31 October 2018
Who does this notice affect?
This notice is of interest to importers (and their customs brokers) of fresh kiwifruit from Italy.
What has changed?
The Department of Agriculture and Water Resources will inspect packaging and cartons containing kiwifruit from Italy between the dates of 14 November 2018 and 10 December 2018.
This is in addition to the standard fresh produce inspection and will occur at the same time.
The purpose of this additional requirement is to verify that packaging and cartons containing imported kiwifruit from Italy are free of Brown Marmorated Stink Bug (BMSB).
The measure will comprise of an inspection of 3% of cartons and involve inspecting the internal surfaces of the packaging for BMSB.
Importers and customs brokers should be aware that the BMSB carton inspection requirement will increase inspection times for fresh produce inspections for the period specified in this notice.
Further information
For additional information you can email Plant Import Operations Branch at Imports or phone 1800 900 090.