Africa: Draft African Standard on Production, Handling and Processing of Dried Fruits and Vegetables
Kenya has notified the World Trade Organization (WTO) of a draft African Standard, developed by the African Organization for Standardization (ARSO), entitled Production, handling and processing of dried fruits and vegetables — Code of practice. The proposed date of adoption is December 31, 2024.
Australia-UAE: Trade Deal Secured
On September 17, 2024, Australia announced that negotiations on the Australia-United Arab Emirates Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement had been concluded. Under this agreement, over 99% of Australian products will enter the UAE tariff-free. Australia and the UAE are now working to formalize the legal treaty text in preparation for signing later this year.
Brazil: Macadamias Gain Market Access in Four Countries
Brazil has received sanitary approvals to export dried macadamias to Angola and South Korea and to export processed dried macadamias to Australia and the United Kingdom, according to a statement from the Brazilian Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock.
EU: Concerns on Aflatoxin Contamination in Iranian Pistachios
On October 18, 2024, at an event in Brussels, Belgium, organized under the umbrella of FRUCOM-CEEREAL, officials from the European Commission’s DG for Health and Food Safety (DG SANTE) took part on a panel discussion on import control measures (Regulation 2019/1793).
Participants expressed concern over a potential ban on the import of Iranian pistachios due to aflatoxin risk —which is slated for discussion in November according to FRUCOM. Iranian pistachios are currently placed in Annex II of the Increased Controls Regulation, subject to 50% checks.
EU: Trade Agreement With Colombia, Peru and Ecuador
On October 14, 2024, the Council of the European Union adopted a decision to conclude the trade agreement between the European Union and its member states, on one hand, and Colombia and Peru, on the other, as well as a decision to conclude the protocol concerning Ecuador’s accession to this agreement. This move will allow the full implementation of the agreement as of November 1, 2024.
Indonesia: New Import Requirements for Agricultural Shipments
Earlier this year, the Indonesian Quarantine Agency (IQA) announced that exporters will be required to submit a “prior notice” in the IQA’s new system before shipping any agricultural commodities to Indonesia. The new requirements came into effect on October 6, 2024. A recent USDA GAIN report provides guidance on compliance with this requirement.
Kenya: Macadamia Export Ban Extended for Six Months
The government of Kenya has decided to extended a grace period allowing the export of raw macadamia nuts for an additional six months, as reported by Nation. The move comes less than two months before a ban on macadamia exports was set to resume on November 2, 2024.
Tanzania: Raw Walnut Kernels Specification
Tanzania has notified the World Trade Organization (WTO) that the Draft Tanzania Standard AFDC 19 (1127) DTZS, Raw Walnut Kernels – Specification has been adopted by the Tanzanian Ministry of Industry and Trade. A draft version of the specification, notified to the WTO in 2022, is available here.