21 August 2025
Purpose
This Industry Advice Notice (IAN) is to advise industry that the export of cucurbits via the Winter Window pathway to New Zealand is suspended, due to the detection of live larva of cucumber fruit fly (Zeugodacus cucumis, also known as Bactrocera cucumis).
Summary of changes and key points
- The New Zealand National Plant Protection Organisation, The Ministry of Primary Industries (MPI) has advised that, effective as of 20 August 2025, the export of cucurbits via the Winter Window pathway has been suspended.
- Commodities affected include
- Butternut (Cucurbita moschata)
- Cucumber (Cucumis sativus)
- Honeydew Melon (Cucumis melo)
- Pumpkin (Cucurbita pepo)
- Rockmelon (Cucumis melo)
- Scallopini (Cucurbita pepo)
- Squash (Cucurbita maxima)
- Watermelon (Citrullus lanatus)
- Zucchini (Cucurbita pepo)
- The manual of importing country requirements (Micor) has been updated to reflect the suspension.
IMPORTANT: Consignments of cucurbits sent via the Winter Window pathway, that have received phytosanitary certification prior to 20 August 2025 are permitted for export to New Zealand.
Contact information
If you have any questions regarding this IAN please email the Horticulture Exports Program.
Peter Ikin
A/g Director
Horticulture Exports Program