describing 
the preserving process used with a current date 
and link to invoice form.  
Inspection is not required for commercial 
consignments.  
• boab nuts (Adansonii gregorii ) for ornamental 
purposes  Inspection ( no treatment for seed devitalisation is 
required).  
• dried gourds for ornamental p urposes  Inspection ( no treatment for devitalisation of 
possible internal Cucurbita/Cucumis/Lagenaria or 
other non -prohibited seeds is required).  
• all other material, including arrangements and 
bundles of mixed items not as above  Heat treatment (SPT4) or Ir radiation (PPT2)   
MPI Standard Approved Biosecurity Treatments  
 Import Health Standard :  Dried and Preserved Plant Material and Plant Material for Research  
 Final  27 November 2020  
Ministry for Primary Industries    Page 13 of 25 Table 2: Pot Pourri  
Inspection and Treatment Requirements  
Commercial 
(unaccompanied) 
consignments  Heat treatment (SPT4)/Irradiation (PPT2)/Ethylene oxide  
MPI Standard: Approved Treatments  
OR  
Dyed or Bleached if ingredients are only leaves and/or petals and/or clean wood 
shavings.  
OR 
Inspection if ingredients a re only leaves and/or petals and/or clean wood 
shavings.  
Private (accompanied 
and unaccompanied) 
consignments  Inspection  
4.4 Brushwood fencing, garden frames, s creening, roof thatching   
(1) An import permit is n ot required.  
(2) Plant Material must be free of leaves  or roots (unless the dried leaves comprise the product) and be 
kept clean and free of seeds, pests, soil, animal material and any other contamination.  
(3) Plant Material must be thoroughly dried and not capable of propagation.  
(4) Plant Material  must be packed a nd shipped in a manner to prevent possible in -transit contamination by 
regulated pests.  
(5) Phytosanitary certificate s, issued by the NPPO of the exporting country, must accompany all Plant 
Material and must state the full scientific name of the plant .   
 
Guidance  
• This Plant Material is described as outdoor items that are not constructed primarily with timber .  
• IHSs for t imber products ( wood, bamboo, cane, rattan , willow ) can be found on MPI website: 
Forest Products  
• Inspections of regularly imported commercial consignments with a good history of conformance 
on a same importer/same supplier basis, may have the inspection frequency or rates reduced at 
the discretion of MPI.  
Table 3: Treatment of brushwood, fencing, garden frames, screening, roof thatching    
Product Type  Entry Requirements   
Group 1  Heat treatment (SPT4) or Irradiation (PPT2)  
MPI Standard  Approved Biosecurity Treatments  
AND  
Inspection  
• Products comprising of dried stems of Thamnochortis insignis, Baeckea 
frutescens, Cunninghamia lanceolata,  Calluna vulgaris , or dried leaves of 
Hyperthelia dissolute, Imperata cylindrica, Phragmites australis  and all other 
brush/thatch products other than Melaleuca uncinata  and dried fern stems.  
Group 2  Methyl bromide fumigation (FPT5)  or Heat treatment (FPT5) or Irradiation (PPT2)  
MPI Standard  Approved Biosecurity Treatments  
AND  
Inspection  Import Health Standard :  Dried and Preserved Plant Material and Plant Material for Research  
 Final  27 November 2020  
Ministry for Primary Industries    Page 14 of 25 Product Type  Entry Requirements   
• Products comprising of stems of Melaleuca  uncinata or dried  fern stems e.g. of  
Coniogramme , Dicranopteris , Gleichenia, Pteris, Pteridium, and garden frames 
of smooth barked saplings.  
  
Guidance  
• Examples of Plant M aterial eligible for impor t:  
− brushwood fencing and fencing panels made from plant stems of Baeckea frutescens  or 
Cunninghamia lanceolate  or Melaleuca uncinata  
− garden frames made from unnamed saplings  
− rolls or panels made from dried stems of Calluna vulgaris  
− screening rolls or panels m ade from dried stems of Coniogramme, Dicranopteris, 
Gleichenia, Pteris , Pteridium ferns  
− roof thatching for gazebos made from dried leaves of Imperata cylindrical  (Alang -alang or Bali 
grass)  or Miscanthus sacchariflorus  (Amur silvergrass)  
− reed stems(without  leaves or roots) of Thamnochortis insignis  (Dekriet, thatching reed, 
Albertina thatching reed)  
− thatching or panels made from Phragmites australis  reeds  
− thatch roofing panels/tiles made from the dried grass leaves of Hyperthelia dissoluta   
4.5 Miscellaneous dried/ processed Plant Material  
(1) Any Plant M aterial not listed in  Table 4 requires an import permit as per Part 2.1.1.  
 
Guidance  
• Inspections of regularly imported commercial consignments with a good history of compliance 
(e.g. on same importer/same supplier basis) may have inspection frequency reduced at the 
discretion of MPI.  
• Soap may not contain viable seeds . 
Table 4 Miscellaneous dried / processed Plant Material  
Name, part and intended use  Type of Consignment  Requireme nts  
Grapevine material (Vitis spp.) all 
plant parts  All consignments  Heat treatment (SPT4)  or  
Irradiation (PPT2)   
MPI Standard Approved 
Biosecurity Treatments  
Clean fibres, basket -ware, 
matting, finely woven mats, hats, 
bags and woven handicraft items 
derived from dried leaves, s tems 
or straw of:  
• honeysuckle (Lonicera spp.)  
• maize leaf (Zea mays ) 
including corn dolls  
• oat leaf (Avena )  
• wheat (Triticum )  
• barley (Hordeum )  Private  Inspection  
Commercial  Heat treatment (SPT4)  or  
Irradiation (PPT2)  
MPI Standard Approved 
Biosecurity Treatments  
OR 
For items heated in 
processing, a 
manufacturer’s certificate 
giving details of the heat 
process.  Import Health Standard :  Dried and Preserved Plant Material and Plant Material for Research  
 Final  27 November 2020  
Ministry for Primary Industries    Page 15 of 25 Name, part and intended use  Type of Consignment  Requireme nts  
• millet (Sorghum ) including 
broom millet  
• unidentified leaves for 
medicinal  and religious 
purposes  
• unspecified dried leaves, 
stems or fibres  
Clean fibres, basket -ware, 
matting, finely woven mats, hats, 
bags, woven handicraft items and 
furniture parts, frames derived 
from:  
• flax (Linum usitatissumum  or 
Phormium tenax )  
• hemp  
• jute  
• ramie ( Boehmeria nivea )  
• sisal ( Agave sisalana )  
• seagrass  
• Arenga  spp.  
• coconut ( Cocos nucifera )  
• raffia ( Raphia  spp.)  
• bassine ( Palmyra, Borassus  
spp.) 
• corypha  
• palm fibre (other)  
• abaca ( undersheath of Musa 
textilis )  
• water hyacinth stems as 
woven parts of furniture  
• sugarcane (S accharum  spp.)  
• reeds or bullrush ( Typha  
spp.)  All consignments  No certification or 
inspection requirements   
 
Note:  For non -compliant 
consignments, fumigation 
(SPT1) will be required at 
the discretion of an 
inspector  
 
Clean Pacific style, hand woven 
or tapa cloth mats (including fine 
mats made from Pandanus  spp.)  Accompanied consignments  A phytosa nitary certificate * 
issued by the exporting 
country is required.  
Note:  For non -compliant 
consignments, inspection (if 
possible) or fumigation 
(SPT1) will be required at 
the discretion of an 
inspector.  
*An accompanied single mat 
smaller than 2m2 is exempt 
from the requirement for a 
phytosanitary certificate.  
Unaccompanied consignments  A phytosanitary certificate 
issued by the exporting 
country is required  
OR Import Health Standard :  Dried and Preserved Plant Material and Plant Material for Research  
 Final  27 November 2020  
Ministry for Primary Industries    Page 16 of 25 Name, part and intended use  Type of Consignment  Requireme nts  
Inspection on arrival  
Corn Cob Products  
• corn cobs with kernels, 
lacquered for genetic 
teaching laboratories  All consignments  Must be accompanied by a 
manufacturer’s certificate 
stating that the cobs have 
been lacquered  
OR 
Inspection  
• items made of un -lacquered 
corn husk s and unprocessed 
cob pieces  All consignments  Heat treatment (SPT4)  or  
Irradiation (PPT2)  
MPI Standard Approved 
Biosecurity Treatments  
• ground corn 
cob - used 
for machine 
polishing 
material  course or fine 
grits not 
commercially 
packaged  All consignments  Inspection  
fine grits 
commercially 
packaged  All consignments  No certification or 
inspection requirements  
Items filled with Plant Material or Seeds  
• stress or juggling balls and 
hacky sacks filled with seeds 
(other than those listed 
‘Basic’ in the PBI)  All consignments  Heat treatment (SPT4)  or  
Irradiation (PPT2)  
MPI Standard Approved 
Biosecurity Treatments  
• necklaces  
• artifacts  
• handicrafts comprising seeds 
(other than those listed 
‘Basic’ in the PBI)  All consignments  Heat treat ment (SPT4)  or  
Irradiation (PPT2)  
MPI Standard Approved 
Biosecurity Treatments  
Note: If seeds are drilled 
through the seed embryo, 
no treatment is required  
OR 
If seeds are listed as ‘Basic ’ 
in the PBI, no certification or 
inspection requirements  
• therapeutic heat bags ; or 
hot packs containing seeds 
listed as ‘Basic’ in the PBI . All consignments  No certification or 
inspection requirements  
• therapeutic heat bags ; or 
hot packs containing seeds 
not listed as ‘Basic’ in the PBI  Private  Heat treatment (SPT4)  or  
Irradiation (PPT2)  
MPI Standard Approved 
Biosecurity Treatments  
OR 
If not in original sales 
packaging, a verbal 
declaration that the bag has 
been used (Australia or Import Health Standard :  Dried and Preserved Plant Material and Plant Material for Research  
 Final  27 November 2020  
Ministry for Primary Industries    Page 17 of 25 Name, part and intended use  Type of Consignment  Requireme nts  
New Zealand origin on ly) 
Commercial  Heat treatment (SPT4)  or  
Irradiation (PPT2)  
MPI Standard Approved 
Biosecurity Treatments  
• therapeutic pillows, duvets or 
mattress liners filled with 
dried aromatic herbs – leaves  
and flowers  Private  No certifica tion or 
inspection requirements  
Commercial  Heat treatment (SPT4)  or  
Irradiation (PPT2)  
MPI Standard Approved 
Biosecurity Treatments  
OR 
Inspection (sample(s) must 
be opened)  
• cat nip toys filled with dried 
leaves (Nepeta  cataria ) Private  No certification or 
inspection requirements  
Commercial  Heat treatment (SPT4)  or  
Irradiation (PPT2)  
MPI Standard Approved 
Biosecurity Treatments  
OR 
Inspection (sample(s) must 
be opened)  
• lavender pillows or pouches 
filled with dried lavender 
leaves  or flower heads (must 
be securely sewn  as tied 
pouches )  Private  No certification or 
inspection requirements  
Commercial  
 
 
 
Note: No action to be taken for Lavender seeds  Heat treatment (SPT4)  or  
Irradiation (PPT2)  
MPI Standard Approved  
Biosecurity  Treatments  
OR 
Inspection (sample(s) must 
be opened)  
Smoking Products  
• tobacco (dried)  All consignments    
 No certification or 
inspection requirements  
Brewing Products  
• hops (dried)  pelletised dried hops 
that are commercially 
packaged  All consignments  Must be accompanied by a 
manufacturer’s certificate 
stating that the hop product 
has been milled, and 
extruded into pellets.  
OR Inspection to confirm 
milled and pelleted  
all other forms, 
including compressed 
bales and plugs  All consignments  Heat treatment (SPT4)  
MPI Standard Approved 
Biosecurity Treatments  Import Health Standard :  Dried and Preserved Plant Material and Plant Material for Research  
 Final  27 November 2020  
Ministry for Primary Industries    Page 18 of 25 Name, part and intended use  Type of Consignment  Requireme nts  
OR 
An application can be made 
for a permit to process by 
brewing in a transitional 
facility . All dried hops must 
be securely contained. Any 
dried hop residues from 
brewing must be contained 
and collected for quarantine 
disposal  
Malted barley – Refer to Part 5.3 IHS: Stored Plant Products for Human Consumption   
Brewers Yeast – Refer to Part 6.8 IHS : Specified animal products and biologicals from all countries   
Building Panels  
• ceiling and wall panels of 
straw and pressed steam ed 
straw  All consignments  Manufacturer’s certificate to 
show that product has been 
steamed  
OR 
Permit to import  
Plant Wrapping  
• bamboo wrapping leaves  - 
dried and uncooked  All consignments  Treatment in accordance 
with I HS: Bamboo  
Pet Litter and Bedding Products  
• All products  Commercial  No certification or 
inspection requirements  
Other Miscellaneous Dried or Processed Products  
• teasels (Dipsacus sylvestris 
including D. fullonium ), 
vegetable, wild or fullers 
teasel  
• empty flower heads  All consignments  Inspection  
• smudge sticks - bundled 
vegetation (including grasses  
and conifers) bound with 
string used for    smoking  All consignments  Inspection  
• coconut shell products for 
uses other than fertilisers or 
growing media  Private  No certification or 
inspection requirements  
Commercial  Inspection  
• soap nut shells ( Sapindus 
mukorossi ) used as washing 
powder  All consignments  Inspection  
• paper with potentially viable 
embedded seeds  All consignments  Refer to Plant Biosecurity 
Index (PBI)  and IHS: Seed 
for Sowing   
OR 
Heat treatment (SPT4)  Import Health Standard :  Dried and Preserved Plant Material and Plant Material for Research  
 Final  27 November 2020  
Ministry for Primary Industries    Page 19 of 25 Name, part and intended use  Type of Consignment  Requireme nts  
OR 
Irradiation (PPT2)  
• paper with embedded, 
shredded non -viable plant 
material   Inspection  
• used sacks, sacking and 
packaging  All consignments  Inspection  
• distillers dried grains and 
solubles  imported for uses 
other than animal feed or 
fertilisers  All consignments  Inspection  
• non-viable algae (may be 
unicellular) for shellfish 
feeding or other uses  All consignments  Consignments must be 
autoclaved (SPT4)  
OR 
Gamma irradiated (PPT2)  
OR 
Permit to  import  
• Lycopodium  spores for use 
as a pollen diluent  All consignments  Manufacturer’s certificate 
stating that no viable spores 
are present  
• Manufactured bark flour  (e.g. 
Modal Alder )   All consignments  No certification or 
inspection requirements .  
Refer to IHS: Sawdust   
• neem powder for 
manufacturing toothpaste   All consignments  No certification or 
inspection requirements  
• dried Plant Material pieces 
embedded in oils ,  soaps , 
solid amber or perspex  
• ornamental seeds preserved 
in oils  
• manufactured items 
containing kapok fibre  
• processed cotton wool  
• tatami mats  (Japanese mats)  
• varnished or lacquered or 
painted leaves as part of a 
handi craft or artwork  
• varnished or lacquered or 
painted coconut shell items, 
corn cob pipes  and 
handicrafts  
• wax candles embedded with 
Plant M aterial (beeswax) 
Refer to IHS: Beeproic.all  All consignments  No certification or 
inspection requirements  
 
 Import Health Standard :  Dried and Preserved Plant Material and Plant Material for Research  
 Final  27 November 2020  
Ministry for Primary Industries    Page 20 of 25 Part 5:  Plant Material  for Research, Analysis or Testing  
5.1 Dried herbarium specimens  
(1) An import permit is required.  
(2) Import permit applications for dried herbarium specimens  imported under HSNO approval 
NOC002466, must include details of the transitional  or containment facility.  
(3) Propagation of Plant Material is not permitted.  
 
Guidance  
• Fresh / partially dried plant material or plant material not originat ing from a herbarium or 
government agency that does not me et HSNO approval requirements can be imported under 
Part 5.3.  
5.2 Seed  
5.2.1 Seed listed as ‘ Basic ’ in the PBI 
(1) A permit to import is not required . 
(2) All seed must be clearly identified with its scientific name (genus and species) and must be  
accompanied by a statement that :  
a) “seed is being imported for research purposes  under Part 5.2.1  of the IHS: Dried and Preserved 
Plant Material and Plant  Material for Research ”.  
(3) Seed from fleshy fruits (where traces of flesh are likely to be present ) must be imported under Part 
5.2.2  of this IHS : 
a) except for Orchidaceae  seed  which may be imported as dry/green pods.  
(4) Propagation of seed is not permitted.  
5.2.2 Seed not listed as ‘ Basic’ in the PBI   
(1) An import permit is required .  
(2) Plant M aterial must be directed to a transitional  or containment facility .  
(3) Propagation of seed is not permitted.  
5.3 Other plant material   
(1) An import permit is required.    
(2) The permit assessment will determine whether Plant Material may be given biosecurity clearance upon 
arrival or  if direction to a transitional  or containment facility  is required.  
(3) Plant Material may be : 
a) fresh (e.g. fruit, flowers, leaves, pollen, roots, shoots , stems, tubers );  
b) frozen ;  
c) dried ;   
d) processed ( e.g. wood pulp  and timber samples).  Import Health Standard :  Dried and Preserved Plant Material and Plant Material for Research  
 Final  27 November 2020  
Ministry for Primary Industries    Page 21 of 25 (4) Propagation of any material imported under this part of the IHS is prohibited, except if undertaken in a 
transitional or containment facility (based on MPI assessment). Via ble propagated material is not 
eligible for biosecurity clearance.   
5.4 Preserved in alcohol or other aqueous preservatives  
(1) There are no certification or inspection requirements  for m icroscope slides of fixed, preserved Plant 
Material  (including micro -organis ms) sealed onto glass microscope slides under glass coverslips .  
(2) Preservation options include:  
a) alcohol (> 50% v/v) ;  
b) formalin/formaldehyde : (acetic acid (FAA) );  
c) Lugol’s solution ;  
d) NaCl -CTAB buffer ;  
e) RNAlater® stabilisation solution . 
(3) Plant Material must remain in the preservative for a m inimum of 48 hours  and must be accompanied 
by a completed declaration (refer to Appendix 2 ). The declaration must accompany the consignment.  
(4) If a declaration cannot be obtained, one of the preservative s listed in Par t 5.4 (2) may be applied  upon 
arrival in New Zealand .  
 
Guidance  
• During transit, Plant Material should , if possible, remain immersed in the preservative .  
• Plant Material that is preserved in alcohol may be transferred to damp alcohol soaked paper, or 
drained and stored in sealed containers during transit.  
 Import Health Standard :  Dried and Preserved Plant Material and Plant Material for Research  
 Final  27 November 2020  
Ministry for Primary Industries    Page 22 of 25 Appendix  1: Definitions  
Additional declaration  
A statement that is required by an importing country to be entered on a phytosanitary certificate  and which 
provides specific additional information on a consignment in relation to the regulated pests.  
 
AOSA approved laboratory  
An association of official seed analyst s member laboratory . 
 
Bark  
Outer protective covering of a tre e formed by the cork cambium and phloem tissues.  
 
Biosecurity clearance  
Clearance under section 26 of the Biosecurity Act 1993 for the entry of goods into New Zealand.  
 
Consignment  
Goods listed on, or covered by, a single bill of lading, airway bill, decl aration, invoice or goods in a mail 
package.  
NOTES:  
1. Commercial unaccompanied consignments are consignments covered by an airway bill/bill of lading intended for 
resale or manufacture.  
2. Commercial accompanied consignments are single consignments, imported by one passenger, at one time intended 
for re -sale, as samples and/or for analysis.  
3. Private unaccompanied consignments are consignments covered by an airway bill/bill of lading, or items via the mail 
pathway, imported as personal property not intended for resale.  
4. Private accompanied consignments are consignments imported as personal property not intended for resale.  
 
Contamination  
Unwanted presence in a commodity, storage place, conveyance or container, of any material (including a 
regulated organism) that may pose a biosecurity risk.  
 
Dried  
For the purpose of this IHS, “dried” means preserved by removing all natural moisture.  
 
Import p ermit  
Official document authorising importation of a commodity in accordance with spe cified phytosanitary 
requirements .  
 
Inspector  
A person appointed under section 103 of the Biosecurity Act 1993 for the purposes of administering and 
enforcing the provisions of the Biosecurity Act.  
 
ISTA approved laboratory  
An International Seed Testing A ssociation member laboratory approved by ISTA according to ISTA Approved 
Standards and authorized to issue ISTA certificates.  
 
Ministry for Primary Industries  (MPI) 
The N ational Plant Protection Organisation of New Zealand  
 
National Plant Protection Organisation (NPPO)  
Official service established by the government to discharge the functions specified by the IPPC  
 
Non-regulated pest  
Those pests for which no phytosanitary actions would be undertaken if they were intercepted/detected.  Import Health Standard :  Dried and Preserved Plant Material and Plant Material for Research  
 Final  27 November 2020  
Ministry for Primary Industries    Page 23 of 25 Pest  
Any species, strain or biotype of plant, animal or pathogenic agent injurious to plants or plant products.  
 
Phytosanitary certificate  
A certificate issued by the exporting country NPPO, in accordance with the requirements of the  IPPC, which 
verifies that the requirements of the relevant IHS have been met.  
 
Plant products  
Unmanufactured material of plant origin (including grain) and those manufactured plant products that, by their 
nature or that of their processing, may create a risk for the spread of pests.  
 
Preserved  
For the purpose of this IHS, “preserved” means prevented from decaying or spoiling in preparation for some 
future use.   
 
Propagule  
A vegetative structure that can become detached from a plant and give rise to a new plant.  
 
Quarantine pest  
A pest of potential economic importance to the area endangered thereby and not yet present there, or present 
but not widely distributed and being of ficially controlled .  
 
Regulated non -quarantine pest  
A non - quarantine pest whose presence in plants for planting affects the intended use of those plants with an 
economically unacceptable impact and which is therefore regulated within the territory of th e importing 
contracting party .  
 
Regulated pest  
A pest of potential economic importance to New Zealand and not yet present there, or present but either not 
widely distributed and being officially controlled, or a regulated non -quarantine pest, or having t he potential to 
vector another regulated pest into New Zealand.  
 
Solubles  
Ethanol production from cereal grains  results in a co -product that can be used as animal feed. This co -product 
is called distillers  dried grains  with solubles .  
 
Treatment  
Official procedure for the killing, inactivation or removal of pests, or for rendering pests infertile or for 
devitalisation .  
  Import Health Standard :  Dried and Preserved Plant Material and Plant Material for Research  
 Final  27 November 2020  
Ministry for Primary Industries    Page 24 of 25 Appendix 2 : Declaration  
 
Plant Material preserved in  alcohol or other aqueous preservatives  
I, .............................. ......................................................................... declare that the  <type of material > 
imported has been immersed in (state name and strength of fixative/alcohol).  
 
Number of days immersed prior to importation: …………….  
(A minimum of 48  hours is required for all Plant M aterial)  
 
 
Signed by (print name):  
Research institute or manufacturer or company name and address:  
 
Signature:  
 
Date:  
 
 
 
 
Ministry for Primary Industries  
Charles Fergusson Building  34-38 Bowen Street , PO Box 2526, Wellington, New Zealand  
Email: plantimports@mpi.govt.nz  
MPI website : www.mpi.govt.nz  
Import Health Standard :  Dried and Preserved Plant Material and Plant Material for Research  
 Final  27 November 2020  
Ministry for Primary Industries    Page 25 of 25 Appendix 3 : Amendment Record  
The following table provides a summary of the amendments to this IHS.  
No Parts  Date  
1 Sections 1; 2; 3; 4  21 December 2010  
2 Section 3.5  26 January 2011  
3 Section 3.5  13 April 2011  
4 Section 3.5  28 November 2011  
5 Amendment to Part 3.5 for Clean Pacific style, hand woven or tapa cloth mats, 
and paper with potentially viable embedded seeds.  13 April 2012  
6 Amendment to Part 3.7 for Plant Material  preserved in alcohol or other aqueous 
preservatives. Updated to reflect name change from MAF to MPI.  20 December 2013  
7 Amendment to scope and Part 2.6 for plant, lichen, algal & fungal Plant Material  
for research purposes. Change of name of standard. Change to new MPI 
standard format.  16 September 2014  
8 Amendment to Part 2.5 for accompanied clean Pacific style, hand woven or tapa 
cloth mats smaller than 2m2. 13 November 2015  
9 Minor amendment to update links from Biosecurity website to MPI website.  14 January 2016  
10 Minor amendment. No change to requirements.  
Removal of errors and ambiguities. Simplification of headings.   
Removal of product brand names in Part 4.5  
Change to format with renumbering and new Parts added:  
Part 2 and 3 added; Part 2.1 -2.5 changed to Part 4.1 - 4.5; Parts 2.6 and 2.7 
changed to Par ts 5.1 – 5.4.    18 December 2018  
11 Amendment to Part 5.3 (4) to allow propagation of the samples in a transitional 
or containment facility (based on MPI assessment). Viable propagated material 
is not eligible for biosecurity clearance. Removal of sampli ng plan in Part 3.  06 June 2019  
12  Minor amendment to Part 4.5.  
Removed b uckwheat as example for therapeutic heat bags . 
Removed f ine mats made from Pandanus  spp. as example of Pacific mats .  
Changed i nspection changed from ‘and ‘to ‘or’ for Pacific mats .   
Removed fumigation for ‘Clean fibres, basket -ware, matting, finely woven mats, 
hats, bags, woven handicraft items and furniture parts ’. Added note: F or non -
compliant consignments, fumigation (SPT1) will be required at the discretion of 
an inspector.  
Reinstated t obacco requirements for ‘dried leaves shredded/ cut or for further 
processing for retail ’ and for ‘all other forms ’ and removed d irection to a 
transitional facility for ‘all other forms ’.    
Removed table sub heading . Renumbered tables throughout the IHS .  
Moved guidance table and added guidance note: Soap may not contain seeds 
that are viable.  29 November 2019  
13 Minor amendment to Part 4.5.  
Removed inspection requirement for ‘Clean fibres, basket -ware, matting, f inely 
woven mats, hats, bags, woven handicraft items and furniture parts ’.  18 December 2019  
14 Amendment to Part 4.5.  
Removed heat treatment and inspection requirements  for dried tobacco leaves.  27 November  2020