Background

The facility standard sets out the requirements for operating a post entry quarantine (PEQ) facility to grow, inspect and/or test imported nursery stock or seed before it is given biosecurity clearance. The revised standard is intended to replace the existing MAF Biosecurity Authority Standard (PBC-New Zealand-TRA-PQCON: Specification for the Registration of a Plant Quarantine or Containment Facility, and Operator).

Download the existing MAF Biosecurity Authority Standard [PDF, 80 KB]

The risk profile of many plant species has changed since the current standard was issued in 1999, and more stringent measures are considered necessary to strengthen New Zealand's biosecurity system. Strengthening this standard is particularly important because plant material imported for propagation is one of the most high-risk pathways for the introduction of pests and diseases to new areas. As well as better managing biosecurity risk, the revised standard is intended to be more flexible and easier to understand.

MPI has developed the standard based on the best available technical evidence and assessment of this evidence. To assist it to understand feedback the Ministry receives, those who disagree with the measures proposed to manage the risks, are asked to provide either data or published references to support theircomments. Similarly, those who support the proposed measures, or consider that additional measures are required to manage the risks, provide appropriate evidence to support their comments. This will enable MPI to consider additional evidence, which may change how risks are managed.

MPI has collaborated with a project board made up of industry and Crown Research Institute representatives to review the standard and accompanying documents, and has made various modifications based on feedback from the project board. The review has been supported by the Germplasm Advisory Committee (GERMAC).

Consultation documents

Draft Facility Standard: Post Entry Quarantine for Plants [PDF, 689 KB]

Risk Management Proposal: Revision of the Facility Standard: Post Entry Quarantine For Plants [PDF, 470 KB]

Draft Guidance Document: Post Entry Quarantine for Plants [PDF, 482 KB]

Example Operating Manual for a Hypothetical Level 2 Facility [PDF, 1.7 MB]

What's being proposed

The risk management proposal describes the proposed changes in detail along with the technical justification for these changes. A brief summary follows of some of the main changes proposed for the standard.

Changes to operational requirements

• All facility operators must develop an operating manual that describes how the facility will meet the requirements of the standard and identifies what procedures are used to manage biosecurity risks. To assist operators, MPI has prepared an example operating manual for a hypothetical Level 2 PEQ facility;
• All facility operators will be required to undertake an operator-training course. This is to provide an understanding of biosecurity risks and roles and requirements of PEQ facility operators, including the legal responsibilities of operators. The full content of the course will be developed once the revised standard is finalised after consultation;
• The facility operator must provide training for all facility staff and visitors. The required level of training will depend on the roles and responsibilities of a particular person;
• All facilities must be checked for physical or structural defects at least once a month. Records must be retained of such checks;
• An internal audit of each facility must be done at least once every six months. This is to verify that all systems are working effectively to manage biosecurity risk and that all operating procedures are being followed as described in the operating manual;
• Audit frequency dispensations may be granted to reduce the frequency of facility audits by the MPI inspector. Such dispensations would only be given to high-performing facilities with an excellent history of compliance and demonstrated commitment to good industry practice;
• All plants must be regularly inspected for signs and symptoms of pests and diseases. Plants must be inspected at least once or twice a week (depending on the level of facility);
• A single on-arrival fungicide treatment may be applied to plants entering a Level 1 or Level 2 PEQ facility. This must be done within 48 hours of material entering the facility.

Changes to physical and structural requirements

Some changes are proposed to physical and structural requirements of facilities. A table summarising these changes, which include incorporating an additional level of facility in the revised standard is available. The additional level will give more options to contain pests that cannot be contained in a Level 2 facility, but that do not need to be held in the highest level of facility. These requirements, as set out in the facility standard, are discussed in more detail in the risk management proposal.

Download a table summarising changes to physical and structural requirements [PDF, 281 KB]

Implementation of the standard

The intention is for the standard to be finalised after consultation and issued on 1 March 2016. The following timeframes will be allowed for compliance with the revised standard:

• Any new facilities must comply with the standard from 1 March 2016;
• Existing facilities will have twelve months to comply with all operational requirements (so they must comply by 1 March 2017);
• Facilities that are in use will have twelve months from the biosecurity clearance date of consignments that are in being held in a facility on 1 March 2016 to comply with the revised physical and structural requirements;
• Existing facilities that are not active (not holding quarantine material) on 1 March 2016 must comply with all physical and structural requirements of the revised standard by 1 March 2017.

Make a submission

E-mail feedback on the draft by 5pm on 27 November 2015 to [email protected].

Make sure the following is include in submissions:

• The title of the consultation document in the subject line of your e-mail;
• Your name and title, if applicable;
• Your organisation's name (if you're submitting on behalf of an organisation);
• Your contact details (for example, phone number, address and e-mail).

While MPI prefers email, one can send a submission by post to:

Plant Imports

Plants, Food and Environment

Ministry for Primary Industries

PO Box 2526

Wellington 6140

New Zealand

All submissions received by the closing date will be considered before the facility standard is issued. MPI may hold late submissions on file for consideration when the issued facility standard is next revised or reviewed.

Submissions are public information

Any submission you make becomes public information. Anyone can ask for copies of all submissions under the Official Information Act 1982 (OIA). The OIA says we must make the information available, unless we have a good reason for withholding it. You can find those grounds in sections 6 and 9 of the OIA. Tell us if you think there are grounds to withhold specific information in your submission. Reasons might include, it's commercially sensitive or it's personal information. However, any decision MPI makes to withhold information can be reviewed by the Ombudsman, who may require the information be released.

Who to contact

Those who have questions about this consultation can e-mail MPI.