Taiwan recently received a letter from the Plant Health Unit of the European Commission's Directorate-General for Health and Food Safety (DG SANTE), approving the export of Taiwan-produced dragon fruit, jujubes, and lychees to the EU market. This marks another significant milestone in bilateral agricultural trade, following the successful entry of Taiwanese guavas and mangoes into the EU market last June.
According to EU guidance, import requirements for these items are detailed in the Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2019/2072. Taiwanese exporters must strictly comply with the relevant provisions in Annex XI of this regulation. They must also accompany shipments with phytosanitary certificates issued by Taiwanese authorities to ensure products meet EU plant health standards.
Regarding occasional time lags in the administrative process of EU Member States, and based on past experience, the detailed quarantine conditions and operational specifications for individual fruits still require final confirmation with the actual importing EU Member State. If the latest quarantine regulations or implementation status of the target country (specific EU Member State) cannot be fully confirmed before formally launching exportation, Taiwanese exporters must consult the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Agency (APHIA). The official agency will fully assist in contacting and confirming details, providing the industry with the strongest technical support.
This EU market opening not only demonstrates the competitiveness of Taiwan's premium fresh fruits but also underscores the international recognition of our nation's robust animal and plant quarantine capabilities. The APHIA urges exporters to ensure that orchard and packing facilities carefully inspect and select fruit prior to shipment. Beyond supplying high-quality produce, it is essential to verify that the goods are free from quarantine pests of concern to EU countries to facilitate smooth customs clearance.
