For information on the Plants Biosecurity Index please visit this page .

Biosecurity is concerned with the protection of New Zealand's economy, and environments from the introduction into of new pests and diseases.

As an Island nation with a unique flora and fauna plus an economy dependent on our primary industry exports, biosecurity has significant importance. This requirement invariably impacts on the activities of our members and fellow industry participants.

Getting it wrong has serious implications for New Zealand and members, so as responsible stakeholders an understanding of the Legislation is encouraged.

The Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry (MAF) is charged with the responsibility of administering the Biosecurity regulations. MAF’s website ( www.maf.govt.nz ) provides an overview of the regulations and is a useful resource site to understand how these impact on your business whether it be importing or exporting.

For importers these sites provide valuable information on:

Exporters should refer to MAF's exports webpages at www.biosecurity.govt.nz/exports/plants/index.htm

Other important legislation that affects the industry is the Hazardous Substances and New Organisms (HSNO) Act 1996. This act regulates what is considered "new" to New Zealand's biosecurity landscape. One of its more important influences is that any plant species not identified on its database (that forms the MAF Biosecurity Index) is not permitted to be imported. In such a situation the approval of the Enviromental Risk Management Authority (ERMANZ) will be required ( www.ermanz.govt.nz ) prior to an importation.

If trading in endangered species importers and exporters will also need to have an understanding of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) ( www.cites.org ). The New Zealand agency charged with fulfilling New Zealands obligations under this agreement is The Department of Conservation ( www.doc.govt.nz ).

As Biosecurity issues have significant impact on the activities of members and the wider industry the NGIA plays an important part in advocacy and is seen by the regulatory authorities as the "voice of the industry".

This situation was clearly evidenced when in the recent embargo on the importation of Dracaena species the NGIA in conjunction with the industry group, Nursery Industry Plant Importers (NIPI), were able to work with the relevant authorities to ensure that common sense prevailed and the embargo was overturned.

New Zealand's biosecurity landscape is experiencing a period of significant change and members are encouraged to check the current situation with the appropriate regulatory authority and only rely on the imformation above as a general guide.