In New Zealand, apple group Matipou Orchard Ltd and its managing director William Thow are reportedly facing charges of misusing documents to export non-complying apples to Taiwan.
According to Hawkes Bay Today, the multiple charges carry maximum penalties of seven years' jail, if found guilty.
The charges relate to allegations that at varying times between April 2009 and April 2011, documents in the company name misrepresented where apples the company exported to Taiwan had come from, the publication noted.
Charges have been laid by the Ministry of Primary Industries and have been adjourned without pleas until 15 July.
