The Fresh Produce Consortium is alerting members to the ramifications of the new apple import licence system.

The Rural Payments Agency has now published details of how the scheme will work and is distributing it throughout the industry.

A circular from the FPC said: “The reason cited by the European Commission for this measure was that a lack of adequate and timely import data led to a drastic fall in prices towards the end of the southern-hemisphere campaign in October, which inflicted substantial financial losses on European producers and exporters from third countries. “We understand that the customs authorities in the UK, Belgium and the Netherlands failed to supply import information to the Commission.

“The Commission says that the system of import licences will guarantee the precise and timely transmission of quantities of apples imported into the 25 EU member states.

“It is, however, a strictly temporary measure and will be in place only until a new computer-based data transmission system is operational, due in 2007.”

It warned that importers should note that the licence will be valid for three months. “The 15 Euros per tonne security will be forfeited if you do not import at least 95 per cent of the quantity specified on the licence within the three-month validity period,” the FPC added.

Importer encountering difficulties with the system should contact the FPC.

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