8 November 2019
Purpose
This Industry Advice Notice (IAN) is to advise table grape exporters of changes to the New Zealand pre-clearance program for this coming season.
Summary of changes and key points
- The New Zealand Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) offers voluntary pre-clearance for Australian table grapes.
- Consignments not pre-cleared by MPI will require inspection on-arrival in New Zealand.
- Industry users are responsible for the costs associated with bringing inspectors to Australia.
- MPI reserves the right to reinspect pre-cleared consignments on arrival should they have reason to do so.
- The Australian Table Grape Association (ATGA) will now manage all requests, coordination and payment of MPI pre-clearance inspectors.
- Exporters must contact the ATGA using the below details to express their interest in utilising an MPI inspector during the 2019–20 season, including the location, estimated volumes, and timeframes
Jeff Scott
33 Madden Avenue
MILDURA VIC 3500
Telephone: 0417 122 086
Email: jscott@atga.net.au
Background
MPI offers pre-clearance for Australian table grapes to New Zealand. Previously exporters have individually engaged in commercial contracts with MPI.
To align with arrangements for other markets’ pre-clearance programs, and to ensure national coordination of inspectors (where MPI inspector numbers are limited), ATGA will now hold an exclusive contract arrangement with MPI to coordinate pre-clearance inspectors for Australian exporters.
Available treatment options for Australian table grapes to New Zealand include irradiation, on-shore cold treatment or in-transit cold treatment. Further information can be found on the Manual of Importing Country Requirements (MICoR).
Contact information
If you have any questions regarding this IAN please email the Horticulture Exports Program.
David Ironside
Assistant Secretary
Plant Export Operations Branch