23 May 2023
Purpose
This IAN is to advise that New Zealand’s Ministry of Primary Industries (MPI) has begun public consultations on several proposed amendments to import health standards (IHS) for fresh fruit and vegetables from Australia.
Summary of changes and key points
MPI’s proposed amendments to the fresh fruit and vegetable IHS include:
- updating the list of risk group pests and targeted measures for capsicums
- removing the fruit flies Bactrocera frauenfeldi, B. kraussi and B. musae from the pest list
- adding low-dose methyl bromide fumigation as a treatment option, replacing the existing high-dose treatment
- extending market access for pumpkins to include butternut (Cucurbita moschata) and squash (C. maxima)
- adding "winter window plus in-field controls" as a targeted measure for fruit flies on pumpkin (C. pepo), butternut (C. moschata), and squash (C. maxima)
- adding irradiation as a treatment option on avocado, cucumber, pear, watermelon, pumpkin (C. pepo), butternut (C. moschata), and squash (C. maxima).
Industry responsibilities
We encourage industry members to review the proposed standards and provide a submission to MPI if they have any possible amendments that would result in a more positive outcome for Australian producers.
The draft standards and instructions for providing a submission to MPI can be found on the Amendments to import requirements for fresh fruit and vegetables from Australia consultation page on their website.
Note: Public consultation closes at 5pm (NZST) on 31 May 2023.
Contact information
If you have any questions regarding this IAN please email Horticulture Exports.
Rossana Carr
Acting Assistant Secretary
Plant Export Operations Branch