Draft import health standard for fresh table grapes for human consumption

Introduction to this consultation

From 23 October 2025 to 19 January 2026, the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) invites comment on proposed changes to the import requirements for fresh table grapes (Vitis spp.) for human consumption.

This page outlines:

our assessments of new market access requests from Egypt and India
a review of the grapes import pathways for 7 countries that currently have access: Australia, China, Chile, South Korea, Peru, Mexico, and the USA
our approach to preventing the introduction of harmful pests and diseases through fresh table grape imports.

We want your feedback, technical information, industry knowledge, and suggestions on:

pests requiring additional measures that we may have missed
the measures we're proposing
the feasibility of importing under the proposed requirements
our consultation process.

Why are we doing this

New Zealand imports fresh table grapes from several countries. To protect our environment, economy, and health, we need to ensure the pests that may harm them are managed on these imported grapes down to an acceptable level. At the same time, we want to support safe and fair trade with our international partners.

Our goal is to strike the right balance, keeping New Zealand safe and enabling trade that benefits both our economy and our trading partners.

This project gives us a chance to:

align our requirements with international standards and streamline them across fresh grape pathways to ensure that our standards are consistent, practical, and fit for purpose
ensure our biosecurity measures are evidence-based and up to date with current risk profiles.

Consultation document

Draft import health standard for fresh table grapes for human consumption [PDF, 442 KB]

Making your submission

If you're happy with what we're proposing, we'd appreciate an email from you letting us know. You don't need to do anything else. Email grapesproject@mpi.govt.nz

However, if you want to comment about the proposals, we're accepting submissions until 5pm on 19 January 2026.

Late submissions will be kept on file and considered during future reviews. We value all feedback on our work, whether complementary or critical. If we’ve done something well, let us know so we can keep heading in the right direction.

If you need more information from us before making your submission, email grapesproject@mpi.govt.nz

This is a public consultation, so all feedback, including your name and organisation, along with our responses and any resulting changes, will be published on our website and may be read by anyone.

To provide feedback, complete our online form, or send us your submission by email or post.

Online form

Requirements for importing table grapes to New Zealand – Microsoft Forms

Email

grapesproject@mpi.govt.nz

Post

Plant Products Team
Biosecurity Import and Export Standards Directorate
Biosecurity New Zealand
Ministry for Primary Industries
PO Box 2526
Wellington 6140
New Zealand.

The steps we took to develop the import requirements

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1

We identified pests associated with fresh table grapes (hazard identification)

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A list of pests that might be found on grapevines was gathered, using sources like published scientific research, past risk assessments, pest databases, and crop care guidelines. Each pest on the list was reviewed to see if it was a potential hazard on imported table grapes. To do this, we asked whether the pest:

could be found on table grape bunches
might not be adequately managed by standard commercial practices
is present in any of the exporting countries
could cause harm to New Zealand, and
- is not in New Zealand
- or is under official control
- or might bring harmful diseases/pathogens (these kinds of pests are called "vectors").

Based on these criteria, many pests were excluded from further consideration. Some were also excluded because there wasn’t enough information to know if they are a risk. However, all regulated pests that have been excluded will still be considered for action if intercepted on grapes at the New Zealand border.

See a list of pests that were excluded and why [XLSX, 63 KB]

After the process of exclusion, the remaining pests were seen as hazards for table grapes and needed further assessment.

2

We assessed the level of risk to New Zealand of the pests identified as hazards

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Sixty-one (61) pests are included in the proposed import health standard (IHS) without needing further assessment because the level of risk they pose to New Zealand on imported table grapes is already known and remains unchanged.

Forty-seven (47) pests were already listed in one of the existing import health standards for table grapes.
For 7 additional pests, information gathered during hazard identification indicates that basic measures would effectively reduce the risk of a hazard to an acceptable level.
For 5 new spider species and 2 new fruit fly species, reliable data from past risk assessments was enough to decide suitable phytosanitary measures.

The remaining pests (30 in total: 23 insects, 6 fungi, and 1 insect vector) were further assessed to understand the level of risk. To assess the level of risk, we looked at how likely it is for each pest to reach New Zealand on table grapes from the exporting countries, transfer to a suitable host, establish and spread, and how much harm it might cause here.

While sociocultural, environmental, and human health impacts were assessed for each pest, only economic impacts are shown, as these were found to be the most significant ones. Based on this information, a strength of phytosanitary measure is assigned to each pest to manage the risk on table grapes.

For estimated likelihoods, potential impact ratings and how they relate to traditional risk ratings, and descriptions, see the risk rating tables [PDF, 90 KB]

Reference list of all the literature used during our analyses [PDF, 393 KB]

3

We decided what measures would best manage the risk of introducing pests to New Zealand

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Phytosanitary measures are applied to regulated pests when the risk from entry, establishment, and spread via a pathway is unacceptable. These measures aim to reduce risk to an appropriate level of protection.

The strength of the phytosanitary measures required should be no more than necessary to manage the risk the organism poses. MPI categorises measures by increasing strength:

basic
targeted
MPI-specified.

The level required depends on the pest’s likelihood of entering and establishing in New Zealand and the potential level of impact it would have on New Zealand’s environment and economy if introduced. Pests that are a higher risk require stronger assurance of control.

For pests with severe consequences, such as fruit flies, MPI-specified measures are required, even if the likelihood of entry is low. A single post-border detection can trigger costly responses and stricter import requirements from trading partners.

4

We developed the import health standard

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The import health standard (IHS) will contain all legal requirements that must be met for the importation of fresh table grapes (Vitis spp.) for human consumption into New Zealand.

Summary of the proposed changes

A single import health standard (IHS) for all grape imports to replace the 7 separate country-specific grapes schedules currently in place for Australia, China, Chile, South Korea, Peru, Mexico, and the USA under the Importation and Clearance of Fresh Fruit and Vegetables into New Zealand (IHS 152.02) and the associated commodity subclasses.
Italy will be removed from the list of exporting countries of table grapes, as requested by their National Plant Protection Organisation (NPPO).
The single IHS will include 2 new grape export markets, Egypt and India, bringing the total to 8.
Adding a clear commodity description to the IHS.
For pests requiring basic measures:
- Addition of 30 new pests.
- Removal of 53 pests from previous pest list.
For pests requiring targeted measures:
- Reduce measures for 3 pests from targeted to basic measures.
- Removal of 6 human health pests (spiders) that previously required targeted measures.
- Removal of 2 pests no longer associated with the commodity.
- Addition of 7 new pests.
For pests managed by MPI-specified measures, we have added 2 new fruit flies.
Removed 2 existing insect vectors from the standard.

What’s not changing

The commodity to be imported – fresh table grapes for human consumption.
Weed seed contamination tolerance level.
The way we manage risk – basic, targeted, and MPI-specified measures.
Our position on managing fruit flies and venomous spiders.

What we are proposing

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General requirements for importing fresh table grapes (Vitis spp.) into New Zealand for human consumption

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All imported fresh table grapes need to comply with the general import requirements and meet basic measure requirements.

General requirements	Outcome
Exporting market NPPO complies with ISPM 7 Phytosanitary certification system.	MPI can rely on the phytosanitary assurances of the exporting market NPPO.
Table grapes undergo phytosanitary inspection and certification.	The exporting NPPO certifies and attests that requirements have been met.
Packaging is clean.	This reduces the chances of contamination with pests and of those pests being exported with the table grapes.
Phytosanitary security is in place.	This stops pests from infesting a consignment after it has been officially inspected.
Bilateral arrangements (export plans) are in place.	There is a formal agreement with the exporting countries on how the import requirements will be achieved for pests that require targeted or/and MPI-specified measures.

Basic measure requirements for importing fresh table grapes (Vitis spp.) into New Zealand for human consumption

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All fresh table grapes exported to New Zealand must be commercially produced.

We define commercial production as:

"A process (system) where activities, such as in-field monitoring, pest control activities, harvesting, cleaning, sorting, and grading, have been undertaken. These activities are carried out to minimise:

the presence of regulated pests; and
damage that may be a result of the presence of a regulated pest or that could expose the commodity to regulated pests."

The activities carried out in a commercial production setup are referred to as basic measures. MPI considers that the pests listed as being managed by basic measures will have their risk reduced to an acceptable level, not zero. These basic measures also help lower the risk of any other regulated pests that may be associated with table grapes but are not specifically listed. We used basic measures as a baseline for our risk assessment. This means we did not treat pests as a risk requiring additional measures on the pathway if they were already being adequately managed by commercial production practices.

Outcomes of basic measures (commercial production activities)

Basic measures	Outcome of basic measures
In-field monitoring and pest control activities	Growers will detect many pests and take action to manage them.
Cleaning	Packhouse workers or machinery will clean fruit to remove extraneous plant material, debris, soil, and large mobile pests.
Sorting and grading	Sorters and graders will remove damaged or visibly pest/disease-infested grape bunches.

Pests removed – no longer considered hazards

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While identifying the hazards on table grapes, we reviewed pests listed on the existing grapes import health standards. We removed from the pest list those that were no longer considered a hazard and so did not pose a risk on the import pathway.

Proposed exclusions of existing pests managed by basic measures [XLSX, 25 KB]

Pests proposed to be retained and managed by basic measures

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While identifying the hazards on table grapes, we reviewed existing pests that were managed by basic measures to reduce the risk on the pathway. We identified those pests for which this strength of measure (basic) should be retained.

It is important to note that these pests will not be listed in the IHS itself, but the list of pests associated with fresh table grapes and managed by basic measure can be found on PIER, our database of import and export requirements.

PIER – Product Import and Export Requirements

Note that some countries may have been added to this list of pests based on the evidence from our risk assessment.

Pests	Distribution
Alternaria viticola	China
Alternaria vitis	Australia, China, Mexico
Amyelois transitella	Mexico, Peru, USA
Argyrotaenia citrana	Mexico, USA
Argyrotaenia sphaleropa	Peru
Brevipalpus chilensis	Chile
Brevipalpus lewisi	Australia, China, Egypt, India, Mexico, USA
Caliothrips fasciatus	Mexico, USA
Ceroplastes rusci	China, Egypt, India, Peru, USA
Coniella diplodiella	Australia, China, India, Korea, Mexico
Craponius inaequalis	Mexico, USA
Drepanothrips reuteri	Chile, Mexico, USA
Eupoecilia ambiguella	China, Korea
Nippoptilia vitis	China, Korea, India
Pestalotiopsis menezesiana	Australia, China, India, Korea
Planococcus ficus	India, Mexico, USA
Planococcus kraunhiae	China, Korea
Platynota stultana	Mexico, USA
Pseudococcus comstocki	China, Korea, USA
Pseudococcus maritimus	Chile, China, Mexico, Peru, USA
Rhipiphorothrips cruentatus	China, India
Scirtothrips dorsalis	Australia, China, India, Korea, Mexico, Peru, USA
Sparganothis pilleriana	China, Korea
Viteus vitifoliae	Australia, China, India, Korea, Peru

Pests proposed to be added and managed by basic measures

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While identifying the hazards on table grapes, additional pests not listed in current import health standards were identified as posing a risk on the pathway. Some pests (indicated with *) were not fully assessed because the initial evidence showed that risk would be reduced to an acceptable level by basic measures. For all remaining pests on the list below, further assessment was required to determine if basic measures would be sufficient.

All pests listed on the table below are proposed for inclusion and basic measures are considered to reduce the risk to an acceptable level. It is important to note that these pests will not be mentioned in the IHS itself, but the list of pests associated with fresh table grapes and managed by basic measure can be found on PIER.

PIER – Product Import and Export Requirements

Some species (for example scales and mealybugs) were assessed as a group since they have similar biology, ecology and are likely to have comparable impacts.

For an explanation of how we assess risk, see details on risk assessment and impact ratings [PDF, 90 KB]

Pest proposed for basic measure	Distribution	Rationale
Aleurolobus taonabae – Grapevine whitefly	China	This whitefly is very unlikely to enter New Zealand as it shows visible symptoms, and adults are likely to fly or fall off during inspection or packing. Due to limited mobility of immature stages and limited host availability, exposure to host plants is unlikely. Establishment and spread are unlikely as the whitefly only feeds on a few plant species despite climate suitability. Economic impact is minimal. While it can damage plant leaves by causing yellowing, curling and producing honeydew, which promotes sooty mould, damage is rare, and no significant losses have been reported.
Archips micaceana – Soybean leaf roller	China, India	This moth is unlikely to enter New Zealand as it produces webs and waste that are usually visible during inspection despite the possibility of hiding in grape bunches and surviving transport. Due to limited mobility of immature stages and inability to survive winter, exposure to host plants is very unlikely, despite host availability. Establishment and spread are unlikely as the moth is found in tropical and subtropical regions. However, it could establish in the warmer northernmost areas if suitable host plants are available. Economic impact is minimal and would be largely restricted by climate despite availability of host material.
Archips podana – Large fruit-tree tortrix	China, Korea, USA	The moth could enter New Zealand undetected as larvae or pupae hidden in grape bunches, especially non-feeding stages that cause no visible damage; however, due to limited mobility of immature stages, exposure to host plants is very unlikely. Establishment and spread are very likely due to favourable climate and wide availability of host plants. Economic impact is moderate. Its larvae can damage various crops by rolling leaves together and feeding on fruits, reducing yield and market value. It is a moderate to major pest of apples and pears.
Argyrotaenia ljungiana*	China	Likely to be detected during commercial production activities.
Cryptoblabes gnidiella*	Egypt, India, Korea, Mexico
Popillia quadriguttata*	China, Korea
Botrytis prunorum	Chile	This fungus could enter New Zealand with mild infections possibly going unnoticed; otherwise, symptoms are likely to be detected either before or after harvest. However, host exposure is very unlikely due to low spore production and weak pathogenicity. If it were to enter NZ, it could establish and spread, as a closely related Botrytis species is already widespread due to favourable climate. Economic impact is minor, causing blossom blight and post-harvest fruit rot but very unlikely to add significantly to existing Botrytis-related losses.
Coniella vitis – White rot of grapevine	China	This fungus is unlikely to enter New Zealand as it infects damaged fruit, and symptoms are typically visible, despite spores on the surface of healthy grapes possibly going unnoticed. Host exposure is unlikely as the disease requires open wounds, and favourable conditions (high moisture and, warm temperatures). Establishment and spread are unlikely and limited to the warmer regions of New Zealand where grapevines grow. Economic impact is minimal with white rot possible under ideal conditions though New Zealand’s climate may limit outbreaks.
Dysmicoccus brevipes – Pineapple mealybug	Chile, China, Egypt, India, Mexico, Peru, USA	This mealybug is very unlikely to enter New Zealand due to poor survival during transport. Due to limited mobility of young and adult stages, exposure to host plants is unlikely, despite host availability. Establishment and spread are unlikely or very unlikely, especially in cooler regions, though possible in warmer areas or greenhouses. Economic impact is minor. While it can affect other crops, climate limits their spread. Indirect damage may include honeydew production, which promotes sooty mould reducing fruit quality and market value.
Eulia stalactitis (Chileulia stalactitis)*	Chile	Based on information available the webbing and the feeding of the pest should be detected either in field monitoring, grading, sorting or phytosanitary inspection. Basic measures are considered appropriate.
Ferrisia gilli	USA	These mealybugs are very unlikely to enter New Zealand, as they’re easily detected, have few hiding spots on grapes, prefer other hosts over grapes, or unlikely to survive transport. Due to limited host range, and limited mobility exposure to host plants is unlikely, despite host availability. Establishment and spread are unlikely as climate in New Zealand is generally unsuitable (too cold) in most areas to support its survival. Economic impact is minor. While they can affect other crops, climate limits their spread. Indirect damage may include honeydew production, which promotes sooty mould reducing fruit quality and market value
Nipaecoccus viridis	Australia, China, Egypt, India, Mexico
Paracoccus marginatus	Australia, China, India, Mexico
Phenacoccus solenopsis	Australia, Chile, China, Egypt, India
Planococcus lilacinus	China, Mexico, USA
Planococcus minor	China, India
Pseudococcus cribata	Australia, India, Mexico
Pseudococcus cryptus	Chile, China
Pseudococcus meridionalis	Australia, Chile, India, Korea
Lasiodiplodia pseudotheobromae	Australia, China, Egypt, India, Korea, Mexico, Peru	These fungi have been reported in other hosts but have not been investigated in grape berries. If found on grapes, they could enter New Zealand as infection may be asymptomatic. However, host exposure is unlikely requiring open wounds despite host availability. Suitable climate and widespread hosts could facilitate establishment and spread; however, low temperatures may slow growth. Economic impact is moderate and sporadic, mainly affecting stressed or wounded plants.
L. theobromae** – Diplodia rot	Australia, Chile, China, Egypt, India, Korea, Mexico, Peru, USA
Marmara gulosa – Citrus peelminer	Mexico, USA	The moth is unlikely to enter New Zealand as it rarely infests grape bunches and prefers citrus fruits. Limited flight restricts movement, making exposure to hosts unlikely despite their availability. Establishment and spread are likely due to common host plants, high reproduction and suitable climate. Economic impact ranges from minor to moderate, causing cosmetic damage to citrus fruits, particularly grapefruit, reducing their market value.
Neopulvinaria innumerabilis	USA	These scales are unlikely to enter New Zealand as they are not strongly associated with grapes, they are likely to be detected and unlikely to survive transport. Due to limited mobility, exposure to host plants is unlikely, despite host availability. Establishment and spread are likely as these scales are present in a wide range of climates and can establish in some parts of New Zealand. Economic impact is moderate. These scales can feed on a wide range of economically important host plants, and heavy infestations can cause symptoms of decline, potentially affecting both yield and quality. However, effective control methods are available.
Ceroplastes actiniformis	China, Egypt, India
Ceroplastes cirripediformis	Chile, China, Egypt, India, Mexico, Peru, USA
Parthenolecanium orientalis	China, Korea
Russellaspis pustulans	China, Egypt, India, Mexico, Peru, USA
Aonidiella orientalis	Australia, China, Egypt, India, Mexico, Peru, USA
Oligonychus punicae*	Australia, Chile, China, Egypt, India, Mexico, Peru, USA	Weak association with table grapes and low risk of exposure. Basic measures are considered appropriate.
Popillia mutans*	China, Korea, India	Visibly detectable, the larvae and pupae are associated with grass and soil, and adult associated with branches because it is an external feeder. Basic measures are considered appropriate.
Proeulia triquetra*	Chile	Not enough information available to conduct a PRA but is likely to be detected so basic measures are considered appropriate.
Retithrips syriacus- Black vine thrips	Egypt, India	This thrip is very unlikely to enter New Zealand, as its easily detected and unlikely to survive transport. Limited flight restricts movement, making exposure to hosts unlikely despite their availability. Establishment and spread are likely in warmer regions of New Zealand due to favourable climate and widespread host plants. Economic impact ranges from minor to moderate including defoliation, feeding damage, and excrement contamination on horticultural crops, but can be managed through insecticides, biopesticides, cultural practices, or biological control.

Targeted measure requirements for importing fresh table grapes (Vitis spp.) into New Zealand for human consumption

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Targeted measures are justified where the risk posed by a pest is not sufficiently managed by basic measures alone. The following are a selection of measures that may be considered for managing pests requiring targeted measures:

Targeted measure	Outcome of targeted measure
Country freedom	A CTO is satisfied that a country is free of the pest in accordance with ISPM 4. Requirements for the establishment of pest free areas or ISPM 8. Determination of pest status in an area.
Pest free area	The fresh table grapes are sourced from a pest free area established in accordance with ISPM 4. Requirements for the establishment of pest free areas.
Pest free place of production	The fresh table grapes are sourced from a pest free place of production established in accordance with ISPM 10. Requirements for the establishment of pest free places of production and pest free production sites.
Systems approach	Different measures, at least 2 of which act independently, are integrated and have a cumulative effect that is effective for managing the pests in accordance with ISPM 14. The use of integrated measures in a systems approach for pest risk management.
In-field pest controls	In-field pest control activities are undertaken that are effective for managing the pests, consistent with good agricultural practice.
End point treatment	An end-point treatment that is effective for managing the pests in accordance with the efficacy requirements of ISPM 28. Phytosanitary treatments for regulated pests and is applied prior to export or in transit to New Zealand.

Proposed changes to the existing list of pests managed by targeted measures

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Pest risk assessments determined that 2 mealybugs and 1 scale insect that are in some existing table grape import health standards do not require additional measures. These 3 pests are now proposed to be managed by basic measure requirements only.

Additionally, 8 spiders previously listed as venomous and requiring additional measures have been reassessed and now proposed for removal from the pest list as they are not a phytosanitary or human health risk.

Pest (distribution)	Proposal	Rationale
Maconellicoccus hirsutus – Pink hibiscus mealybug (Australia, China, Egypt, India, Mexico, USA) Ferrisia virgata – Striped mealybug (Australia, China, Egypt, India, Mexico, Peru, USA)	Reduce measure from targeted to basic measures	These pests are unlikely to enter New Zealand, as they’re usually visible during inspections, though early life stages hidden in grape bunches may be missed. They’re unlikely to be exposed to other plants due to limited movement of young and adult stages which limits their ability to reach new hosts despite the presence of suitable host plants in New Zealand. Establishment and spread are unlikely or very unlikely, especially in cooler regions. Establishment may be possible in warmer areas or protected environments like greenhouses. Economic impact is minor. While they can affect other crops, climate limits their spread. Indirect damage may occur through honeydew production, which promotes sooty mould and can reduce fruit quality and market value.
Pseudaulacaspis pentagona – White peach scale (Australia, China, India, Egypt, Korea, Peru, USA)	Reduce measure from targeted to basic measures	This scale is likely to enter New Zealand as grapes are a preferred host plant, and the smaller life stages may be difficult to detect within grape bunches, in low numbers. They’re unlikely to be exposed to other plants due to limited movement of young and adult stages which limits their ability to reach new hosts despite the presence of suitable host plants in New Zealand. Establishment is unlikely and may be limited to warmer regions. Economic impact is moderate. Scale insects can feed on a wide range of economically important host plants, and heavy infestations can cause symptoms of decline, potentially affecting both yield and quality. However, effective control methods are available. Some scales produce honeydew, which promotes sooty mould and can reduce fruit quality and market value.
Adoxophyes orana	Remove from pest list	Insufficient evidence of association with grapevine
Chrysomphalus dictyospermi Gea heptagon	Remove from pest list	Not associated with the commodity
Cicurina spp. Euryopis spp. Lycosa spp. Oradrassus assimilis Clubiona spp.	Remove from pest list	Not a phytosanitary risk and not a risk to human health
Xylella fastidiosa Homalodisca vitripennis	Remove from pest list	No longer considered a risk on the pathway. For further information, see the vector analysis [PDF, 2 MB]

Pests proposed to be retained and managed by targeted measures

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During hazard identification, we reviewed existing pests that still require targeted measures to reduce the risk on the pathway. These pests are proposed to be retained on the IHS, requiring targeted measures. Note that some countries may have been added to this list of pests based on the evidence from our risk assessment.

Pest	Distribution (exporting countries)
Cheiracanthium inclusum	India, Mexico, USA
Conogethes punctiferalis	Australia, China, Korea, India
Guignardia bidwellii	China, Korea, Mexico, India
Latrodectus geometricus	Australia, Chile, China, Egypt, India, Mexico, Peru, USA
Latrodectus hasselti	Australia, India
Latrodectus hesperus	Korea, Mexico, USA
Latrodectus mactans	Chile, China, India, Mexico, Peru, USA
Lobesia botrana	Chile, Egypt
Monilinia fructigena	China, Egypt, India, Korea
Phidippus johnsoni	Mexico, USA
Stathmopoda auriferella	Korea, India, China, Egypt
Tetranychus kanzawai	China, Korea, India, USA, Mexico
Thrips palmi	Australia, India, Korea, Mexico, Peru

Pests proposed to be added and managed by targeted measures

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After hazard identification, several new pests were flagged for further risk assessment to determine if additional measures were needed. Based on these assessments, the pests listed below are proposed to require measures beyond basic requirements.

Pest proposed for targeted measure	Distribution	Rationale
Greeneria uvicola – Bitter rot of grapevine	Australia, China, India, Mexico	This pest is likely to enter New Zealand and infect grape berries. Additional measures are proposed due to the infection's ability to be symptomless, and viable infections may remain symptomless throughout harvesting, processing and transport to New Zealand. Though its spores spread easily, this fungus is very unlikely to be exposed to other plants because infection only occurs under specific conditions such as high moisture, warm temperatures, and fruit wounds. Establishment and spread in all commercial grape-growing regions is very likely due to suitable climate and spore movement through rain. Economic impact is minor, with potential effects on berry taste and appearance, but outbreaks require specific environmental triggers.
Monilinia polystroma – Asian brown rot	China	Grapes aren’t primary hosts but can carry the fungus asymptomatically, allowing it to evade detection. Exposure to other plants is likely, as many potential hosts like peaches, plums, apples, and pears are common in home gardens and can be infected via domestic waste, even without wounds. Establishment and spread are likely due to suitable climate and widespread host availability. There are likely to be economic and sociocultural impacts on commercial and home gardeners of stone fruit, and pip fruit
Cheiracanthium mildei – Northern yellow sac spider	Australia, Egypt, India, USA(California)	Immediate sanitary risk from these spiders arises from handling imported grape bunches. These spiders are likely to enter New Zealand via imported grapes, which offer ideal hiding spots and access to insect prey. They are mobile and would be able to transfer from imported grapes to locations inside and outside buildings to find small insects to feed on, making exposure likely. New Zealand’s suitable climate, vegetation, and soil make establishment and spread likely. Economic impacts may include costs for medical treatment, public education, professional training, antivenom storage, spider detection and control, and expert consultation. Social impacts could involve increased public awareness and changes in behaviour to manage the risk. Cultural and ecological impacts involve exotic Latrodectus species threatening the native katipō (a culturally important taonga and key indicator of dune ecosystem health) through predation, interbreeding, and competition. This poses risks to iwi-led restoration projects across regions like Northland and Kaitorete Spit.
Latrodectus elegans – Flame black widow	China, India
Latrodectus erythromelas	India
Latrodectus pallidus – White widow spider	Egypt
Latrodectus tredecimguttatus – Mediterranean black widow	China, Egypt, India

MPI-specified measures for importing fresh table grapes (Vitis spp.) into New Zealand for human consumption

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Fruit flies are a high-risk pest group, and even an incursion could disrupt trade and cause large economic losses for New Zealand horticulturists. We propose managing fruit flies with the following specified measures, on top of basic measures.

MPI-specified measure	Outcome of MPI-specified measure
Country freedom	A chief technical officer is satisfied that a country is free of the pest in accordance with ISPM 4. Requirements for the establishment of pest-free areas or ISPM 8. Determination of pest status in an area.
Pest free area	The fresh grapes are sourced from a pest-free area established in accordance with ISPM 4. Requirements for the establishment of pest-free areas or ISPM 26. Establishment of pest-free areas for fruit flies (Tephritidae).
Phytosanitary treatments	A phytosanitary treatment is applied prior to export or in transit to New Zealand. The treatment must be in accordance with a treatment specified in a relevant annex of ISPM 28. Phytosanitary treatments for regulated pests or any other treatment specified in Schedule 3.
Systems approach	Different measures, at least 2 of which act independently, are integrated and have a cumulative effect that is effective for managing the pest(s) in accordance with ISPM 14. The use of integrated measures in a systems approach for pest risk management and ISPM 35. Systems approach for pest risk management of fruit flies (Tephritidae).

Summary of assessment on fruit flies associated with fresh grapes

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Evidence supporting this proposal includes:

The fruit flies are recorded in association with table grapes.
Infestations may not be visible because the eggs and maggots will be inside the fruit.
1. The complexity of the grape bunch makes it more difficult to detect fruit fly puncture marks.
2. Fruit culling and general post-harvest handling is unlikely to remove all infested fruit.
The flies are likely to survive transit to New Zealand.
The flies have the potential to survive and complete development in table grape waste, i.e., discarded fruit.
The flies are likely to find suitable host plants in New Zealand.
The flies all have potential to establish in at least some parts of New Zealand due to climatic factors.
If a single fruit fly is detected, it has the potential to cause major negative economic impacts to New Zealand, largely due to New Zealand’s current pest-free status for tephritid fruit flies.
1. Costs incurred to investigate an incursion or to respond to and eradicate an outbreak are high.
  1. For example, the B. tryoni (Queensland fruit fly) response in 2019 cost the New Zealand government approximately NZ$18 million.
2. There would be financial and trade impacts on New Zealand.
  1. New Zealand horticulture exports are worth over NZ$6.7 billion (MPI, 2023).
  2. Trading partners are likely to impose export restrictions and/or additional phytosanitary measures for all fruit fly host material, which can be costly to implement.
    1. Market access loss at a cost of close to AU$100 million was recorded for the incursion of B. dorsalis (recorded as B. papaya) in north Queensland.
  3. Fruit fly establishment can cause high control costs for growers.
    1. Control costs due to fruit flies have been estimated at over US$7.5 million per annum in a single province (Western Cape) in South Africa (Barnes, 2016).
    2. Without control measures, direct damage of fruit and vegetable commodities can be as high as 100%.
The flies have the potential to cause significant damage to other plants in New Zealand, including economically important species such as citrus.
The flies have the potential to cause social impacts by affecting plants in residential gardens.

Pests (fruit flies) proposed to be retained and managed by MPI-specified measures

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During hazard identification, we reviewed pests in existing IHSs that require MPI-specified measures applied to reduce the risk on the pathway. These pests are proposed to be retained in the IHS, requiring MPI-specified measures.

Pest	Distribution
Anastrepha fraterculus	Mexico, Peru
Bactrocera dorsalis	China, India
Bactrocera neohumeralis	Australia
Bactrocera tryoni	Australia
Ceratitis capitata	Australia, Egypt, Peru
Drosophila suzukii	Chile, China, India, Korea, Mexico, USA

Pests (fruit flies) proposed to be added to the list of pests managed by MPI-specified measures

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Pest	Distribution
Bactrocera correcta	India
Bactrocera zonata	Egypt, India

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What if I want to import a different fresh produce commodity or commodity from a different country?

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An import health standard (IHS) specifies the requirements for importing risk goods into New Zealand from all countries with approved market access for that commodity.

To check the approval status and import requirements for specific commodities and countries, use PIER search.

PIER search

If a commodity is not approved from a certain country, you can find more information about requirements on our page 'Steps to importing fresh fruit and vegetables'.

What does MPI consider when assessing the level of risk for a pest?

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MPI determines the strength of the measures required for pests based on the risk of entry and establishment in New Zealand, the potential consequences of establishment, as well as the uncertainty of the risk assessment.

The risk evaluation criteria include:

current scientific evidence of pest biology and association
relevant production processes and methods
relevant inspection, sampling, and testing methods
prevalence of pests and diseases in the country of origin
relevant ecological and environmental compatibility (potential for long-term establishment in New Zealand)
quarantine or in-transit treatment options
potential economic and environmental consequences of entry and establishment (including the impact on cultural values).

MPI uses 3 different types of measures to manage pests and diseases: basic, targeted, and MPI-specified.

Pests managed by basic measures are those where commercial production practices (for example standard cultivation, pest control, harvesting, inspection, and packing) will reduce the population to an acceptable level, not zero.

Pests that are not sufficiently managed by basic measures require targeted measures, such as pest-free areas, pest-free places of production, end-point treatment, systems approaches or in-field pest control. Targeted measures are negotiated between New Zealand and the exporting country’s National Plant Protection Organisation (NPPO) and are captured in the export plan.

MPI-specified measures are required when the risk of entry and establishment of a pest is high and the consequence of establishment of a pest is severe. These are also included in the export plan and agreed on between New Zealand and the exporting country’s NPPO.

Why is a certain pest associated with grapevine not mentioned here?

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During the risk analysis stage, MPI identifies pests and diseases associated with the commodity (table grapes) and the import pathways covered in the IHS. Many pests may be associated with the grapevine plant (vitis vinifera) though not the commodity. For these pests that are unlikely to be found on the commodity, commercial production practices sufficiently manage the risk to the import pathway.

Other reasons for not being included as a risk pest for the commodity are:

the pest is already present and established in New Zealand
updated scientific evidence concluding the pest is not associated with the commodity
absence of the pest in the exporting markets
non-regulated in the Official New Zealand Pest Register.

Official New Zealand Pest Register

Will there be any effect on border clearance if these pests are not listed in the import health standard?

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Regardless of the strength of a measure, any viable regulated quarantine pest will be actionable at the border if intercepted. The same principle applies to pests that were not assessed in full. Although pests managed through basic measures are not listed in the import health standard, they will be listed in the Official New Zealand Pest Register, along with the actions that border inspectors should take if intercepted.

Official New Zealand Pest Register

How does MPI use interception data when assessing risk?

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Pest interception data is used early in the risk assessment when identifying pests that may be associated with the commodity and to inform the decisions on appropriate measures to manage the risk. Intercepting a pest frequently does not always mean stringent measures are required.

If a pest or disease of interest lacks sufficient evidence to proceed to the pest risk analysis, it is referred to our Emerging Risks System (ERS) team, who will actively monitor for new information and status changes involving this pest. When trade begins, we continue to monitor the interception data on the pathway to verify the measures in place are effectively managing the risk.

What are the threshold levels for weed seed contamination to trigger an action at New Zealand border?

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Before border clearance, all unaccompanied consignments of fresh fruit and vegetables may be sampled and inspected for the presence of pests, seeds, symptoms of disease, soil, and other non-conformities.

Under sampling option 1 (unless the importer has nominated a sample size), up to 6 weed seeds are acceptable in a consignment of 1,000 units (with 450 units sampled). If regulated weed seeds exceed this threshold, the consignment will be held at the border and the non-conformance documented. Quarantine officers will determine if remedial action, such as resorting, would be feasible.

For more information on non-conformance and the alternate sampling options, refer to: Guidance document – information on clearance of fresh fruit and vegetables for human consumption [PDF, 296 KB]

The new draft IHS does not contain information regarding sampling, inspection, and clearance processes at the border. Where can I find this information?

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For further information on the sampling, inspection, and clearance processes at the border refer to the Guidance document – information on clearance of fresh fruit and vegetables for human consumption [PDF, 296 KB]

Where can I find the human health risk assessment of venomous spiders undertaken by Health New Zealand?

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You can find an updated human health risk assessment of venomous spiders undertaken by Health New Zealand on its website.

Health risk assessment on poisonous spiders and the risks associated with the importation of table grapes – Health New Zealand

Submissions are public information

Note that all, part, or a summary of your submission may be published on this website. Most often this happens when we issue a document that reviews the submissions received.

People can also ask for copies of submissions under the Official Information Act 1982 (OIA). The OIA says we must make the content of submissions available unless we have good reason for withholding it. Those reasons are detailed in sections 6 and 9 of the OIA.

If you think there are grounds to withhold specific information from publication, make this clear in your submission or contact us. Reasons may include that it discloses commercially sensitive or personal information. However, any decision MPI makes to withhold details can be reviewed by the Ombudsman, who may direct us to release it.

Official Information Act 1982 – NZ Legislation

Draft import health standard for fresh table grapes for human consumption

Introduction to this consultation

On this page

Why are we doing this

Consultation document

Related document

Making your submission

Online form

Email

Post

The steps we took to develop the import requirements

We identified pests associated with fresh table grapes (hazard identification)

We assessed the level of risk to New Zealand of the pests identified as hazards

We decided what measures would best manage the risk of introducing pests to New Zealand

We developed the import health standard

Summary of the proposed changes

What’s not changing

What we are proposing

General requirements for importing fresh table grapes (Vitis spp.) into New Zealand for human consumption

Basic measure requirements for importing fresh table grapes (Vitis spp.) into New Zealand for human consumption

Outcomes of basic measures (commercial production activities)

Pests removed – no longer considered hazards

Pests proposed to be retained and managed by basic measures

Pests proposed to be added and managed by basic measures

Targeted measure requirements for importing fresh table grapes (Vitis spp.) into New Zealand for human consumption

Proposed changes to the existing list of pests managed by targeted measures

Pests proposed to be retained and managed by targeted measures

Pests proposed to be added and managed by targeted measures

MPI-specified measures for importing fresh table grapes (Vitis spp.) into New Zealand for human consumption

Summary of assessment on fruit flies associated with fresh grapes

Pests (fruit flies) proposed to be retained and managed by MPI-specified measures

Pests (fruit flies) proposed to be added to the list of pests managed by MPI-specified measures

Answers to common questions

What if I want to import a different fresh produce commodity or commodity from a different country?

What does MPI consider when assessing the level of risk for a pest?

Why is a certain pest associated with grapevine not mentioned here?

Will there be any effect on border clearance if these pests are not listed in the import health standard?

How does MPI use interception data when assessing risk?

What are the threshold levels for weed seed contamination to trigger an action at New Zealand border?

The new draft IHS does not contain information regarding sampling, inspection, and clearance processes at the border. Where can I find this information?

Where can I find the human health risk assessment of venomous spiders undertaken by Health New Zealand?

Submissions are public information

MPI business units