Rules reminder: importing kiwifruit seed

KVH is aware of an international website offering several varieties of kiwifruit seed for sale. This is concerning because buying seeds online for import into New Zealand could risk introducing a plant disease.

The Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) enforcement staff are fully aware of the site.

There are strict rules around importing any kiwifruit seed. Seed intended for growing requires a permit to import and a phytosanitary certificate. It must be imported into post entry quarantine where it will be grown and checked for a range of viruses and other plant disease organisms. No seeds will be given biosecurity clearance; only plants which have been inspected and tested will be eligible for clearance.

MPI enforce all requirements and investigate any report of kiwifruit plants grown from unapproved seed imports. Please alert MPI if you aware of any unapproved kiwifruit seed imports by calling the exotic pest and disease hotline on 0800 80 99 66 or contact KVH on 0800 665 825.