12 April 2019
Who does this notice affect?
This notice is of interest to importers (and their customs brokers) of fresh citrus from the US.
Date of effect
12 April 2019
Notice
Due to a detection of spotted wing drosophila (Drosophila suzukii) in fresh oranges imported into New Zealand from the US, the Department of Agriculture and Water Resources will not release consignments from biosecurity control where split or damaged citrus fruit from the US are detected at on-arrival inspection.
The final pest risk analysis (PRA) report for D. suzukii indicates fallen citrus fruit is a pathway for D. suzukii, however risk mitigation measures for D. suzukii were not recommended as only commercial quality fruit is within the scope of the PRA. As split or damaged citrus fruit is outside the scope of the PRA, consignments where split or damaged fruit are detected at inspection are not permitted entry under the current import conditions established for commercial quality fruit.
Where split or damaged fruit are detected at on-arrival inspection, the consignment will be secured and the importer (and their custom broker) offered options of disposal or re-export.
This policy is to mitigate potential risks associated with D. suzukii.
BICON conditions for commercial grade citrus fruit from the US have not changed.
Further information
For additional information you can email Plant Import Operations Branch at Imports or phone 1800 900 090.