- South Africa alleged that the EU measures that came into effect on 24 June 2022 and implemented since 14 July 2022 were unjustified, abrupt and disruptive to trade
EU has recently introduced new and stringent measures relating to the export of citrus — primarily oranges — from southern Africa to the European Union. As a result of the restrictions, the South African citrus industry, which employs more than 140,000 workers and generates about R30-billion in export revenue, is under threat according to an official statement from South Africa. It alleged that the EU measures that came into effect on 24 June 2022 and implemented since 14 July 2022 were unjustified, abrupt and disruptive to trade. According to the South African sources, the new plant health regulations of EU have imposed additional compliance requirements that are costly for South African citrus exporters.
The new rule requires that, before being exported, citrus from southern Africa has to undergo cold treatment at temperatures between 0°C to -1°C for at least 25 days. These measures, according to the EU, are required to prevent the introduction and spread of Phyllosticta citricarpa — citrus black spot, a fungal disease — in the European market. It was reported that South African citrus shipments bound for the EU have experienced the highest number of citrus black spot interceptions in the past 10 years.
South Africa has requested WTO dispute consultations with the EU regarding the new restrictions on South African citrus fruit imports. It alleged that the EU measures violate various provisions of the WTO Agreement on the Application of Sanitary and Phytosanitary Measures and the GATT of 1994.
Also read;
https://trendsnafrica.com/coal-exports-from-south-africa-to-eu-picks-up-since-10-august/
https://trendsnafrica.com/botswana-and-namibias-ban-on-south-african-farm-products-hit-exports/
