Treated seed is any seed that has been coated with a hazardous substance, such as a pesticide, to prevent damage from pest species before or after planting.

The main aim of the changes is to streamline rules around importing, manufacturing, supplying, storing, using, or disposing of treated seed. This will ensure all such seed is regulated in the same way and further minimise potential risks to human health and the environment.

We currently regulate chemicals that are used to treat seed in New Zealand, but we do not regulate treated seed that is imported into New Zealand.

• “Developing a new group standard would close this gap in the regulations. It’s the most efficient and effective way of managing any potential risks from chemicals used on treated seed,” says Dr Chris Hill, General Manager Hazardous Substances and New Organisms.
• “We are always looking for ways to ensure people and the environment continue to be protected, by revising rules around hazardous substances when needed. In this case, we are also ensuring that there is a level regulatory playing field.”

Under the revised rules, treated seed importers and manufacturers would have to ensure any seed is treated only with a substance containing active ingredients approved for use in New Zealand.

The proposed rules would also mean treated seed importers must provide information on annual amounts of the seed they bring in, the names of any active ingredients used to treat the seed, and the quantities of active ingredient used.

“We have worked with industry and government agencies to develop the revised rules in a way that will ensure minimal disruption to seed importing and manufacturing if these are introduced.”

This consultation gives the public and relevant industries an opportunity to provide additional information and feedback on the proposed new group standard.

Submissions close at 5.00 pm Wednesday 9 October 2024.

Find out more about the proposed treated seed group standard and have your say

More information about the consultation and an online submission form can be found here:

Proposed group standard for treated seed | EPA