Import Health Standard  
Issued under the Biosecurity Act 1993   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 Prunus Plants for Planting  
MPI.IHS.PRUNUS.PFP  
17 December 2021  
 Import Health Standard : Prunus Plants for Planting   
  17 December 2021  
Ministry for Primary Industries  Page  1 of 29 
TITLE  
Import Health Standard : Prunus Plants for Planting  
COMMENCEMEN T 
This consolidated  import health standard  comes into force on 17 December  2021 . 
 
This import health standard  amends the Prunus Plant s for Planting (MPI.IHS.PRUNUS.PFP) , which came into 
force on 23 January 2020 and consolidates all amendments made up to commencement of this standard .  
 
The amendment history to this import health standard is set out in the Document History.  
ISSUING AUTHORITY  
This import health standard  is issued  under section 24A of the Biosecurity Act 1993  and incorporates 
amendments made in accordance with section 24B(1)(a) of that Act . 
 
Dated at Wellington, 17 December 2021  
 
 
Peter Thomson  
Director, Animal  & Plant Health  
Ministry for Prim ary Industries  
(acting under delegated authority of the Director -General)  
 
Contact for further information  
Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI)  
Biosecurity New Zealand  
Plant Imports  
PO Box 2526  
Wellington 6140  
 
Email: plantimports@mpi.govt.nz   
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Contents  Page 
Introduction  3 
Part 1:  Requirements  5 
1.1 Application  5 
1.2 Incorporation by reference  5 
1.3 Definitions  5 
1.4 General requirements for Prunus plants for planting  6 
1.5 Import permit  6 
1.6 Options for import  6 
1.7 Transitional arrangements  7 
Part 2:  Specific requirements  9 
2.1 Dormant cuttings  9 
2.2 Tissue cultures  9 
2.3 Screening for regulated pests  9 
2.4 Post entry quarantine  12 
Part 3:  Inspection, Verification  and Documentation Requirements  15 
3.1 Inspection  15 
3.2 Verification  15 
3.3 Phytosanitary certification  15 
3.4 Additional declaration s 16 
Schedule 1: Regulated pest list  17 
Schedule 2: Schedule of inspections and mandatory testing requirements  20 
Schedule 3: Approved insecticide treatments – Prunus  dormant cuttings  24 
Schedule 4: Approved miticide treatments – Prunus  dormant cuttings  25 
Schedule 5: Definitions  26 
 
 
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Introduction  
This introduction  is not part of the  Import Health S tandard (IHS) but is intended to indicate its general effect.  
Purpose  
An IHS specifies the requirements for importing risk goods  into New Zealand from all countries. This IHS 
specifies the requirements that must be met when importing  Prunus plants for planting  into New Zealand.  
Background  
An IHS issued under the New Zealand Biosecurity Act 1993  (the Act ) specifies the requirements to be met 
to effectively  manage biosecurity risks associated with importing risk goods , including the risks from 
incidentally imported new organisms . IHSs include measures that must be applied in th e exporting country 
before the risk goods  are exported. IHSs  also include requirements that must be met by importers  during 
importation , including while the risk goods are in transit  to New Zealand and held in a transitional facility , 
before biosecurity clearance  can be given.  
Post -clearance  conditions  may also be specified in an IHS. 
Who should read this?  
This IHS should be read by anyone involved in the process of importing  Prunus plants for planting  into 
New Zealand (or who has an inter est in importing  Prunus plants for planting ). 
Why is this important?  
It is the responsibility of the importer to ensure that risk goods  (i.e. Prunus plants for planting ) comply with 
the requirements of the relevant IHS. Risk goods  that do not comply with the requirements of an IHS may not 
be cleared  for entry  into New Zealand and may be directed for treatment , re-export , destruction , or further 
action deemed appropriate by a Chief Technical Officer  (CTO ). The pathway  may be suspended if certain 
types of viable regulated pests  or weed seeds are intercepted on the  consignment . 
Importers  are liable for all associated expenses.  
Equivalence  
A CTO  may consider an applicat ion for an equivalent phytosanitary measure  to be approved, different from 
that provided for in this IHS, to maintain at least the same level of protection assured by the current 
measure(s).  
Equivalence  will be considered with reference to the Internation al Standard for Phytosanitary Measures 
ISPM  24. Guidelines for the determination and recognition of equivalence of phytosanitary measures (2011).  
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Document History  
Version Date  Section Changed  Change(s) Description  
23 January 2020  All Import requirements for Prunus plants for 
planting  
12 August  2021  Part 2.4, Part 3.3, and Schedule 
2 Correction of formatting and grammar  
17 December  2021  Part 1.7  Extension of the transitional period from 23 
January 2022 to 23 January 2025 . 
Amendment to the guidance box in Section 1.7 to 
clarify that the transitional period can be removed 
prior to the expiry date by consulted amendment.  
 
 
Other information  
Guidance boxes are included within this IHS for explanatory purposes. The guidance i ncluded in these boxes 
is for information only and has no legal effect.  
Within this IHS, terms printed in bold have the same meaning as that set out and defined in the Act , ISPM 5.  
Glossary of phytosanitary terms or Schedule 5  of this IHS. Import Health Standard : Prunus Plants for Planting   
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Part 1:  Requirements  
1.1 Application  
(1) This Import Health Standard  (IHS)  applies to species and hybrids of Prunus plants for planting  that 
are listed in the MPI Plan ts Biosecurity Index  (PBI) with an import specification for nursery stock of 
“see MPI.IHS.PRUNUS.PFP”.  
(2) The following types of Prunus  plants for planting  are eligible for import  from all countries under this 
standard:  
a) dormant cuttings ; 
b) tissue cultures . 
 
Guidance  
• The IHS applies to all members of the Prunus  genus (including apricot, cherry, peach, plum, nectarine 
and ornamental cultivars) that are listed in the PBI with an import  specification of “see 
MPI.IHS. PRUNUS .PFP ”. 
• Interspecific hyb rids are eligible for import  provided that every species in the parentage is listed as 
eligible in the PBI. 
 
1.2 Incorporation by reference  
(1) The following documents are incorporated by reference under section 142M of the Act : 
a) ISPM 4.  Requirements for the establishment of pest free areas . Rome, IPPC, FAO;  
b) ISPM 5.  Glossary of phytosanitary terms . Rome, IPPC, F AO; 
c) ISPM 7.  Phytosanitary certification system . Rome, IPPC, FAO;  
d) ISPM 8 . Determination of pest status in an area . Rome, IPPC, FAO;  
e) ISPM 10.  Requirements for the establishment of pest free places of production and pest free 
production sites . Rome, IPPC, FAO ; 
f) ISPM 12.  Phytosanitary certificates . Rome, IPPC, FAO;  
g) ISPM 23.  Guidelines for inspection . Rome, IPPC, FAO ; 
h) ISPM 24.  Guidelines for the determination and recognition of equivalence of phytosanitary 
measures . Rome, IPPC, FAO;  
i) ISPM 27.  Diagnostic protocols for regulate d pests . Rome, IPPC, FAO;  
j) ISPM 36.  Integrated measures for plants for planting . Rome, IPPC, FAO;  
k) MPI Official New Zealand Pest Register  (ONZPR ). Wellington, MPI ; 
l) MPI Plants Biosecurity Index (PBI) . Wellington, MPI;  
m) MPI Schedule of Regulated (Quarantine) Weed Seeds.  Wellington, MPI.  
(2) Under section 142O(3) of the Act  it is declared that section 142O(1) does not apply, that is, a notice 
under section 142O(2) of the Act  is not required to be published before material that amends or 
replaces any ma terial incorporated by reference has legal effect as part of those documents.  
1.3 Definitions   
(1) Definitions are listed in  Schedule 5 . Import Health Standard : Prunus Plants for Planting   
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Ministry for Primary Industries  Page  6 of 29 
1.4 General  requirements for Prunus plants for planting  
(1) Importers  may only import Prunus plants for planting from a country where:  
a) the NPPO  has provided evidence to the satisfaction of a CTO  that the exporting country has a 
phytosanitary certification  system that complies with ISPM 7.  Phytosanitary certification 
system . The phytosanitary certification  system (including programmes and standards) must 
demonstrate the process used to provide export assurance.  
(2) In order for Prunus  plants for planting  to obt ain authorisation for movement to a transitional facility , 
Prunus  plants for planting  must:  
a) meet the requirements of  Parts  1.5 Import permit  and 1.6 Options for import ;  
b) meet the requirements of Part 2.1 Dormant cuttings  or Part 2.2 Tissue cultures ; 
c) be accompanied by documentation that meets the requirements of Part 3:  Inspection, Verification 
and Documentation Requirements ; and  
(3) In order to obtain biosecurity clearance  into New Zealand, all Prunus plants for planting must  also: 
a) meet the re quiremen ts of Parts 2.3 Screening for regulated pests  and 2.4 Post entry quarantine ; 
b) be free from viable regulated pests , soil , and other  contamination . 
 
Guidance  
• The list of regulated pests for which  specific  disease screening is required is given  in Schedule 1 : 
Regulated pest list . 
• The full list of regulated  and non -regulated pests  for New Zealand can be found in  ONZPR  and the 
Schedule of regulated (quarantine) weed seeds . In order for a Prunus  plant for planting  to obtain 
biosecurity clearance , it must be free from  all regulated pests , not just the pests listed in Schedule 
1 and Schedule 2  of this IHS. Schedule s 1 and 2 list the pests for which specific phytosan itary 
measures must be applied in post entry quarantine.   
1.5 Import permit  
(1) An import permit  is required for all consignments  of Prunus  plants for planting . 
(2) The import permit  will identify the following:  
a) the regulated pests  for which screening is required in New Zealand;  
b) the transitional  facility  to which plants must be directed on -arrival;  
c) the minimum post entry quarantine  period, based on those regulated pests  for which 
screening is required;  
d) the level of quarantine  greenh ouse  and/or quarantine tissue culture laboratory  in which 
consignments  must be held, based on those regulated pests  for which screening is required.  
1.6 Options for import  
(1) All Prunus  plants for planting  must be produced using one of the following options:  
a) produced under an Export Plan  as described in Part 1.6.1; or  
b) produced at an offshore facility  as described in Part 1.6.2; or  
c) produced in any way other than listed above as described in Part 1.6.3.  Import Health Standard : Prunus Plants for Planting   
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1.6.1 Prunus plants for planting  produced under an Export Plan  
(1) Impor ters may import  Prunus plants for planting  produced under an Export Plan  from a country 
where an Export Plan  has been approved by a CTO . The Export Plan  will detail the activities and 
processes established to achieve the measures identified in clause 1.6.1(2).  
(2) Prunus plants for planting must meet one of the following measures to manage the risk in relation to 
each regulated pest  identified in the Export P lan: 
a) Country freedom : The Prunus  plants for planting are sourced from a country that has country 
freedom from the pest in accordance with ISPM 4.  Requirements for the establishment of pest 
free areas ; 
b) Pest free area : The Prunus plants for planting are sour ced from a pest free area  established 
in accordance with ISPM 4.  Requirements for the establishment of pest free areas ; 
c) Pest free place of production : The Prunus plants for planting  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 ; 
d) Integrated measures for plants for planting : The Prunus plants for planting are sourced from a 
production site  that uses integrated measures  for plants for planting in accordance with ISPM 
36. Integrated measures for plants for planting . 
(3) A phytosanitary measure  for any regulated pest  listed in  Schedule 1 : Regulated pest list  that is not 
identified in  the Export Pla n, must  be applied on arrival  in New Zealand  as described  in Parts 2.3 
Screening for regulated pests  and 2.4 Post entry quarantine . 
1.6.2 Prunus plants for planting  produced at an offshore facility  
(1) Importers may import Prunus plants for planting  produced at an offshore facility . 
(2) All Prunus plants for planting  produced at an offshore facility  must meet all of the phytosanitary 
measures  described in Part 2.3 Screening for regulated pests  in relation to each regulated pest  listed 
in the agreement between MPI and the offshore facility . 
(3) A phytosanitary measure  for any regulated pest  listed in  Schedule 1 : Regulated pest list  that is not 
applied at the offshore facility , must be applied on arrival  in New Zealand  as described in Parts  2.3 
Screening for regulated pests  and 2.4 Post entry quarantine . 
1.6.3 Prunus plants for planting  produced in any other way  
(1) For Prunus plants for planting  that are not produced under an Export Plan  or at an offshore 
facility , all phytosanitary measures  described in Parts 2.3 Screening for regulated pests  and 2.4 
Post entry quarantine   must be applied for each regulated pest  on arrival  in New Zealand . 
1.7 Transitio nal arrangements  
(1) If a consignment of Prunus  plants for planting  is imported from an offshore facility before 23 
Janu ary 2025  compliance with Parts 2.3.1 and 2.4(2)a) is not required provided the following 
conditions are met:  
a) Plants  must be quarantined into a Level 2 quarantine greenhouse for a minimum period of nine 
months active growth;  
b) Leaf material samples must be co llected from each actively growing plant  and tested by plating 
on potato dextrose agar (PDA). Each plant  in quarantine  must be sampled and tested 
separately;  
c) Specific testing , using PCR or plating on agar,  must be done for all members of the 
Pseudomonas genus  listed in Schedule 1 : Regulated pest list . Samples for testing must be taken 
after a period of growth under summer -like conditions in post entry quarantine;  
d) Plants  must  be irrigated using a method which prevents water coming into contact with plant  
foliage (such as drip irrigation). Overhead irrigation must not be used;  Import Health Standard : Prunus Plants for Planting   
  17 December 2021  
Ministry for Primary Industries  Page  8 of 29 
e) Irrigation water must be collected and either allowed to evaporate or treated prior to disposal;  
f) Any d ebris on the greenhouse floor must be swept up or vacuumed (and disposed of in the 
normal quarantine waste stream) rather than being hosed into the drain ; 
g) The following post -clearance requirements must be applied  to all consignments imported under 
transiti onal arrangements : 
i) Traceability of all plants  (and their progeny) must be maintained  for a minimum of one 
year after plants  receive a biosecurity clearance , with records of traceability provided to 
MPI on request;   
ii) The owner of all plants  that receive a biosecurity clearance  must ensure that the plants  
are regularly inspected by a  person authorised  by a CTO  for one year following clearance . 
The owner of the plants  must ensure, at a minimum that there must be at least one 
inspection every two week s during periods of active growth and an inspection at the start 
and end of any dormancy period.  Records must be retained of all inspections and made 
available to MPI on re quest.  
 
Guidance  
• The transitional arrangements  in regards to Parts 2.3.1  and 2.4(2)a)  are intended to allow existing 
quarantine greenhouses  sufficient time to make any changes that a re needed to allow a facility 
operator  to apply all post ent ry quarantine requirements set out in those Parts . 
• Consignments  imported  before the end of the transitional period (i.e. before 23 January 202 5) must 
either  comply with all requirements set out in  Parts 2.3.1  and 2.4(2)a)  of this IHS, or alternatively  
comply with additional requirements set out in Par t 1.7 Transitio nal arrangements  before they can 
receive a biosecurity clearance . Consignments  that comply with Part 1.7 Transitio nal arrangements  
do not need to comply with requirements set out in Parts 2.3.1  and 2.4(2)a)  of this IHS. After 23 
January 202 5, the transitional arrangements will be removed from this IHS. Alternatively, if a 
development  occurs  which means a transitional period is no longer required,  the transitional 
arrangements may be removed from this IHS prior to the 23 January 2025 expiry date by consulted 
amendment . All consignments imported  after the transitional period ends  will need to meet all 
requirements of Parts 2.3.1  and 2.4(2)a) . 
• When doing plant inspections as a post -clearance requirement, a ny symptoms  of disease that appear 
to be caused by a pest not normally seen or otherwise detected in New Zealand must be reporte d to 
the MPI Pest and Disease hotline immediately.  The following procedures should be used when 
inspecting plants (based on information in the MPI Guidance Document Post Entry Quarantine for 
Plants ): The person auth orised to do plant inspections  should be regularly examining all plants (at least 
once every two week s) for obvious symptoms of pests or disease  not normally seen or otherwise 
detected in New Zealand , and selecting a small number of plants for a more detailed inspection (for 
example using a hand lens).  
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Part 2:  Specific requirements  
(1) All dormant cuttings  must meet all requirements described in Part 2.1 Dormant cuttings . 
(2) All tissue cultures  must meet all requirements described in Part 2.2 Tissue cultures . 
(3) All Prunus plants for planting  must be screened in New Zealand for each regulated pest  listed in  
Schedule 1 : Regulated pest list , as described in Part 2.3 Screening for regulated pests , unless:  
a) phytosanitary measures  in relation to a regulated pest  have b een applied in accordance with 
an agreed Export Plan  or at an offshore facility . In this case the import permit  will identify the 
regulated pests  for which phytosanitary measures  must be applied on arrival  in New 
Zealand . 
(4) All Prunus plants for planting  that require phytosanitary measures  to be applied on arrival  in New 
Zealand  must be held in a transitional facility  approved to the MPI F acility Standard: Post Entry 
Quarantine for Plants  as described in  Part 2.4 Post entry quarantine . 
2.1 Dormant cuttings  
(1) Prior to export, a ll dormant cuttings  must be:  
a) free from  soil and other regulated articles ; 
b) clearly labelled with the full botanical name (genus and species) of all plants ; 
c) treated  for insects and mites prior to export using one of the treatment  options listed in 
Schedule 3 and Schedule  4, respectively , and held  in a manner to prevent recontamination after 
insect and mite treatments  have been applied ; 
d) shipped in packaging  that: 
i) is clean and free from  soil, visible regulated pests , and other regulated articles ; 
ii) prevents the plant  material from becoming contaminated  with regulated pests  or other 
regulated articles . 
e) accompanied by a phytosanitary certificate  as described in Part 3.3 Phytosanitary certificat ion; 
2.2 Tissue cultures  
(1) Prior to export, a ll tissue cultures  must be:  
a) derived from aerial plant  parts;  
b) grown in a pest proof and transparent vessel;  
c) grown in a medium free from fungicides, antibiotics , and charcoal;  
d) grown in the vessel in which they will be exported for at least 14 days p rior to shipment;  
e) free from visible fungal or bacterial contamination ; 
f) accompanied by a phytosanitary certificate  as described in Part 3.3 Phytosanitary certificat ion. 
2.3 Screening for regulated pests  
(1) To ensure freedom  from  regulated pests  all Prunus  plants for planting  must be screened for each 
regulated pest  listed in  Schedule 1 : Regulated pest list , on arrival  in New Zealand  as described in 
this Part unless:  
a) phytosanitary measures  for a particular pest have been applied as described under an agreed 
Export Plan , or at an offshore facility . In this case, the import permit  will identify the 
requirements of this Part that must be applied on arrival in New Zealand . Import Health Standard : Prunus Plants for Planting   
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2.3.1 Environmental conditions  
(1) Specific environmental conditions must be applied in the first and the second growing seasons, as 
follows:  
a) a continuous 120 -day (four month) period of spring -like conditions in the first growing season, 
and 90 -day (three month) period of spring -like conditions in the second growing season.  The 
daytime temperature must be 19°C (±  3°C)  and the night time temperature must be  17°C (± 
3°C) ; 
b) a continuous 120 -day (four month) period of summer -like conditions  in the first and second 
growing season , with a  daytime temperature of 23°C ( ± 3°C) and a night time temperature of 
20°C ( ± 3°C) . During the 120 -day period of summer -like conditions there must also be a 
continuous 30 day period where plants are held at 29° C (± 3°C) during the day and at 23°C ( ± 
3°C) at night ; 
c) a continuous 60-day ( two month ) period of autumn -like conditions, with a temperature (day and 
night) of  16°C ( ± 3°C) . 
(2) Plants must be held dormant  at temperatures below 16°C  for at least two months betw een the first and 
second growing season . 
a) temperatures and procedures that will be applied during dormancy must be described in the post 
entry quarantine transitional facility  operating manual and approved by MPI before use . 
(3) If there are deviations from the  requirements in clauses 2.3.1 (1) and 2.3.1 (2) whilst plants are being 
held in post entry quarantine  at a transitional facility (i.e. in a quarantine greenhouse ), the facility 
operator  must inform the MPI Inspector  as soon as practical . 
(4) The operating manual for the quarantine greenhouse  must describe the environmental conditions 
that will be applied during each growing season,  and during dormancy,  and how these will be 
monitored, maintained , and recorded.  
 
Guidance  
• Specific environmental conditions are required  to increase the likelihood of detecting regulated pests  
listed in Schedule 1 : Regulated pest list . 
• Plants  may be trans ferred to a refrigerated  room that is part of the quarantine greenhouse in order to 
provide optimal temperatures (for example between 2°C and 7°C) for plant chilling during the two -
month  winter  dormancy  period.  
• As noted in Part 1.7 Transitio nal arrangements , a transitional  period applies with regards to 
temperature regimes  and quarantine  requirements set out in Parts 2.3.1  and 2.4(2)a) . The transitional 
period appli es only to plants  imported  from an offshore facility . Any consignments  imported  from 
an offshore facility  prior to 23 January 202 5 do no t need to comply with these requirements . 
Consignments  that do not comply must meet all requirements  set out in Part 1.7 Transitio nal 
arrangements . 
2.3.2 Testing for regulated pests  
(1) All testing  for regulated pests  must be done at a transitional facility  approved to the MPI Standard 
155.04.03: A standard for diagnostic facilities which undertake the identification o f new organisms, 
excluding animal pathogens . 
2.3.2.1   Reporting pest and disease symptoms  
(1) When  a pest is found, or signs or symptoms of a pest are observed  on a Prunus  plant for planting  
by the facility  operator, the facility operator  must inform the MPI inspector  within 24 hours of 
detection.  
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Ministry for Primary Industries  Page  11 of 29 
Guidance  
• Diagnostic  testing  may be undertaken when symptoms are reported  to the MPI inspector  to verify the 
regulatory status of the organism causing the symptoms.  
• Depending on the type of symptoms, samples may be tested for the presence of various classes of 
disease organism, including bacteria, fungi, oomycetes, phytoplasmas, viroids and viruses.  
• The exact diagnostic test(s) that will be done will be decided on by the MPI Inspector , and by staff at 
the diagnostic facility. This will depend on the type of disease symptom(s) that are present.  
• Procedures that must be followed when the presence, or symptoms, of any pests or diseases are 
observed by the facility operator are contained in the MPI Facility Standard: Post Entry Quarantine 
for Plants . 
• All diagnostic testing  will be done at the importers expense.  
2.3.2.2   Mandatory testing  
(1) All Prunus  plants  for planting  must be tested  for all regulated pests  identified  in Schedule 2 , 
regardless of whether or not the plant  is showing signs or symptoms of pests  or disease  (mandatory 
test). 
(2) Samples for a mandatory test  must be collected during the first and second growing  season s, and/or 
(for dormant cuttings) on first arrival in New Zealand , according to the timetable s in Schedule 2 . 
(3) Each  Prunus  plant  in a quarantine greenhouse , or dormant cutting on first arrival in New Zealand , 
must be individually labelled and tested , with the following exception:  
a) for polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing , samples taken from up to five plants  of the same 
species can be combined to form a single composite sample for mandatory testing . 
 
Guidance  
• Mandatory testing  is targeted testing  that must be done for specified regulated pests  (identified in 
Schedule 2  of the IHS), regardless of whether or not the plant  is showing signs or symptoms of pests  
or disease.  
• Mandatory testing  is required in addition to growing season inspection to provide additional 
assurance that a consignment  is free from  specified high risk regulated pests. Mandatory testing  
may also be required when there is evidence that using growing season inspection  under conditions 
described in this IHS as the sole method for disease screening may not effectively manage the risk. 
For example , this may apply when it is known that a particular regulated pest  has a prolonged latent 
period, meaning that infected plants  are unlikely to show symptoms in post entry quarantine . 
• All mandatory testing  will be done at the importers expense.  
• When mandatory testing  is required  on first arrival in New Zealand, the import permit  will specify the 
diagnostic facility to which the dorman t cuttings  must be directed. As soon as the diagnostic facility 
has collected samples for testing, the imported plants may be directed to the post entry quarantine  
facility identified on the import permit .  
2.3.3 Inspection  
(1) All plants  must be inspected  for sign s and symptoms of regulated pests  by the facility operator  at 
least twice per week during periods of active growth and once per week during dormancy.  
(2) All plants  must be inspected  for signs and symptoms of regulated pests  by the MPI Inspector  
according to the timetable  in Schedule 2 .  
 
Guidance  
• The first inspection by an MPI Inspector  will not be completed until quarantine greenhouse  plants  
are in a state of active growth.  Import Health Standard : Prunus Plants for Planting   
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Ministry for Primary Industries  Page  12 of 29 
• In cases where some  plants , or some individual buds on plants  grafted with buds taken from 
imported dormant cuttings , do not enter a state of  active growth  in the first (or a subsequent) 
growing season, this should be disc ussed with the MPI  Inspector in regards to the  growth status of 
each plant.  
• More information about plant  inspections  by the facility  operator  is included in the MPI Facility 
Standard: Post Entry Quarantine for Plants . 
• As stated in the MPI Facility Standard: Post Entry Quarantine for Plants , if plants  are bagged and held 
in cool storage during dormancy, weekly plant  health inspections  by the facility operator are not 
required over this period. However, all plants  must be thoroughly inspected  when returned to the 
quaranti ne greenhouse . 
• All inspections by the MPI inspector will be done at the importer s expense . 
2.4 Post entry quarantine  
(1) For all Prunus  plants for planting , all requirements must be applied as described in this Part, unless:  
a) phytosanitary measures  for a particula r pest have been applied as described under an agreed 
Export Plan  or at an offshore facility . In this case, the import permit  will identify the 
requirements of this Part that must be applied on arrival in New Zealand . 
(2) Prunus  plants  for planting  must be quarantined into a transitional facility  approved to the MPI 
Facility Standard: Post Entry Quarantine for Plants . The type and level of transition al facility will be 
specified on the import permit  unless : 
a) plants are imported under Part 1.6.2  of this IHS (from an offshore facility ), in which case the 
minimum period of post entry quarantine will be 270 days (nine months) in a Level 3A 
quarantine greenhouse.  
b) plants are imported  under  Part 1.6.3  of this IHS, in which case the minimum period of post entry 
quarantine will be 630 days (21 months ), of which  at least  the first 300 days (10 months ) must be 
in a Level 3B quarantine greenhouse . 
(3) The post entry quarantine  period  for Prunus plants for planting : 
a) begin s after imported plants  held in a quarantine  greenhouse  have started active growth . 
i) for plants derived from imported dormant cuttings , activ e growth  begins when all buds 
grafted from the imported dormant cuttings have developed fully expanded leaves;  
ii) for plants  imported as tissue cultures , active growth  begins after the plants  have been 
deflasked into a quarantine greenhouse . 
b) for plants imported under Part 1.6.2  of this IHS (from an offshore facility ),  the post entry 
quarantine  period must be a minimum of one growing season of at least 2 70 days ( nine 
months), as described for the second growing season in Part 2.3.1 . 
c) for plants imported under Part 1.6.3  of this IHS, the post entry quarantine  period  must be a 
minimum of 630 days (21 months ). This must include two distinct growing seasons, the first of at 
least 10 months (300 days) long, and the second of at least 270 days  (nine months ) long, with a 
60 day  (two month ) dormancy period in between the first and second growing seasons  (as 
described in Part 2.3.1 ). 
 
Guidance  
• For any Prunus plants for planting imported  under Part 1.6.1  of this IHS (i.e. under an Export 
Plan ), the level  of quarantine  greenhouse  and the length of the post entry quarantine  period will 
depend on the specific regulated pests  for which phytosanitary measures  have been applied prior 
to export. This will be different for each Export Plan . The Director -General will identify th e level  of 
quarantine greenhouse  and the length of the post entry  quarantine  period  on the import permit . Import Health Standard : Prunus Plants for Planting   
  17 December 2021  
Ministry for Primary Industries  Page  13 of 29 
This information  will also be made available on the MPI website at the time an Export Plan  is 
approved by a CTO . 
• For any Prunus plants for planting  imported  under Part 1.6.2  of this IHS, the transitional 
arrangements identified in Part 1.7 Transitio nal arrangements  will apply unless  plants are imported into 
a Level 3A quaranti ne greenhouse and plants also comply with all requirements of Part 2.3.1  of this 
IHS. Transitional arrangements apply only to plants  imported  before 23 January 202 5. 
• For any Prunus plants for planting  imported  under Part 1.6.3  of this IHS (i.e. from a  source that is 
not approved by MPI), the import permit  may give the option for  plants to be transferred to a Level 3A 
quarantine  greenhouse  for the second growing season  (after a minimum of 10 months in a Level 3B 
quarantine greenhouse ). Transfer to a Level 3A quarantine greenhouse  will only be considered  if all 
mandatory testing  required in the first growing season has been completed with negative test results 
returned , and provided that plants  were effectively treated  for any regulated  pests  detected during 
the first growing season . For all  plants  imported  under Part 1.6.3 , the import permit  will specify that 
the total post entry quarantine  period will be a minimum of 2 1 months.   
• 21 months is the minimum period a Prunus  plant for planting  imported under Part 1.6.3  of this IHS 
must be in quarantine . Nine months is the minimum period a Prunus  plant for planting  imported 
under Part 1.6.2  of this IHS must be in quarantine . A Prunus  plant for planting  may be in 
quarantine  for longer than the periods indicated above especially if the plant  does not meet the 
requirements of this IHS. For example, a Prunus  plant  may be in quarantine for longer if the material 
is slow growing, pests and disease are detected, or if additional testing or treatment is required. MPI 
inspectors  are responsible for determining when biosecurity clearance  is given.  
(4) All dormant cuttings  must be dipped in 1% sodium hypochlorite for a minimum period of 2 minutes on 
arrival at the quarantine  greenhouse . 
(5) If tissue cultures  are sub -cultured in a quarantine tissue culture laboratory  before they are 
transferred to a quarantine  greenhouse , the f ollowing requirements must be met:  
a) at least one sub -culture from each imported  tissue culture  plant  must be developed to the 
stage where it can be deflasked into the quarantine  greenhouse  and screened for regulated 
pests  as described in Part 2.3 Screening for regulated pests : 
i) this sub -culture should be taken during the first round of multiplication after tissue culture  
plants arrive in New Zealand ; 
ii) if only one plant  is obtained during the first round of multiplication, further rounds of 
multiplication may be undertaken. In this case, a sub -culture for transfer to the quarantine  
greenhouse  must be taken from the first round of multiplication where more than one 
plant  is obtained.  
b) surplus sub-cultures that are produced as described in clause (5)a)  above may be retained at a 
Level 3 quarantine t issue culture laboratory  throughout t he post entry quarantine  period:  
i) these plants  may be sub -cultured and multiplied during the post entry quarantine  period;  
ii) these plants  may also be considered for biosecurity clearance  provided that traceability 
is maintained.  
c) All plants  that are traceable back to either the original imported  tissue culture plant , or to a 
bud from a n imported dormant cutting , and the subsequent generations  of those plants , will be 
considered for biosecurity clearance  provided that:  
i) those plants  are also traceable back to a  representative plant  that complies with Part 1.4 
General  requirements for Prunus plants for planting . 
 
Guidance  
• The operator  of the post entry quarantine  transitional facility  should ensure that the MPI Inspector  
is notified:  
i) when plants enter a quarantine  greenhouse ; Import Health Standard : Prunus Plants for Planting   
  17 December 2021  
Ministry for Primary Industries  Page  14 of 29 
ii) when plants start active growth at the  start of both the first and second growing season;  
iii) before the environmental conditions described in clause 2.3.1 (1) and 2.3.1 (2) are applied  
• If the inspector is not notified this may lead to delays in the inspector doing growing season inspections 
and/or collecting  samples for mandatory testing. This could result in  delays to plants being cleared.  Import Health Standard : Prunus Plants for Planting   
  17 December 2021  
Ministry for Primary Industries  Page  15 of 29 
Part 3:  Inspection, Verification and Documentation 
Requirements  
3.1 Inspection  
(1) The NPPO  of the exporting country must:  
a) visually inspect  each sample unit according to official phytosanitary procedures and in 
accordance with ISPM 23 : Guidelines for Inspection  for all visually detectable pests  that are 
regulated by New Zealand;  
b) reconcile that the number of units presented for inspection  is consistent with documentation;  
c) verify that traceability labelling is complete; and  
d) verify that phytosanitary security  is ma intained for the consignment . 
(2) A sample unit for the purpose of this IHS is an individual dormant cutting or an individual tissue 
culture plant .  
(3) If pests  are found which are not listed  in Schedule 1  Regulated pest list , or in ONZPR , the NPPO  must 
contact MPI to establish their re gulatory status before issuing the phytosanitary certificate . 
3.2 Verification  
(1) For dormant cuttings , the NPPO  must verify that  the plants  comply with all requirements set out in 
Part 2.1 Dormant cuttings . 
(2) For plants  in tissue culture , the NPPO  must verify that all plants  comply wi th all requirements set out 
in Part 2.2 Tissue cultures . 
(3) For any Prunus plants for planting  produced under an Export Plan , the NPPO  must verify that they 
are: 
a) free from  regulated pests  listed in the Export Plan ; and  
b) held in a manner to ensure that infestation /reinfestation  does not occur following inspection  
and certification.  
(4) For any plants  produced at an offshore facility , the NPPO  must verify that they are:  
a) free from regulated pests  listed in the agreement between MPI and the offshore facility ; and  
b) held in a manner to ensure that infestation /reinfestation  does not occur following inspection  
and certification.  
3.3 Phytosanitary certificat ion 
(1) Each consignment  must meet the requirements set out in Part 3 Inspection, Verification and 
Documentation Requirements  and be accompanied by a phytosanitary certificate  issued by the  
NPPO  in accordance with ISPM 12. Phytosanitary  certificates . 
(2) The phytosanitary certificate  must include the following:  
a) sufficient detail to enable identification of the consignment  and its component parts. Information 
must include country/place of origin;  
b) the botanical name (genus and species) of all Prunus  plants for planting  in the consignment;  
c) all relevant additional declaration(s)  as described in Part  3.4 Additional declarations ; 
d) full treatment  details in the “Disinfestation and/or Disinfection Treatment” section of th e 
phytosanitary certificate  (applies to dormant cuttings  only, as described in Part  2.1 Dormant 
cuttings ); Import Health Standard : Prunus Plants for Planting   
  17 December 2021  
Ministry for Primary Industries  Page  16 of 29 
e) the following declaration, or a variation that is compliant with ISPM 12.  Phytosanitary certificates  
and has been approved by a CTO : 
i) “This is to certify that the plants, plant products or other regulated articles described herein 
have been inspected and/or  tested according to appropriate official procedures and are 
considered to be free from the quarantine pests specified by the importing contracting 
party and to conform with the current phytosanitary requirements of the importing 
contracting party, includi ng those for regulated non -quarantine pests.”  
(3) If a consignment  of Prunus plants for planting  is stored in another country in transit  to New 
Zealand or opened, split up or has its packaging  changed prior to when it arrives in New Zealand , a 
phytosanitary ce rtificate  for re-export  is required from the transiting  country, in accordance with 
ISPM 12.  Phytosanitary certificates, and must accompany each consignment . 
3.4 Additional declarations  
(1) The NPPO must include the following additional declarations  on the phytosa nitary certificate : 
a) for all Prunus  plants for planting  produced under an agreed Export Plan  (produced  under  Part 
1.6.1  of the IHS): 
i) “This consignment was produced and prepared for export in accordance with the agreed 
Export Plan.”  
b) for all Prunus  plants for planting  produced at an offshore facility  (produced  under Part 1.6.2  
of the IHS): 
i) “This consignment was produced and prepared for export in accordance with the 
agreement between MPI and [list name of approved offshore f acility].”  Import Health Standard : Prunus Plants for Planting   
  17 December 2021  
Ministry for Primary Industries  Page  17 of 29 
Schedule 1 : Regulated pest list  
Regulated pest  Mandatory testing requirements1 
Bacteria   
Pseudomonas amygdali   
Pseudomonas avellanae pv. morsprunorum   
Pseudomonas cerasi   
Pseudomonas syringae pv. avii   
Pseudomonas syringae pv. cerasicola   
Spiroplasma citri  PCR  
Xanthomonas prunicola   
Xylella fastidiosa  PCR  
  
Fungi   
Apiosporina morbosa   
Blumeriella jaapii   
Ceratocystis variospora  PCR using genus specific primers  
Monilinia fructigena  PCR or plating onto suitable isolation medium   
Monilinia  kusanoi  PCR or plating onto suitable isolation medium  
Monilinia  mumeicola  PCR or plating onto suitable isolation medium  
Monilinia  polystroma  PCR or plating onto suitable isolation medium  
Monilinia  yunnanensis  PCR or plating onto suitable isolation medium  
Passalora circumscissa   
Phaeoacremonium parasiticum  PCR or plating onto suitable isolation medium   
Phaeoacremonium minimum  PCR or plating onto suitable isolation medium  
Phomopsis vexans   
Podosphaera clandestina   
Taphrina communis   
Polystigma rubrum   
  
Oomycetes   
Phytophthora drechsleri  PCR or plating onto suitable isolation medium   
Phytophthora palmivora  PCR or plating onto suitable isolation medium  
Phytophthora parsiana  PCR or plating onto suitable isolation medium  
Phytophthora ramorum  PCR or plating onto suitable isolation medium  
Phytophthora tropicalis  PCR or plating onto suitable isolation medium  
  
Viruses   
American plum line pattern virus  Herbaceous indexing2 and PCR or ELISA  
Apple stem grooving virus [Prunus -infecting 
strain]  Herbaceous indexing  
Apricot latent virus  Herbaceous indexing  
Apricot latent ringspot virus   
Carnation Italian ringspot virus  Herbaceous indexing  
Cherry -associated luteovirus   
Cherry Hungarian rasp leaf virus  Herbaceous indexing  
Cherry leaf roll virus [strains not in New 
Zealand ] Herbaceous indexing  and PCR or ELISA  
Cherry mottle leaf virus  Herbaceous indexing  and PCR or ELISA  
Cherry rasp leaf virus  Herbaceous indexing  and PCR or ELISA  
Cherry rusty mottle associated virus  (and  Import Health Standard : Prunus Plants for Planting   
  17 December 2021  
Ministry for Primary Industries  Page  18 of 29 
related Betaflexiviridae  viruses)  
Cher ry twisted leaf associated virus  Herbaceous indexing  
Little cherry virus -2 PCR or ELISA  
Myrobalan latent ringspot virus  Herbaceous indexing  
Nectarine stem pitting -associated virus   
Peach enation virus  Herbaceous indexing  
Peach mosaic virus  Herbaceous indexing  and PCR or ELISA  
Peach rosette mosaic virus  Herbaceous indexing  and PCR or ELISA  
Petunia asteroid mosaic virus  PCR or ELISA  
Plum bark necrosis stem pitting -associated 
virus  PCR or ELISA  
Plum pox virus  Herbaceous indexing  and PCR or ELISA  
Prunus necrotic ringspot virus (almond calico 
and cherry rugose mosaic strains)  PCR or ELISA  
Raspberry ringspot virus  Herbaceous indexing  and PCR or ELISA  
Sowbane mosaic virus  Herbaceous indexing  
Stocky prune virus  PCR or ELISA  
Tomato bushy stunt virus  Herbaceous indexing  and PCR or ELISA  
Tomato ringspot virus  Herbaceous indexing  and PCR or ELISA  
  
Viroids   
Apple scar skin viroid  PCR  
Hop stunt viroid (strains not present in New 
Zealand)  PCR  
  
Phytoplasmas   
‘Candidatus  Phytoplasma’ spp. (species not 
present in New Zealand)  PCR using universal phytoplasma primers  
  
Diseases of unknown aetiology   
Amasya cherry disease   
Cher ry chlorotic rusty spot disease   
Cherry necrotic crook agent   
Cherry short st em agent   
Cherry spur cherry agent   
Peach re d marbling agent   
Peach stubby twig agent   
Sour cherry pink fruit agent   
 
1 Mandatory testing requirements identified in Schedule 1 are specific testing requirements that must be completed 
in addition to growing season inspection (which is required for all regulated pests ). Mandatory tests identified  above must 
be done using sampl es collected in accordance with the timetables shown in Schedule 2.  
2 The following indicator  species must be used for herbaceous indexing:  
Chenopodium quinoa  
Cucumis sativus  
Nicotiana benthamiana  
Nicotiana occidentalis  
At least two plants  of each herbac eous indicator species must be used in each test. Tests  must be carried out using 
new season’s growth from plants  growing under spring -like conditions in a quarantine greenhouse in the first growing 
season. Plants  must be sampled from at least two position s on every plant  including a young, fully expanded leaf at the 
top of each plant  and an older leaf from a midway position.  
 Import Health Standard : Prunus Plants for Planting   
  17 December 2021  
Ministry for Primary Industries  Page  19 of 29 
Guidance  
• Schedule 1  identifies all priority regulated pests  of Prunus plants for planting , and any regulated 
pests that require specific disease screening  in post entry quarantine  to verify their absence.  
• A full list of regulated pests is identified in ONZPR ; if detected in imported Prunus plants for 
planting  MPI will identify the causal agent of disease symptoms, and confirm regulatory status by 
reference to ONZPR . 
• If an organism is detected that is not listed in ONZPR , the CTO  will make a decision on the regulatory 
status of that organism, and will update ONZPR  accordingly.  
• The full pest list will eventually be listed in the new PIER (Plant Import and Export Requirements) tool, 
currently being developed by MPI.  
• Mandatory testing (as identified in Schedule 1 ) is specific testing that is required in addition to other 
disease screening measures identified in Part 2.3 Screening for regulated pests . 
• The required herbaceous indicator species are based on information in the MPI Prunus (stonefruit) 
post entry quarantine testing manual . Recommended protocols for herbaceous indexing and a 
description of symptoms produced by each of the regulated mechanicall y transmissible viruses on 
herbaceous indicators are described in the testing manual.  
 
 Import Health Standard : Prunus Plants for Planting   
  17 December 2021  
Ministry for Primary Industries  Page  20 of 29 
Schedule 2: Schedule of inspections and mandatory  testing requirements  
On arrival mandatory testing  requirements for  dormant cuttings of  Prunus plants for planting  
Timing of sample collection  Sample type  Regulated pest  Type of test  
On arrival in New Zealand  Budstick  material, including two buds 
from each imported budstick  • C. variospora  
• Phaeoacremonium spp.  
• Phytophthora spp.  PCR or culture based identification  
• The type of test required for each 
species is identified  in Schedule 1 : 
Regulated pest list  
• A cross  section of budwood must be 
used for nucleic acid isolation and/or 
for culture based identification  
 
Testing requirements during post entry quarantine for Prunus plants for planting  
Season  Timing of 
inspection by MPI 
Inspector   
 Mandatory testing requirements  
Timing of sample 
collection  Sample type  Regulated pest  Type of test  First growing season  ‘Spring -like’ 
conditions for four 
months as 
described in clause 
2.3.1 (1)  Inspection 1  
Within 14 to 28 
days of plants 
starting active 
growth in the 
quarantine 
greenhouse.  
Inspection 2  
Within the last 14 
days of the spring -
like growth period.  Sample set 1  
Leaves must be collected 
from new growth  using 
samples collected from 
the middle to end of 
spring . Leaf  
Collected from at least two 
positions on each stem of 
each plant, including:  
• A young fully expanded 
leaf at the top of the stem.  
• An older leaf from a 
midway position.  Viruses  
• The vi rus species for 
which testing is required 
are identified in Schedule 
1: Regulated pest list . PCR and/or herbaceous 
indexing   
• The type of test required for 
each species is identified 
Schedule 1 : Regulated pest 
list. 
• Leaf petioles and mid veins 
to be used for PCR and 
herbaceous indicator testing.  Import Health Standard : Prunus Plants for Planting   
  17 December 2021  
Ministry for Primary Industries  Page  21 of 29 
‘Summer -like’ 
conditions for four 
months as 
described in clause 
2.3.1 (1) and clause 
2.3.1 (3)  Inspection 3  
After growth at 
23°C ( ± 3°C) for at 
least 30 days, and 
before plants are 
exposed to 29° C (± 
3°C) . Sample set 2  
After growth at 23°C ( ± 
3°C) for at least 30 days, 
and before plants are 
exposed to 29° C (± 3°C) . 
 Stem/shoot  
Collected from at least two 
positions on each stem of 
each plant, including:  
• One shoot at the base of 
the stem . 
• One shoot in the middle 
section of the stem . Fungi and oomycetes  
• Ceratocystis variospora  
• Monilinia spp.  
• Phaeoacremonium spp.  
• Phytophthora spp.  PCR or culture based 
identification  
• The type of test required for 
each species is identified in 
Schedule 1 : Regulated pest 
list. 
• A cross  section of budwood 
must be used when testing 
for fungi and oomycetes.  
Inspection 4  
Within the final 7 
days of growth at 
29°C (± 3°C) , or 
within 7 days of the 
completion of this 
period.   Sample set 3a  
 Within 14 days of 
completing growth at 
29°C (± 3°C) . Leaf  
Collected from at least 2 
positions on each stem, 
including:  
• A young fully expanded 
leaf at the top of the stem.  
• An older leaf from a 
midway position.  Phytoplasmas and viroids  
• ‘Candidatus phytoplasma’ 
spp. 
• Apple scar skin viroid  
• Hop stunt viroid  PCR  
• Leaf petioles and mid veins 
to be used for testing.  
 Sample set 3b  
Within 14 days of 
completing growth at 
29°C (± 3°C) . Leaf  
Collected from at least 2 
positions on each stem, 
including:  
• A young fully expanded 
leaf at the top of the stem.  
• An older leaf from a 
midway position.  
• When testing for X. 
fastidiosa , samples must 
be taken from five different 
parts of each plant.  Bacteria  
• S. citri  
• X. fastidi osa PCR  
• Leaf petioles and mid veins 
to be used for PCR.   
‘Autumn -like’ 
conditions for two 
months as Inspection 5  
Within the last 28 
days of the period      Import Health Standard : Prunus Plants for Planting   
  17 December 2021  
Ministry for Primary Industries  Page  22 of 29 
described in clause 
2.3.1 (1)  of autumn -like 
conditions.  
Two month dormancy as described in clause 2.3.1 (2) Second growing season  ‘Spring -like’ 
conditions as 
described in clause  
2.3.1 (1) Inspection 6  
Within the first 14 t o 
28 days of plants 
coming out of 
dormancy.  
Inspection 7  
Within the last 14 
days of the spring 
growth period.   Sample set 4  
Leaves must be collected 
from new growth using 
samples collected from 
the middle to end of 
spring.  Leaf  
Collected from at least two  
positions on each stem of 
each plant, including:  
• A young fully expanded 
leaf at the top of the stem.  
• An older leaf from a 
midway position.  Viruses  
• Plum pox virus  PCR  
• Leaf petioles and mid veins 
to be used for PCR.  
‘Summer -like’ 
conditions as 
described in clause 
2.3.1 (1) Inspection 8  
After growth at 
23°C ( ± 3°C) for at 
least 30 days, and 
before plants are 
exposed to 29° C (± 
3°C) .  Sample set 5  
After growth at 23°C ( ± 
3°C) for at least 30 days, 
and before plants are 
exposed to 29° C (± 3°C) . Stem/shoot  
Collect ed from at least two 
positions on each stem of 
each plant, including:  
• One shoot at the base of 
the stem.  
• One shoot in the middle 
section of the stem.   
   
Inspection 9  
Within the final 7 
days of growth at 
29°C (± 3°C) , or 
within 7 days of the 
completion of this 
period.   Sample set 6  
Within 14 days of 
completing growth at 
29°C (± 3°C) . Leaf 
Collected from at least 2 
positions on each stem, 
including:  
• A young fully expanded 
leaf at the top of the stem.  
• An older leaf from a 
midway position.  
• When testing for X. 
fastidiosa , samples must Bacteria  
• S. citri  
• X. fastidiosa  
 PCR  
Leaf petioles and mid veins to 
be used for PCR.  Import Health Standard : Prunus Plants for Planting   
  17 December 2021  
Ministry for Primary Industries  Page  23 of 29 
be taken from five different 
parts of each plant.  
‘Autumn -like’ 
conditions as 
described in clause 
2.3.1 (1) Inspection 10  
Within the last 28 
days of the autumn 
growth period       
 
 Import Health Standard : Prunus Plants for Planting   
  17 December 2021  
Ministry for Primary Industries  Page  24 of 29 
Schedule 3: Approved insecticide treatments – Prunus  
dormant cuttings  
(1) One of the treatment options listed below  must be applied as described in Part  2.1 Dormant cuttings . 
 
Treatment  Specification  
Methyl bromide  
(option 1)  Temperature ( C) Rate (g/m3) Minimum duration  
28-32 28 2 hours  
21-27 32 2 hours  
16-20 40 2 hours  
10-15 48 2 hours  
 
Hot water treatment 
followed by chemical 
treatment  
(option 2)  All treatments must be applied in the following order:  
1) Immersion in water at a minimum continuous temperature of 24°C for a 
minimum period of 2 hours;  
2) Immersion in water at a minimum continuous temperature of 45°C for a 
minimum period of 3 hours;  
3) Dipping (with agitation) for a minimum of two  minutes in chlorpyrifos dip (2.4 g 
active ingredient per litre, or label rates) containing a non -ionic surfactant. If 
bubbles are present on the plant surface after the initial two -minute period, 
the immersion period must be extended to a minimum of five minutes.  
Chemical treatment  
(option 3)  All plant material must be either sprayed, or dipped (with agitation), in a solution 
containing two active ingredients, one from the organophosphorous chemical 
group and the second from one of the other approved grou ps listed below;  
 
Chemical group  Active ingredient  Minimum immersion 
period  
Organophosphorous  Chlorpyrifos (0.8 g active 
ingredient per litre)  2 minutes  
(Non -ionic surfactant 
required for dips)  Pirimiphos -methyl (0.475 g 
active ingredient per litre) 
Carbamate  Carbaryl (label rate)  2 minutes  
Diacylhydrazine  Tebufenozide (label rate)  2 minutes  
Spinosyns  Spinosad (label rate; 
treatment must be applied at 
room temperature)  2 minutes  
Pyrethroid  Deltamethrin (label rate)  15 minutes  
Fenvalerate (label rate)  15 minutes  
If bubbles are present on the plant surface after the initial two -minute period, the 
immersion period must be extended to a minimum of five minutes.  
 
  Import Health Standard : Prunus Plants for Planting   
  17 December 2021  
Ministry for Primary Industries  Page  25 of 29 
Schedule  4: Approved miticide treatments – Prunus  dormant 
cuttings  
(1) One of the treatment options listed below  must be applied as described in Part  2.1 Dormant cuttings . 
 
Treatment  Specification  
Methyl bromide  
(option 1)  Temperature ( C) Rate (g/m3) Minimum duration  
28-32 28 2 hours  
21-27 32 2 hours  
16-20 40 2 hours  
10-15 48 2 hours  
 
Chemical treatment  
(option 2)  All plant material must be either sprayed, or dipped (with agitation) for a minimum of 
two minutes, using either option 1 or option 2 described below.  
Chemical  Chemical Group  Active ingredient  Minimum immersion 
for dips  
Option 1  Avermectin  Abemectin (0.009 g 
active ingredient per 
litre) 2 minutes  
(Non -ionic surfactant 
required for dips)  
Option 2  Chemical 1:  
Organophosphorous  Chlorpyrifos (2.4 g 
active ingredient per 
litre) 2 minutes  
(Non -ionic surfactant 
required for dips)  
Pirimiphos -methyl 
(0.475 g active 
ingredient per litre)  
Chemical 2:  
Organochlorine  Dicofol  2 minutes  
If bubbles are present on the plant surface after the initial two -minute period, the 
immersion period must be extended to a minimum of five minutes.  
  Import Health Standard : Prunus Plants for Planting   
  17 December 2021  
Ministry for Primary Industries  Page  26 of 29 
Schedule 5: Definitions  
Definitions have the same meaning as defined by ISPM 5.  Glossary of phytosanitary t erms  or the Act  unless 
set out below. Derived forms of terms set out in the aforementioned sources, e.g. inspect  from inspection , are 
considered to have the same meaning as the defined term.  
Active growth  
A plant on which at least two fully expanded leaves , which have developed from dormant buds in the current 
growing season, are present  
Additional declaration  
Definition as per ISPM 5 . Glossary of phytosanitary terms   
Arrives in New Zealand  
Definition as per the Act . 
Biosecurity clearance/cleared  
Definition as per the Act  
Biosecurity Organism Register for Imported Commodities  (BORIC ) 
A retired MPI database which identified the quarantine  status for an organism  as either regulated  or non -
regulated  for New Zealand. This database has been replaced with the Official New Zealand Pest Register 
(ONZPR ).  
Consignment  
Definition as per ISPM 5 . Glossary of phytosanitary terms   
Contamination  
Definition as per ISPM 5 . Glossary of phytosanitary terms   
Cutting  
A plants for planting commodity sub -class for propagation material from the stem only (no roots)  
Chief Technical Officer  (CTO ) 
Definition as per the Act  
Dormant  
Temporarily inactive/suspended growth (cuttings of deciduous species should have no leaves; bulbs should 
have no leaves or roots)  
Entry (of a consignment)  
Definition as per ISPM 5 . Glossary of phytosanitary terms   
Entry (o f a pest)  
Definition as per ISPM 5 . Glossary of phytosanitary terms   
Equivalence/equivalent  
Definition as per ISPM 5 . Glossary of phytosanitary terms   
Export Plan  
An Export Plan  is a document negotiated between MPI and the NPPO  of the exporting country tha t details 
how the exporting country will meet the import  requirements ( Targeted Measures  and/or MPI-Specified 
Measures ) for New Zealand  Import Health Standard : Prunus Plants for Planting   
  17 December 2021  
Ministry for Primary Industries  Page  27 of 29 
Facility operator  
Definition as per the Act  
FAO  
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations  
Free from  
Definition as per ISPM 5 . Glossary of phytosanitary terms   
Import/imported  
Definition as per the Act  
Import health standard (IHS)  
Definition as per the Act  
Import permit  
Official document issued by the Ministry for Primary Industries that authorises import of a commodity in 
accordance with specified phytosanitary requirements  
Importation  
Definition as per the Act  
Importer  
Definition as per the Act  
In transit  
Refers to risk goods  (consignments ) in the process of being shipped to New Zealand,  for example risk 
goods  in sea containers on board a vessel. These risk goods  or consignments  may have treatments  
applied (for example, cold treatment ) while the risk goods  are en route to New Zealand  
Incidentally imported new organism  
Definition as per the Act  
Infestation/infested  
Definition as per ISPM 5 . Glossary of phytosanitary terms  
Inspection/inspect  
Definition as per ISPM 5 . Glossary of phytosanitary terms   
Inspector  
Definition as per the Act  
International Standard for Phytosanitary Measures  (ISPM ) 
Definition as per ISPM 5 . Glossary of phytosanitary terms. The list of ISPMs  are available from: 
https://www.ippc.int/en/core -activities/standards -setting/ispms/  
Mandatory testing  
Specific testing for pests and diseases as stated in the IHS 
National Plant Protection Orga nisation  (NPPO ) 
Definition as per ISPM 5 . Glossary of phytosanitary terms  
Official/officially  
Definition as per ISPM 5 . Glossary of phytosanitary terms  Import Health Standard : Prunus Plants for Planting   
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Ministry for Primary Industries  Page  28 of 29 
Official  New Zealand Pest Register (ONZPR ) 
The Official New Zealand Pest Register  is the site for official information about pests  and disease causing 
organisms in New Zealand, authorised by the Ministry for Primary Industries. This site replaces the 
Biosecurity Organisms Register for Imported Commodities  (BORIC ).  
Offshore facility  
A production site approved by MPI to the MPI standard PIT -OS-TRA-ACPQF: Accreditation of Offshore 
Plant Quarantine Facilities and Operators  (or any subsequent version of that standard) for the export of 
Prunus plants for planting to New Zealand  
Organism  
Definition as per the Act   
Packaging/packaged  
Definition as per ISPM 5 . Glossary of phytosanitary terms   
Pathway  
Definition as per ISPM 5 . Glossary of phytosanitary terms   
Pest  
Definition as per ISPM 5 . Glossary of phytosanitary terms  
Pest free area  
Definition as per ISPM 5 . Glossary of phytosanitary terms  
Pest free place of production  
Definition as per ISPM 5 . Glossary of phytosanitary terms  
Phytosanita ry certification/phytosanitary certificate  
Definition as per ISPM 5 . Glossary of phytosanitary terms  
Phytosanitary measure  
Definition as per ISPM 5 . Glossary of phytosanitary terms  
Phytosanitary procedure  
Definition as per ISPM 5 . Glossary of phytosanitary terms  
Phytosanitary security  
Definition as per ISPM 5 . Glossary of phytosanitary terms  
Planting  
Definition as per ISPM 5 . Glossary of phytosanitary terms  
Plants  
Definition as per ISPM 5 . Glossary of phytosanitary terms  
Plants Biosecurity Index  
MPI database that lists plant  species that have been approved for import  into New Zealand as plants for 
planting  or seed for sowing. The PBI is available at https:// www1.maf.govt.nz/cgi -bin/bioindex/bioindex.pl   
Plants for planting  
Definition as per ISPM 5 . Glossary of phytosanitary terms  
Plants in vitro  
Definition as per ISPM 5 . Glossary of phytosanitary terms  Import Health Standard : Prunus Plants for Planting   
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Ministry for Primary Industries  Page  29 of 29 
Place of production  
Definition as per ISPM 5 . Glossary of  phytosanitary terms  
Post entry quarantine  
Definition as per ISPM 5 . Glossary of phytosanitary terms  
Production site  
Definition as per ISPM 5 . Glossary of phytosanitary terms  
Quarantine  
Definition as per ISPM 5 . Glossary of phytosanitary terms  
Quarantine g reenhouse  
A greenhouse that is approved by MPI as a transitional facility under the  MPI Facility Standard: Post Entry 
Quarantine for Plants  for the purpose of holding any plant  material imported as plants for planting  or seed  
for sowing that requires post entry quarantine  before the plants  can be given a biosecurity  clearance  
Quarantine pests  
Definition as per ISPM 5 . Glossary of phytosanitary terms  
Quarantine tissue culture laboratory  
A tissue culture  laboratory  that is approved by MPI as a transitional facility under the  MPI Facility 
Standard: Post Entry Quarantine for Plants  for the purpose of holding any plants  impor ted as tissue cultures  
that require post entry quarantine  before the plants  can be given a biosecurity clearance  
Re-export/re -exported  
Definition as per ISPM 5 . Glossary of phytosanitary terms  
Regulated article  
Definition as per ISPM 5 . Glossary of phytosanitary terms  
Regulated pest  
A pest that is identified as a regulated pest  in ONZPR  or the Schedule of regulated (quarantine) weed seeds  
Risk goods  
Definition as per the Act  
Seed  
Definition as per ISPM 5 . Glossary of phytosanitary terms  
Test 
Definition as per ISPM 5 . Glossary of phytosanitary terms  
Tissue culture  
Plants in vitro  that have been prepared as tissue culture from one parent by asexual reproduction (clonal 
techniques) under sterile conditions  
Transitional facility  
Definition as per the Act  
Treatment/treated  
Definition as per ISPM 5 . Glossary of phytosanitary terms  
Viable regulated pest  
Any regulated pest  that is capable of reproduction and development, including insects, plants , seeds  and 
other organisms