EU Regulation 2024/1457: Phytosanitary Measures for Prunus Species from Turkey

On May 29, 2024, the European Commission published Implementing Regulation (EU) 2024/1457, an amendment to existing regulations concerning the importation of certain Prunus species from Turkey. This regulation, enforceable from June 1, 2024, specifically modifies the phytosanitary measures outlined in Implementing Regulations (EU) 2018/2019 and (EU) 2020/1213. This article aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the changes introduced by this regulation, focusing on the implications for stakeholders in the agricultural and horticultural sectors.

Background and Context

The European Union (EU) has stringent phytosanitary regulations to prevent the introduction and spread of pests that can threaten the agricultural sector. Implementing Regulation (EU) 2018/2019 established a list of high-risk plants, including Prunus species, which require specific import measures to mitigate pest risks. Implementing Regulation (EU) 2020/1213 further detailed these measures for plants that had been removed from the high-risk list but still posed potential threats.

The latest regulation, EU 2024/1457, addresses the importation of Prunus persica (peach), Prunus dulcis (almond), Prunus armeniaca (apricot), and Prunus davidiana (Chinese wild peach) from Turkey. This decision follows a thorough risk assessment conducted by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) and is based on Turkey's request to export these plants to the EU.

Key Provisions of the Regulation

Pests of Concern

EFSA's risk assessment identified several pests associated with Prunus species imported from Turkey, including:

• Anoplophora chinensis (Asian longhorn beetle)
• Didesmococcus unifasciatus (a scale insect)
• Euzophera semifuneralis (a moth)
• Hoplolaimus galeatus (a nematode)
• Lasiodiplodia pseudotheobromae (a fungus)
• Lepidosaphes malicola and Lepidosaphes pistaciae (scale insects)
• Maconellicoccus hirsutus (pink hibiscus mealybug)
• Malacosoma parallela (a moth)
• Neoscytalidium dimidiatum and Neoscytalidium novaehollandiae (fungi)
• Nipaecoccus viridis (a scale insect)
• Peach rosette mosaic virus
• Phenacoccus solenopsis (a mealybug)
• Pochazia shantungensis (a planthopper)
• Russellaspis pustulans (a scale insect)
• Scirtothrips dorsalis (yellow tea thrips)
• Tomato ringspot virus

Risk Mitigation Measures

To ensure the phytosanitary protection of the EU, the regulation mandates several risk mitigation measures:

1. Official Statement Requirement: Turkey must provide an official statement confirming that the plants are free from the listed pests. This includes certification that production sites have been inspected and found free from these pests throughout the production cycle.

2. Inspection Protocols: Consignments must undergo official inspections immediately prior to export. The inspection protocols are designed to detect pest infestations at a level of at least 1% with 99% confidence.

3. Phytosanitary Certificates: The phytosanitary certificates accompanying the consignments must include specific statements confirming compliance with Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2020/1213 and detailing the registered sites of production.

Adjustments Based on Pest Findings

The regulation takes into account the latest findings on pest presence in Turkey. For instance, Malacosoma parallela has been officially confirmed as absent in Turkey, and thus, is no longer considered a relevant pest for Prunus species from this region. Additionally, certain pests like Lasiodiplodia pseudotheobromae, Neoscytalidium dimidiatum, and Phenacoccus solenopsis have shown no significant impact on host plants within the EU, negating the need for specific import requirements concerning these pests.

Implications for Stakeholders

Importers and Exporters

For importers and exporters, the new regulation implies stricter compliance requirements and enhanced documentation to ensure that imported Prunus species from Turkey meet the EU's phytosanitary standards. Exporters in Turkey must adhere to rigorous pest control and inspection protocols, while EU importers must verify that all necessary certificates and declarations are in place.

Agricultural Sector

The regulation aims to safeguard the EU's agricultural sector from potential pest invasions that could devastate local crops and ecosystems. By implementing stringent phytosanitary measures, the EU ensures that only pest-free plants are introduced, thereby protecting native flora and maintaining agricultural productivity.

Regulatory Authorities

National plant protection organizations (NPPOs) within EU member states will play a crucial role in enforcing the new measures. These authorities are responsible for inspecting consignments, verifying documentation, and ensuring that all phytosanitary requirements are met before allowing the entry of Prunus species from Turkey into the EU.

Conclusion

Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2024/1457 represents a significant step in the EU's ongoing efforts to protect its agricultural sector from phytosanitary risks associated with imported plants. By updating the phytosanitary measures for Prunus species from Turkey, the EU aims to mitigate the risk of pest introductions and ensure the continued health and productivity of its agricultural landscape. Stakeholders involved in the import and export of these plants must familiarize themselves with the new requirements and ensure strict compliance to facilitate safe and efficient trade.

For more detailed inquiries, stakeholders can reach out directly to the European Commission's Directorate-General for Health and Food Safety or utilize the SGS Digicomply platform for comprehensive insights and updates. Feel free to get in touch now to learn about implementing the Regulatory Intelligence Hub for your company. Or explore the demo and try this tool in action.