The Kenyan flower industry wants the government to push for a review of newly increased entry tariffs into the Netherlands.
Saying they were much higher than those of markets like Germany, the Kenya Flower Council said the tariffs should be brought down.
Chairman Erastus Mureithi said the charges, introduced this year, were last month raised from euros 14 to euros 15.6 per 10,000 stems.
But they multiply if the inspection is done after four hours of entry or at the weekend. There is speculation that the phytosanitary charges could rise again in October.
"While we appreciate that the European Union might not remove them completely, they should be maintained at minimum levels," Mureithi said. He added that exposure of the Kenyan flower products to the duty regime would mean they would be eight to 15 per cent dearer.
Kenya - unlike its competitors Ethiopia, Uganda and Tanzania - has been categorised as non-less developed country. This means it would have to negotiate a separate Regional Partnership Agreement (Repa), unlike the preferred trade group.
In addition, the council wants a local unit accredited to inspect at the point of departure.
