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3.130. Risk analysis is the first stage in the development of an import health standard (IHS). It involves the identification of potential pests and diseases associated with a product; the likelihood of entry and establishment in New Zealand; and the potential impacts on the economy, the environment, and human health. In the 2015-20 period, no IHS requests were denied due to economic, environmental, or health reasons. Proposed IHSs go through a public consultation before their adoption.

3.133. As part of the authorities' efforts to ensure a sound biosecurity framework for livestock, the National Animal Identification and Tracing (NAIT) Act 2012, which is fundamental to supporting responses to animal disease outbreaks, was amended in 2019. According to the authorities, the 2019 amendments were made to ensure the scheme is fit for future purpose and has since led to improvements in compliance with the scheme, enhancing traceability of cattle and deer in New Zealand.

3.134. GMOs are regulated through the Hazardous Substances and New Organisms (HSNO) Act 1996. Under the HSNO Act, all new organisms, including GMOs, are prohibited from importation, development, field testing, or release without formal approval from the Environmental Protection Authority (EPA), which is required to take into account various factors related to the potential risks and benefits of the proposal. These include environmental, economic, social, cultural, and public health considerations. The MPI ensures that the controls placed on new organism approvals by the EPA are complied with by enforcing the HSNO Act at the border and ensuring no unapproved GMOs material enters the country. Genetically modified foods must undergo a safety assessment and approval by FSANZ before being able to be imported into New Zealand and be labelled accordingly. According to the authorities, FSANZ is currently publicly consulting on a proposal to amend the definitions of "food produced using gene technology" and "gene technology" in the Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code. These definitions determine what foods are classified as genetically modified food under the Code.

3. While Switzerland and Liechtenstein enjoy favourable economic conditions, they also face similar challenges, including (...) climate change (...)

5. Given the two countries' limited domestic markets and export orientation, trade policy in both is focused on promoting and guaranteeing open markets, with an increased emphasis on sustainable development. (...)

13. As at the time of the previous Review, Switzerland and Liechtenstein apply import and export prohibitions and restrictions largely for reasons of security, health, and protection of the environment. (...)

15. (...) Switzerland and Liechtenstein apply similar excise taxes on products causing a risk to human health or to the environment.

21. Amendments to the Swiss Federal Law on Public Procurement and the implementing Ordinance that entered into force in January 2021 aimed to implement the revised Government Procurement Agreement and to achieve more harmonization of federal and cantonal laws on public procurement. The main changes concern the increased emphasis on quality and sustainability aspects of public procurement (...)

23. (...) Despite the small size of its agriculture sector, both in terms of its contribution to GDP (0.7% in 2020) and total employment (2.7%), Switzerland places great importance on agriculture due to its multifunctionality in terms of, inter alia, food security, environmental protection, and the maintenance of its cultural landscapes. (...)

24. Switzerland's Energy 2050 Strategy results from a decision taken in the early 2010s to progressively phase out nuclear energy and to promote energy efficiency and the production of renewable energy. To implement the strategy, a completely revised Federal Energy Law entered into force in January 2018 that sets out targets for energy production and consumption, defines energy efficiency standards, and provides incentives for investment in renewable energy production. (...) In 2020, Switzerland updated its Nationally Determined Contribution under the Paris Agreement to commit to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by at least 50% by 2030, compared to 1990 levels, and to achieve climate neutrality by 2050. Following the rejection by the Swiss electorate in June 2021 of a comprehensive revision of the Swiss CO2 Law, the Federal Assembly in December 2021 adopted a partial amendment to temporarily prolong some limited and unchallenged aspects of the CO2 Law during the period 2022-24. A new proposal for a comprehensive revision of the CO2 Law to continue to reduce greenhouse gas submissions beyond this period is currently the subject of consultations. (...)