Import controls in Europe – the example of Belgium

On 4 May, COLEACP held a meeting with National Plant Protection Organisations (NPPOs) and stakeholders in the fruit and vegetable sector of ACP countries on “How import controls of fresh fruit and vegetables are carried out in Europe – the example of Belgium”.

The meeting was well attended, gathering around 60 participants representing NPPOs from all ACP regions along with COLEACP experts.

Following presentations on the experiences of Senegalese and Kenyan exporters, Lazlo Avonts described the activities of the Border Control Post at Brussels Airport, including the different plant inspection types (Plant health checks; Marketing standards checks; Food/feed safety checks) and a detailed step-by-step account of the control process.

If you were unable to join us live, you can access the full session recording here.

The presentations were:

• Senegal experiences related to fresh fruit and vegetables export to Europe: Abdoulaye NDIAYE, Chef de Division Législation phytosanitaire et Quarantaine des plantes, DPV Dakar (see PowerPoint)
• Kenyan experiences related to fresh fruit and vegetables export to Europe: Peter KAMUTI, Ag. Head, KEPHIS Analytical Chemistry Laboratory
• How import controls of fresh fruit and vegetables are carried out in Europe – example of Belgium: Lazlo AVONTS, FASFC Border Control Post, Brussels Airport (see PowerPoint)

This activity is supported by the Fit For Market SPS programme, implemented by COLEACP within the Framework of Development Cooperation between the Organisation of African, Caribbean and Pacific States (OACPS) and the European Union.