Brussels, 27 May 2014
Plant Health: Commission strengthens rules on citrus fruit imports from South Africa
Stricter import requirements for South African citrus fruit were today endorsed by Member State experts1. These emergency measures are being taken to protect European crops from citrus black spot, a harmful plant disease not native to Europe.
According to the new measures, citrus fruits imported from South Africa will be subject to more stringent criteria such as recording pre and post-harvest chemical treatments and mandatory registration of packing houses as well as on-site official inspections at citrus orchards. A sample of at least 600 of each type of citrus fruit per 30 tonnes will need to be taken by the South African authorities. All fruit showing symptoms will be tested. Moreover, a sample per 30 tonnes of 'Valencia' oranges will also be tested. No distinction between citrus fruits for fresh consumption and citrus fruits for processing is made.
Commissioner for Health, Tonio Borg said: "Plant protection on EU territory is of the utmost importance and the EU had no choice but to impose a stricter inspection regime for South African citrus fruit. Systematic sampling and testing of consignments should prevent this harmful plant disease from taking hold in Europe's citrus orchards to the detriment of our farming sector. We had to take these measures because of the high number of recent interception of infected citrus fruits at European border controls."
Today's measures are also based on a recent European Food Safety Authority's pest risk assessment.