16 September 2026
Purpose
This Industry Advice Notice (IAN) is to advise that the New Zealand Ministry of Primary Industries (MPI) has released an updated Import Health Standard (IHS) for Fresh Table Grapes (Vitis spp.) for Human Consumption in the 2026-27 export season effective 16 September 2026.
Summary of changes and key points
- On 16 March 2026, the New Zealand MPI published an updated draft IHS for the import of fresh table grapes.
- The updated requirements will take effect from 16 September 2026 for the 2026-27 export season and include:
- Pink hibiscus mealybug (Maconellicoccus hirsutus) is no longer a pest of concern.
- Brown widow spider (Latrodectus geometricus) requires targeted measures in line with Australian redback spider (Latrodectus hasselti) through SO2/CO2 or Ethyl formate fumigation. Ethyl formate fumigation option is currently unavailable as rates require approval by Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority -APVMA.
Melon thrips (Thrips palmi) requires targeted measures through either
- in field controls under accredited property (AP) requirements
- treatment at 400gy/500gy or
- Pest Free Area (PFA) for states Western Australia (WA), South Australia (SA) and Tasmania (TAS).
Note: PFA option is currently subject to consideration by MPI and unavailable.
- Bitter rot of grapes (Greeneria uvicola) requires targeted measures through in-field controls under AP requirements.
- The cold disinfestation treatment rate for all fruit flies including lesser Queensland fruit fly (Bactrocera neohumeralis), Queensland fruit fly (Bactrocera tryoni) and Mediterranean fruit fly (Ceratitis capitata) has been compiled to 0°C or below for 13 continuous days or 1.6°C or below for 16 continuous days.
- The Manual of Importing Country Requirements (Micor) case, including the endorsement explanations and required supporting documentation have been updated to reflect the changes.
Note: Access to the New Zealand Export Plan will be available through the ‘Documents’ section of the Manual of Importing Country Requirements (Micor) once approved by NZ MPI.
- The “Table Grape – Pest and Disease Module” in Learnhub has been updated for crop monitors to reflect the additional pests.
Background
New Zealand MPI published the draft IHS for the import of fresh table grapes on 16 March 2026, which included additional pests (Thrips palmi, Bitter rot of grapes, and Brown widow spider) requiring targeted measures and the removal of Pink hibiscus mealybug as a pest of concern. The draft also included the introduction of Ethyl formate fumigation as an option for the treatment of spiders and the consolidation of cold disinfection treatment rates for all fruit flies.
We have been working with MPI to clarify what conditions under the reviewed table grape IHS are applicable to Australia and how certification is to be applied. MPI has provided advice on the applicable requirements under these new IHS conditions.
Contact information
If you have any questions regarding this IAN, please email Horticulture Exports.
Jemma Martin
Assistant Secretary
Plant Exports Branch