24 May 2016
Purpose
To advise the horticulture industry involved in the production and export of watermelons to New Zealand of the recent change requiring any exports under appendix 3 (methyl bromide fumigation) to also be certified under appendix 10 (in-field control of fruit flies) of the Bilateral Quarantine Arrangement (BQA).
Background
Following recent advice from the New Zealand Ministry for Primary Industries, all watermelons exported from Australia to New Zealand under Appendix 3 (fumigation) also require grower registration under Appendix 10 (in-field control of fruit flies).
The Department of Agriculture and Water Resources Manual of Importing Country Requirements (MICoR) has been updated to align with the BQA.
Summary of changes and key points
- Australian watermelons must be exported to New Zealand under Appendix 3 (fumigation) and Appendix 10 (in-field control of fruit flies).
- Growers intending to export under Appendix 3 (fumigation) and Appendix 10 (pre-harvest in-field control programs for fruit fly) must register with the department.
- The requirements for export of watermelons to New Zealand under Appendix 2 (area freedom) or Appendix 11 (winter window) have not changed. Growers intending to export under Appendix 2 or Appendix 11 must register with the department for the control of Risk Group 2 (RG2) pests.
Contact Information
If you have any questions regarding this IAN please email Horticulture Exports Program ACT.
Mr Peter Creaser
Ag Assistant Secretary
Plant Export Operations Branch