Phytos - Sustainable Phytosanitary Solutions for Wood Fibre

Who we are

Phytos was born out of a need to enhance market access and biosecurity measures for wood while reducing the release of methyl bromide into the atmosphere. Formerly known as STIMBR (Stakeholders in Methyl Bromide Reduction), the group was renamed to Phytos in 2023 to more accurately reflect our research, work and commitment to delivering a range of phytosanitary solutions beyond methyl bromide reduction alone.

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What we do

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Enhanced export market access solutions

We will define licence to operate issues by region, develop industry contingency and continuity plans, and implement a prioritised research and development programme to deliver enhanced export market access solutions.

Coordinated trade advocacy and communications

We will deliver coordinated trade advocacy and communications by continuing to foster strong and meaningful relationships with all key stakeholders and partner with others to be a united voice for our industry.

Supporting phytosanitary access to new markets

We will identify and scope phytosanitary barriers to entry, and develop the right trade development and access relationships to support access to new markets.

Passionate experts

Enhancing market access

Latest news and updates

Keep up-to-date with all the latest news from Phytos, including industry updates, our research programme and market access solutions.

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December 19, 2023

Phytos welcomes two new Board Members

Phytos would like to welcome both Robert Henare (Ngāti Hine) and Hazel Honour to the Board as new members. Robert was nominated by Nga Pou a Tane for the Phytos Board seat allocated to ‘Maori economic interests’. Robert holds a number of roles involving exporting, timber and trade. Hazel represents ‘forest owners who export’ and is currently Manager, Operations & Investment Analytics at New Forests.

December 4, 2023

Updated OAP for log exports

Following the debarking review the updated Official Assurance Programme (OAP) for log exports v1.3 is now available.

November 14, 2023

Update to India Forestry ICPR - Fumigation on arrival for logs in ship holds

This email is to advise you that the India forestry ICPR has been updated to reflect new information for methyl bromide fumigation of logs in ship holds on arrival in India, in lieu of treatment prior to export.

September 18, 2023

Update to India forestry ICPR - Fumigation on arrival for logs in ship holds

The India forestry ICPR has been updated to extend the option for methyl bromide fumigation of logs in ship holds on arrival, in lieu of treatment prior to export between the period 15 September 2023 – 31 October 2023.

September 19, 2023

Indian market access delegation

A 50 strong business delegation recently accompanied Minister O’Connor to New Delhi with the aim of strengthening relationships for the next phase of trade and export growth.

July 13, 2023

Logs to India – ICPR Update

MPI have recently updated the Importing Countries Phytosanitary Requirements (ICPR) for India

June 1, 2023

New name, new look

Phytos is delighted to go live with our new name and new look

May 1, 2023

Successful Indian delegation visit

With the support of Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) and other industry representatives, Phytos was pleased to host three government officials from India during February. The purpose of the visit was to continue exploring solutions to the recommencement of New Zealand’s wood fibre trade with India.

April 25, 2023

Special General Meeting Update

Phytos recently held a Special General Meeting on 20 April. The purpose of the meeting included resolving the society’s new constitution and levy. The meeting also provided an update on our current work programme, priorities, and new name, ‘Phytos’.