The secretariat of the World Apple & Pear Association (WAPA) has asked freshinfo to clarify that no decision has yet been taken on the continuation of the apple licensing system after the end of this year.
The system was initially phased in two-years ago to restore confidence in import data alongside to the setting up of a new computerised customs system. The new customs system is now up and running and provides the European Commission and therefore the European industry with more accurate information on the flow of apple supply from third countries into the EU market.
An Apple & Pear Expert Working Group of the European Commission will meet next week and be consulted on the way forward. A final decision by the Commission on this issue is expected towards the end of this year.
WAPA’s Philippe Binard said: “The question now is whether a licensing system for apples is still providing an added value. It has worked well and restored confidence in data. Today, the licence system, the figures from the Southern Hemisphere Association of Fresh Fruit Exporters (SHAFFE), the Eurostat data and hopefully now the new customs system are enhancing the accuracy of information available to the industry.
“Because the customs system appears to be operating satisfactorily after being tested for a few months, it may be true to say that the Commission is of the mind to end the licensing system at the end of this year, but there is still a management committee process to go through and nothing has yet been decided.”
