Reassessment of approvals
Sometimes we might need to take a second look at an approval for a new organism.
Reassessing a new organism approval
A reassessment involves having a second look at the risks and benefits identified in an application that was previously approved. This only applies to approvals where the organism remains a new organism, eg. approvals for containment or release with controls. The reassessment may result in changing the controls of the approval, or in extreme cases, result in the withdrawal of the approval.
Reassessment application process
1. Determine whether there are grounds for a reassessment to occur
Before a reassessment can go ahead, you need to make an application to determine if there are grounds for a reassessment using the application form. We will only agree to undertake a reassessment of a new organism application if it is found that:
- significant new information relating to the effects of the organism has become available, or
- there has been a significant change in use; or there has been a significant change in the quantity imported or developed.
Application form to determine grounds (pdf 50KB)
2. Reassess the approval if a reassessment is allowed
If your application to determine grounds for a reassessment is approved, you can then make a request to us to proceed with the actual reassessment.
Consulting with Māori
An application to determine grounds for a reassessment does not require consultation with Māori.
However, if the reassessment does go ahead, the type of organisms and activities applied for will determine whether consultation with Māori is required.
Read our guidance on consultation for applicants
Public notification of an application
An application to determine if there are grounds for reassessment is not publicly notified.
However, the reassessment application will be open for public submission.
Application timeframe
There is no statutory timeline for processing an application to determine if there are grounds for reassessment. However, we will endeavour to process your application in a timely manner.