Special envoy responsible for market access and EU matters at the CGA, Deon Joubert, tells the OFM Business Hour that there is existing plant health regulation in place between the EU and South Africa called the False Codling Moth Risk Management System (FMS) which was quite successful previously seeing over 90% of SA’s citrus consignment arriving safely in the EU and without issue.

Whilst Joubert acknowledges that the industry in SA  is concerned about the impact that the false codling moth has on citrus quality this does not mean the EU’s phytosanitary regulations are fair.

Joubert says the problem with the current regulation is that it was instituted in 3 days. Normally 6-month notice is given to import/export countries and there is ample consultation. As a result of the lack of consultation and adequate notice there was citrus enroute to the EU when the regulations were implemented. The change in regulations resulted in containers with millions of oranges being stranded at European ports. 

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Whilst the matter was somewhat resolved following intervention from the South African government, only some of the citrus was released by the EU, seeing the estimated loss to the industry drop from R 650 million to over R 200 million.

Joubert says if the EU’s phytosanitary regulations remain in place, it could cost the industry dearly. He is confident the matter will ultimately be resolved.

OFM