New Zealand apples have still not been cleared for export to Australia despite an agreement across the Tasman months ago to let them in.

Biosecurity Australia agreed in February to end the ban on the importation of apples from New Zealand, which had been in place for more than 85 years. But quarantine inspections on orchards in Hawke's Bay have yet to happen, meaning that the apples are not cleared for exporting.

Chairman of Pipfruit New Zealand, Ian Palmer, said that for the sake of the industry this situation would have to change.

He said that the delay seemed to be due to Australian bureaucracy and he is alleging political interference.

The ban on the New Zealand apples entering Australia was in place to prevent spread of the fireblight disease. The fruit will be imported under strict conditions and will not be sent to Western Australia.