Apples – extra requirements

If you're exporting fresh apples to certain destination countries, you'll need to comply with extra phytosanitary requirements. These may include requirements for the growers, packers, storage facility operators, and exporters.

Follow the steps

1. Refer to all the steps for exporting fresh fruit.

As well as the extra requirements on this page, you must also follow the process that applies to all fresh fruit exported from New Zealand.

Follow our step-by-step guide to exporting fresh fruit

2. Contact an Independent Verification Agency (IVA).

You need to use an MPI-authorised Independent Verification Agency (IVA), which can advise you about meeting  compliance requirements such as documentation, tests, or treatments. Fees may apply.

See the list of IVAs and their contact information

3. Follow the programme requirements for your destination apple market.

Official agreements between New Zealand and some export markets aim to make exporting easier or are needed to enable exports. The requirements are set out in Official Assurance Programmes (OAPs) or pre-clearance programmes.

Check the register for your area 

MPI-registered production sites (growers), packhouses, storage facilities, and exporters must be used to get your product to market. The contact details are listed in Registers and lists.

Check the OAP for your destination country

Only registered programme participants and IVAs can access the password-protected OAP documents. To register, email plantexports@mpi.govt.nz.

Australia

Apples exported to Australia must meet the requirements stated in the OAP. These may include activities undertaken by the growers, packers, storage facility operators, and exporters.

China

Apples exported to China must meet the requirements stated in the OAP. These may include activities undertaken by the growers, packers, storage facility operators, and exporters.

Japan

Apples exported to Japan must meet the requirements stated in the OAP. These may include activities undertaken by the growers, packers, storage facility operators, and exporters.

Taiwan

Apples exported to Taiwan must meet the requirements stated in the OAP. These may include activities undertaken by the growers, packers, storage facility operators, and exporters.

United States of America (USA)

MPI and the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) negotiate a voluntary pre-clearance programme (known as a workplan) each year. USA officials are based in New Zealand to inspect fruit in accordance with the workplan. This should result in faster clearance times on arrival.

The requirements of the pre-clearance programme for exporting apples and pears to the USA and the pipfruit pest list for the USA are set out in the workplan and operating guidelines.

 4. Check whether you're exporting to a codling moth 'sensitive' market.

Codling moth is categorised as a quarantine pest by some destination countries, which are classed as 'sensitive markets'. You'll be required to provide verification that your produce has been managed for codling moth if you're exporting to one of these sensitive markets:

  • China
  • Japan
  • Taiwan.
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