Consignments are to be free of any visually detectable soil, seeds, contaminant animal or plant material and other extraneous matter.

Consignments must be clearly labelled with the full description of contents of each package provided.

Consignments must be shipped in a manner to prevent contamination by regulated pests.

ICR applies to coco coir pith and coco peat.

New Zealand requires freedom from viable seeds via either a 'grow-out' test being conducted and sampled, laboratory testing or treatment. These options are stated below. In cases where an import permit is required, a questionnaire must also be completed when applying.

'Grow-out' tests are physically conducted tests that determine the genetic purity of given seed lots. The material is physically grown, with random sampling undertaken and tested for the presence of viable seeds (please refer to Section 2.4 of the MPI Import Health Standard -Importation of fertilisers and growing media of plant origin).

Note:

• All options below still require phytosanitary certificate to be issued.

Option 1: Approved quality production process with a 'grow-out' test in the exporting country. Relates to endorsement 1560 or 4888.

• Coco peat must be accompanied by an import permit,
• Coco peat must be found free of viable seeds based on random sampling of a 'grow-out' test.
• If a 'grow-out' test is not conducted, a government issued laboratory test declaring freedom from viable seed will be required.

 Option 2: Approved quality production process with a 'grow-out' test in New Zealand. 

• Coco peat must be accompanied by an import permit,
• Coco peat must remain in an approved transitional facility throughout duration of the 'grow-out' test.
• When the consignment arrives in New Zealand a random sample will be collected for a 'grow-out' test by the MPI inspector. Clearance will be approved on the basis of a negative 'grow-out' test result.
  

Option 3: Grow slabs and grow bags for use in a transitional facility in New Zealand.

• Coco peat must be accompanied by an import permit,
• Coco peat must be used in a transitional facility for a minimum of 9 months before clearance can be given.

Option 4: Treatment prior to export

• Please see treatment section below for treatment options prior to export.

 
Option 5: Products sterilised during manufacture

• Coco peat does not require an import permit,
• Consignment must be accompanied by a manufacturer's declaration stating the core temperature that the product reached, and the period of time held during manufacture.

Option 6: Treatment in New Zealand
When the consignment arrives in New Zealand the peat must be treated by either:

• Heat treatment by raising core temperature of the peat to 85 degrees Celsius for at least 15 hours at 40% relative humidity;

OR

• Autoclaving at 120 degrees Celsius for 30 minutes at 100 kPa;

OR

• Ethylene oxide, under an initial minimum vacuum of 50 kPa at 1500grm/m3 for 4 hours at 50 degrees Celsius;

OR

• Ethylene oxide under an initial minimum vacuum of 50 kPa at 1500grm/m3 for 24 hours at 21 degrees Celsius.