Bowl of SA stonefruit

The US Department of Agriculture's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (USDA-APHIS) will allow South African apricots, sweet cherries and plumcots to be imported from 3 November.

USDA-APHIS inspectors believe the risk of introducing pests or diseases is minimal, provided phytosanitary measures are taken and certificates are issued for every consignment by South Africa's national plant protection organisation.

To pass US border controls, South African apricots and plumcots must be free from cinch bug and cold-treated for fruit flies and false codling moth.

Plumcots must also be free from fruit fly, as should sweet cherries.