We are conducting a risk analysis for fresh aehobak (Korean summer squash) for human consumption from the Republic of Korea.
Risk analysis:
When we do a risk analysis, we:
- review the science on pests and diseases of concern
- assess and analyse biosecurity risks
- develop proposed risk management measures, if required
- consult the public on the draft report and then review comments
- publish the final report
- verify that the country can meet the recommended risk management measures
- develop import conditions
- publish import conditions in our Biosecurity Import Conditions system (BICON).
About the risk analysis
We initiated this risk analysis because Korea requested market access for fresh, greenhouse-grown aehobak (Cucurbita moschata). Learn more about why we carry out risk analyses and our international obligations.
This risk analysis is being conducted as a review of biosecurity import requirements. This is because we have completed a preliminary assessment of the pests of potential biosecurity concern associated with aehobak from Korea and found that:
- the pests of concern are the same, or of the same pest groups, as those pests that have been assessed previously for other horticultural goods. These pests include fruit flies, spider mites, thrips and pathogens
- appropriate risk management measures exist for these pests or pest groups.
Announcement
We announced the commencement of this risk analysis on 22 September 2026.
Trade
Australia-Korea trade
Korea is an important trading partner for Australia. In 2025, Korea was Australia’s 4th largest two-way trading partner in goods and services ($67.5 billion) and our 4th largest market for agriculture, forestry and fisheries products ($4.57 billion).
Aehobak industry in Korea
Korea’s cucurbit industry is well established, however there are no specific production or export figures for aehobak. In 2024, Korea produced 306,851 tonnes of pumpkins, squash and gourds and exported 532 tonnes. Korea produces aehobak year-round across a variety of regions. Aehobak are grown in the field and in greenhouses. However, this market access request is specifically for greenhouse-grown aehobak.
Aehobak industry in Australia
Aehobak is not currently commercially grown in Australia.
Australia’s pumpkin and zucchini industries are well established. In 2024/25, Australia produced 117,184 tonnes of pumpkins and 35,880 tonnes of zucchini. Pumpkins and zucchinis are mainly grown in Queensland, New South Wales, Victoria and Western Australia. They can be harvested year-round, with regional variation to harvest and production periods.
In 2025, Australia exported approximately 3,000 tonnes of pumpkins. The top export markets were Singapore, Japan and Malaysia.
Aehobak imports
Australia does not currently permit the importation of fresh aehobak from any market. Australia permits imports of other fresh cucurbits, including pumpkin and zucchini, for human consumption from a range of countries provided they meet Australia’s biosecurity requirements. The only cucurbits Australia has imported in recent years are 18,755 kg of oriental and muskmelon form Japan and Korea between 2024 and 2026.
Next steps
We will:
- review the science on pests and diseases of concern
- assess and analyse the biosecurity risks
- develop a draft report, which will propose risk management measures (if required) to manage the identified biosecurity risks
- release the draft report for a 60-calendar day public consultation period. We plan to release the draft report in the second half of 2027. Please note that this is an indicative timeline and may be subject to change.
Keep informed
Register as a stakeholder
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Contact us
For more information, email imports@aff.gov.au or phone 1800 900 090 (when prompted select option 1, then option 1).