A European Commission discussion paper on the introduction of import licences for selected products related to garlic is being compiled, Defra told the Fresh Produce Consortium (FPC) on Friday.

The products that could be covered by the import licence requirement, if it goes ahead, would include garlic, fresh leeks, but not fresh onion or fresh shallot, as well as processed forms of onions, shallots, leeks and garlic.

The idea could become a firm proposal within a few days, according to the FPC.

The introduction of the import licence requirements would replace the current garlic quota and licence system and would be seen by the European Commission as a fraud prevention measure needed to tackle widespread fraud in the import of garlic from countries such as China, said the FPC.

Other changes put forward in the discussion paper include a change in the definition of New Member states, to distinguish between New Member states and the newest, Bulgaria and Romania, and the requirement for member states’ competent authorities to distinguish imports from China from other third countries in order to monitor volumes.

The paper also proposes that member states’ competent authorities should be required to report their figures in kilos in their returns to the European Commission.

A formal proposal could be presented at the next meeting of the EU Fruit & Vegetable Management Committee on January 19.

The FPC has a few days to submit comments to Defra on this document. Any comments on this proposal must be submitted to the FPC by January 16.

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