Do you need an approval?
You need approval if the organism you wish to import, develop, field test or release fits the definition of a new organism and is viable.
A “new organism” includes:
- an organism that was not present in New Zealand before July 29 1998
- a genetically modified organism.
You will need to make an application if the organism you wish to import, develop, field test or release fits the definition of a new organism and is viable (capable of living, reproducing, or germinating under favourable conditions).
Importing new organisms
It does not matter if the new organisms will be:
- imported as pure cultures
- imported as mixed cultures
- carried in biological samples or on commodities.
If you cannot clearly identify the organism to be imported to species level or cannot find proof that the organism is not a “new organism”, please contact us.
Prohibited organisms cannot be given approval.
View a list of all prohibited organisms
Other approvals
You may also need approval from the Ministry for Primary Industries