Europe’s phytosanitary border controls significantly reduced the number of EU interceptions from Thailand, Vietnam and Israel in 2013, according to a European Commission (EC) report published today (26 June).
In a statement the EC said its latest Europhyt report proved that EU import controls are an effective tool in preventing harmful plant pests from entering the European market.
The report also revealed that 7,000 consignments, mainly imported from non-EU countries, were intercepted in 2013 - up 18 per cent compared to 2012. In one third of the cases insects, fungi, bacteria or viruses were found.
Fruit and vegetables fell amongst the highest category of consignments that were prevented from entering the EU marketplace last year. These included mainly mangoes, gourds, basil, aubergines, guavas and peppers, coming from India, Pakistan, Ghana, Dominican Republic, Cambodia, Sri Lanka, Kenya and Bangladesh, the report said.
