An import health standard issued under  the Biosecurity Act 1993    
 
Import Health Standard  
 
 
Fresh Banana for 
Consumption from the 
People's Republic of China  
Musa spp.  
. 
 Import Health Standard :  Fresh Banana for Consumption from the People's Republic of China  
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Ministry for Primary Industries    Page  1 of 11 TITLE  
Import Health Standard :  Fresh Banana for Consumption from the People's Republic of China  
COMMENCEMEN T 
This Import Health Standard  comes into force on  the date of issue.  
REVOCATION  
Nil 
ISSUING AUTHORITY  
This Import Health Standard  is issued  under section 24A of the Biosecurity Act 1993.  
 
Dated at Wellington this   24th. day of    December  2015 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Peter Thomson  
Director, Plants, Food and Environment  
Ministry for Primary Industries  
(acting under delegated authority of the Director General)  
 
 
Contact for further information  
Ministry for Primary Industries  (MPI)  
Regulation and Assurance  Branch  
Plant Imports  
PO Box 2526,  
Wellington 6140  
Email:  plantimports@mpi.govt.nz  
 
 
 
 Import Health Standard :  Fresh Banana for Consumption from the People's Republic of China  
 . . 
Ministry for Primary Industries    Page  2 of 11 Contents  Page 
Introduction  3 
Part 1:  General Requirements  4 
1.1 Application  4 
1.2 Incorporation of material by reference  4 
1.3 Definitions  4 
1.4 General  4 
1.5 Exporting country systems and export plans  5 
1.6 Transport requirements  5 
Part 2:  Specific Requirements  6 
2.1 Phytosanitary requirements  6 
Part 3:  Pre-export Requirements for Specified Regulated Pests  8 
3.1 Regulated pest list  8 
3.2 Basic Measures  8 
3.3 Targeted Measures  8 
3.4 MPI- Specified M easures  8 
Appendix 1: Definitions  10 
Appendix 2: Amendment Record  11 
 
 
 Import Health Standard :  Fresh Banana for Consumption from the People's Republic of China  
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Ministry for Primary Industries    Page  3 of 11 Introduction  
This introduction is not part of the import health standard (IHS) b ut is intended to indicate its general effect.  
Purpose  
This IHS specifies the r equirements for the importation of fresh banana fruit for consumption into New 
Zealand from the People’s Republic of China  (PRC).  
Backgro und 
The New Zealand Biosecurity Act 1993 (the Act) provides the legal basis for excluding, eradicating and 
effectively  managing pests and unwanted organisms.  
Each IHS issued under the Act specif ies requirements to be met for the effective management of risks 
associated with importing goods that may pose a biosecurity threat to New Zealand.  
This IHS include s requirements that must be met in the exporting country, during transit and importation, and 
post clearance, if specified, before biosecurity clearance can be given.  
Additional information to the requirements is included in guidance text boxes . 
Who should read this Import Health Standard ? 
This IHS applies to importers of fresh banana fruit for co nsumption into New Zealand  and outlines the import 
requirements that must be met.  
Why is it importan t? 
It is the importers responsibility to ensure the requirements of this IHS are met. Consignments that do not 
comply with the requirements of this IHS may not be cleared for entry into New Zealand and /or further 
information may be sought from importers.  
Importers are liable for all associated expenses.  
Equivalence  
Ministry for Primary Industries ( MPI) may consider a pre -export application 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 measures  in this IHS.  
Equivalence will be considered with reference to the International Standard for Phytosanitary Measures 
(ISPM), Publication No. 24: Guidelines for the determin ation and recognition of equivalence of phytosanitary 
measures  (2011) . 
Document History  
Refer to Appendix 2 for the amendment record for this IHS. Import Health Standard :  Fresh Banana for Consumption from the People's Republic of China  
 . . 
Ministry for Primary Industries    Page  4 of 11 Part 1:  General Requirements   
1.1 Application  
(1) This IHS specifies the requirements for the importation of fresh banana  fruit for human con sumption 
from the People’s Republic of China (PRC).  
(2) Fresh banana fruit for consumption is defined as  the commercially produced export grade “hand of 
bananas”  comprising fruit of Musa spp . 
(3) Each “hand” consists of two transverse rows of fruit (“fingers”) without stem, leaves, roots or any other 
plant part , and free of soil and trash ; cleaned, packed and transported to New Zealand for 
consumption.  
1.2 Incorporation of material by reference  
(1) The following document s are incorporated by reference under section 142M of the Act : 
a) International Standards for Phytosanitary Measures  (ISPM) ;  
b) MPI Biosecurity Organisms Register for Imported Commodities (BORIC) ;  
c) Schedule of Regulated (Quarantine) Weed Seed s.  
 
(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 material incorporated by reference has legal effect as part of those documents .     
1.3 Definitions  
(1) Definitions that apply to this IHS are listed in Appendix 1.  
1.4 General  
(1) Fresh produce impo rted into New Zealand must meet the requirements of this IHS before receiv ing 
biosecurity clearance  and must be treated in accordance with Part 3: Pre- export Requirements for 
Specified Regulated Pests.  
(2) Importer s must provide MPI with the details of each sea-freight consignment 48 hours prior to arrival.  
(3) All consignments must be free from viable  regulated pests . If any viable regulated pests are 
intercepted in a sample on arrival in New Zealand, the consignment will be : 
a) treated, resorted, reshipped or destroyed ; and  
b) depending on the regulated pest intercepted , the pathway may be suspended.  
(4) Only c lean, inert /synthetic material may be used for protection, packaging and shipping materials .  
(5) Consignments without an import permit  (if required)  or certification, or accompanied by incorrect 
certification, will be held in a transitional facility until correct documenta tion is presented.  
(6) Subject to this IHS, fresh produce  must only be imported for consumption and must not be used for 
other end purposes (such as propagation).  
Guidance  
 A biosecurity clearance, under section 26 of the Act, may be issued when the products meet all the 
requirements of this IHS, provided the applicable requirements of section 27 of the Act are met.   
 Pests are classified as regulated (quarantine or regulated  non-quarantine) or non -regulated by MPI 
and can be found by searching MPI BORIC  database.  Import Health Standard :  Fresh Banana for Consumption from the People's Republic of China  
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Ministry for Primary Industries    Page  5 of 11  MPI will inspect documentation, and may inspect the consignment in accordance with official 
procedures . 
 Actions would not normally be taken if non -regulated pests are intercepted on arrival.  
 Further information about biosecurity  clearance can be found on the MPI website using this link: 
http://www.mpi.govt.nz/importing/food/fresh -fruit-and-vegetables/steps -to-importing/ . 
1.5 Exporting country syste ms and export plans  
(1) Importers may only import fresh produce subject to  an IHS. 
(2) Importers may only import from a country where  the NPPO has provided evidence of the national 
systems/programmes and export standards .  
(3) This evidence is to be used for regulatory oversight of the export industry  in accordan ce with ISPM 7 : 
Phytosanitary Certification System , and to the satisfaction of a C hief Technical Officer . 
(4) Once satisfied, MPI and the NPPO of the exporting country may commence negotiation of a country -
specific export plan that demonstrates how Basic,  Targeted and MPI- Specified Measures  will be 
achieved .  
(5) The negotiated and agreed export plan is subject to audit by MPI.  
 
Guidance  
 Refer to Part 3: Pre-export Requirements for Specified Regulated Pests , for specific measures .  
 Reque sts from exporting countries to negotiate an export plan for the import of the product into New 
Zealand will be prioritised according to MPI resources available at the time of application.  
 Countries w ith a completed negotiated  and agreed  export plan will be listed on the MPI website  using 
this link:   http://www.mpi.govt.nz/importing/food/fresh -fruit-and-vegetables/registers -and-lists/.     
 
1.6 Transport requirements  
(1) All consignments of fresh produce  must be packaged and shipped in a secure manner to prevent 
contamination by reg ulated pests.  
(2) If a consignment is either opened, stored, split up or has its packaging changed while in any other 
country en route  to New Zealand ; 
a) a phytosanitary certificate for re -export is required, in accordance with  ISPM 12 : Phytosanitary 
certificates , and must accompany each consignment . 
 
Guidance  
 A phytosanitary certificate for re -export is not required for a c onsignment  held under bond, as a result 
of the need to change conveyances, and is kept in the original shipping/air container and packaging.  
 Fresh produce  covered by correct documentation may be transhipped within New Zealand provided 
they are packaged in sealed pest proof containers and transported directly to a MPI approved 
transitional facility for final MPI clearance.  
 Fresh produce  in-transit to another country may be off loaded at the international airports and 
seaports of New Zealand for reloading onto another aircraft or vessel provided that the following 
conditions are met:  
– the fresh produce  are held in pest proof containers.  
– the consignment shall be stored separately from other plant material to the satisfaction of 
an inspector.  
– the consignment shall remain at the airport or wharf of arrival . Import Health Standard :  Fresh Banana for Consumption from the People's Republic of China  
 . . 
Ministry for Primary Industries    Page  6 of 11 Part 2:  Specific  Requirements  
2.1 Phytosanitary requirements  
2.1.1 Phytosanitary i nspection  
(1) The NPPO  must:  
a) ensure that the consignment meets the requirements of Part 1: General Import Requirements ;  
b) sample and visually inspect each consignment using 10x magnification, according to official 
procedures for all the regulated pests specified in Part 3: Pre-export Requirements for Specified 
Regulated Pests ;   
c) verify that the measures  for fruit flies, arthropods and fruit pathogens (where applicable) h ave 
been applied as per Part 3.2 : Basic Measures , Part 3. 3: Targeted Measures , and Part 3.4:  MPI- 
Specified Measures ;  
d) if visually detectable pests are found which are not listed in this IHS, the certifying NPPO must 
establish their regulatory status prior to issuing the certificate ;.  
e) verify that the number of packages containing fresh banana fr uit is consistent with the number 
treated  (where applicable) and traceability labelling is complete . 
Guidance  
 A phytosanitary certificate should not be issued if viable regulated pest(s) are detected, unless the 
consignment is treated in order to eliminate  these.  
 If a visually detectable pest is not listed in BORIC , the certifying NPPO may contact MPI to establish 
the regulatory status of the pest.  
 Information about the regulated pests for New Zealand is available in BORIC .  
2.1.2 Phytosanitary declarations  
(1) The NPPO  must issue a phytosanitary certificate to accompany each consignment of fresh banana 
fruit exported to New Zealand with the following declarations:  
a) “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 New Zealand and to conform with the current 
phytosanitary requirements of New Zealand, including those for regulated non -quarantine pests ”. 
AND  
 
b) “The plants, plant products or other regulated articles described herein have  undergone the 
prescribed  measures for the management of specified quarantine pests required by New 
Zealand ”. 
 
AND  (where applicable)  
 
c) “The plant products described herein have been sourced from {Name of Pest Free Area} 
recognised as a pest free area for specified pests by New Zealand ”. 
(2) Full details of end point measures, as listed in Part 3.3: Targeted Measures  and Part 3. 4: MPI-
Specified Measures , must  be included in the disinfestation and /or disinfection treatment area of the 
phytosanitary certificate or as an endorsed attachment to the phytosanitary certificate ;  
a) all details of measures including duration , temperature, chemical (active ingredient) and 
concentration must be recorded.   
(3) Where the consignment is treated in transit, the words “treated in -transit” must be included in the 
disinfestation and /or disinfection treatment ar ea of the phytosanitary certificate . Import Health Standard :  Fresh Banana for Consumption from the People's Republic of China  
 . . 
Ministry for Primary Industries    Page  7 of 11 Guidance  
 Regulated pests that require specific measures  are found in P art 3: Pre- export Requirements - 
Specified Regulated Pests . 
2.1.3 Phytosanitary certification  
(1) Importer s must ensure that a completed phytosanitary certificate issued by the exporting country’s  
National Plant Protection Organisation  (NPPO) accompan ies each consignment . 
(2) The phyosanitary certificate must be issued  in accordance with:  
a) ISPM 7: Phytosanitary Cer tification System; and  
b) ISPM 12 : Phytosanitary Certificates; and  
c) ISPM 23 : Guidelines for Inspection . 
 
(3) The phytosanitary certificate must contain sufficient detail to enable identification of the consignment 
and its component parts . Information must include country/place of orig in and meet the requirements 
listed in Part 2.1: Phytosanitary Requirements  and Part 3: Pre-export Requirements for Specified 
Regulated Pests.  
Guidance  
 A phytosanitary certificate should not be issued if via ble regulated pest(s) are detected, unless the 
consignment is treated in order to eliminate these.  
 Country/place of origin is defined as country where the plants, from which the plant products are 
derived, were grown or  place of origin; where the commodity was grown or produced .    
 Import Health Standard :  Fresh Banana for Consumption from the People's Republic of China  
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Ministry for Primary Industries    Page  8 of 11 Part 3:  Pre-export Requirements for Specified Regulated 
Pests   
3.1 Regulated p est list   
(1) The full list of regulated and non -regulated pests for New Zealand can be found in BORIC  
(http://archive.mpi.govt.nz/applications/boric ). 
 
Guidance  
 A list of regulated pests associated with bananas from China will be included in the Export Plan  and is 
available on request to MPI . 
 
3.2 Basic M easures  
(1) Fresh b anana fruit must be sourced from production sites that produce fruit commercially using 
standard cultivation, pest -control, harvesting, inspection and packing activities.  
3.3 Targeted Measures  
(1) The negotiated  and agreed export plan must record the procedures used for the application of 
Targeted Measures.  
(2) Targeted Measures  must be applied in addition to the Basic Measures  used as part of commercial 
production .  
3.3.1 Pests requiring Targeted Measures  
(1)  There are n o pest s requir ing Targeted Measures  on this commodity.  
 
3.4 MPI- Specified Measures  
(1) The negotiated and agreed export plan must record the procedures used for the application of MPI- 
Specified Measures.  
(2) MPI- Specifi ed Measures must be applied  prior to export to New Zealand in addition to the Basic 
Measures and any Targeted Measures  as part of commercial production.  
(3) The following pests may require one (or more) MPI - Specified Measures to be applied prior to export to  
New Zealand.   
3.4.1 Pests requiring MPI - Specified Measures   
(1) Fruit flies of economic importance to New Zealand that are associated with fresh banana  fruit include:  
a) Bactrocera dorsalis  
3.4.2 Pest Free Areas  
(1) The NPPO must operate and manage pest free areas in compliance with ISPM 26: E stablishment of 
pest free areas for fruit flies (Tephritidae) (IPPC 2006).  
(2) The official operating manual for the management of pest free areas must be reviewed by MPI prior to 
the export country receiving approval for export.  Import Health Standard :  Fresh Banana for Consumption from the People's Republic of China  
 . . 
Ministry for Primary Industries    Page  9 of 11 (3) No additional measures  are required where ‘country freedom’ status is recognised for the export 
country.  
(4) The management of the pest free area is subject to audit by MPI.  
3.4.3 Maturity as a measure  
(1) Fresh b anana fruit  harvested, packed and shipped in the mature ha rd green stage are considered as 
non-host for fruit flies of economic importance to New Zealand.  Import Health Standard :  Fresh Banana for Consumption from the People's Republic of China  
 . . 
Ministry for Primary Industries    Page  10 of 11 Appendix  1: Definitions  
Definitions have the same meaning as defined by the Act and ISPM 5: Glossary of Phytosanitary Terms  
(2012), unless set out below:  
BORIC  
Biosecurity Organisms Re gister for Imported Commodities: MPI database which informs on the 
quarantine status for an organism as either regulated or non -regulated for New Zealand.  
Consignment  
One or more lots imported by one importer, on one conveyance at one time , and covered by one 
phytosanitary certificate.  
Note 1: Commercial consignments are unaccompanied consignments covered by an airway bill/bill of lading 
intended for resale.  
Note 2: Private consignments are accompanied consignments imported as perso nal property.  
Country/place of origin  
Country/place of origin is defined as country where the plants, from which the plant products are 
derived, were grown or  place of origin; where the commodity was grown or produced  [IPPC] . 
 
FAO  
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations.  
IPPC  
International Plant Protection Convention.  
ISPM  
International Standards for Phytosanitary Measures (IPPC).  
NPPO  
National Plant Protection Organisation – the official organisation established by a government to 
discharge the functions specified by the IPPC.  
Non-regulated pest  
Non-regulated organisms are those organisms for which phytosanitary actions would not be undertaken 
if they were intercepted/ detected. These may include new organisms which could not establish in New 
Zealand.  
Pathway  
A series of activities that, when carried out according to documented procedures, form a discrete and 
traceable export system.  
Pest  
Any species, strain or biotype of plant, animal or pathogenic agent injurious to plant or plant prod ucts 
[IPPC].  
Regulated pest  
A quarantine pest or a regulated non -quarantine pest (ISPM 5: Glossary of phytosanitary terms ).  
Viable  
Any organism that is capable of development and/or reproduction, including pest, plants, seeds and 
other organisms that have  not been through a de -vitalisation or sterilisation treatment.  Import Health Standard :  Fresh Banana for Consumption from the People's Republic of China  
 . . 
Ministry for Primary Industries    Page  11 of 11 Appendix 2:  Amendment Record  
The following table provides a summary of the last amendment to the IHS for fresh banana fruit for 
consumption from PRC.  
 
Schedule:  Details:  Date: