The Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) is asking for feedback on a proposed group standard for treated seed.

Broadly, treated seed is seed that has been treated to protect it from disease or pests or to help it grow better.

Group standards set rules for managing hazardous substances that have similar uses or characteristics.

Dr Fernando Torres-Vélez, General Manager, Hazardous Substances and New Organisms, says, “We are proposing a new group standard to ensure that imported and locally manufactured treated seed is regulated consistently. Previously, seed treated overseas before importation was not subject to regulation and the regulation of manufactured seed in New Zealand has not always been applied consistently.

“We want to close that gap and address any potential risks these substances may pose to human health and the environment.”

The proposal sets rules for all treated seed covered by the group standard, along with additional controls for some seeds based on the classifications of the chemicals used to treat them.

These additional rules have been applied to help manage specific risks. The proposal also includes controls on the aerial application of treated seed.

“Our proposal takes a practical approach based on risk. It includes the rules needed to manage risks effectively and in a way that is proportionate.

“It would also streamline the rules for importing, manufacturing, supplying, storing, using, or disposing of treated seed,” says Dr Torres-Vélez.

“We are also requiring importers to annually report on the types and quantities of active ingredients used in seed treatment substances on treated seed being imported into New Zealand,” says Dr Torres-Vélez.

Some treated seed would be excluded from the group standard. This includes seed treated with active ingredients that are not approved for use in New Zealand, have certain high-hazard classifications, or are intended to be used as bait to kill vertebrate pests.

“We want to know whether the proposal is workable. This is our second consultation on this issue. We first consulted on the proposal in July 2024 and have been working on updating our proposals to ensure they work in practice.

“We want feedback from iwi and hapū representatives, importers and manufacturers, the agriculture and horticulture sector, users of treated seed, and anyone else with an interest in treated seed. We’ll use this feedback to help decide what changes should be made,” says Dr Torres-Vélez.

Public consultation opened on 18 August and closes on 29 September 2026.

For more information contact:

Email: media@epa.govt.nz

https://www.epa.govt.nz/

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