Chile: Phytosanitary Requirements on Imported Cashew
Exempt Resolution No. 5934/2024 establishing phytosanitary import requirements for cashew nuts (Anacardium occidentale) from any country of origin was published in Chile’s official gazette on February 1, 2024. Aspects covered include the following:
- Official phytosanitary certificate issued by the country of origin, with the following additional declaration: “The shipment has been treated for Trogoderma granarium (Col., Dermestidae), and Corcyra cephalonica (Lep., Pyralidae)”
- Fumigation treatments accepted
- Alternative additional declaration accepted
- Requirements concerning shipment, transport and inspection
The regulation will enter into force 60 days after publication.
China: Almond Hulls Gain Market Access
On January 12, 2024, China’s Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs (MARA) announced the addition of almond hulls to its official feed ingredients catalogue, paving the way for the import of these products. Companies interested in exporting feed ingredients to China must ensure that their products are included in the feed ingredients catalogue and that the facilities are listed by China’s General Administration of Customs (GACC) before the products are shipped.
Kenya: Draft Standard on Almond Kernels
In January, Kenya notified the World Trade Organization of the publication of a draft standard on almond kernels. The document specifies requirements, methods of sampling and test for shelled raw, roasted, blanched and fried almond kernels intended for human consumption. The feedback period ends on March 26, 2024.
Panama: Updated Phytosanitary Import Requirements for Prunes
Panama has notified the World Trade Organization of an update to its phytosanitary import requirements for prunes from Argentina, Chile, Colombia, France, Spain and the United States.
Sri Lanka–Thailand: Free Trade Deal
Sri Lanka and Thailand signed the Sri Lanka–Thailand Free Trade Agreement (SLTFTA) in early February. The agreement is comprehensive in scope, covering trade in goods, rules of origin, sanitary and phytosanitary measures, technical barriers to trade, and more.
Türkiye: Phytosanitary Import Requirements for Dates and Dried Corinthian Grapes
The Turkish Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry has notified the World Trade Organization that, as of March 31, 2024, Türkiye will require dates and dried Corinthian grapes to have a phytosanitary certificate upon entry into Türkiye and will subject them to phytosanitary control. These products will be returned or destroyed if they do not have a phytosanitary certificate issued by the national plant protection organization of the exporting country or if they are found to be non-compliant as a result of the phytosanitary control.