Subject: South African citrus fruit with black spot
In September 2023, the European Union detected five citrus fruit shipments – one of lemons, one of mandarins and three of oranges – from South Africa contaminated with the pest responsible for citrus black spot.
With 33 shipments containing black spot already intercepted during the export season to Europe, a total of 38 shipments of South African citrus fruit have now been detected with this disease. If it is introduced into and spreads through the EU citrus sector, it would result in serious losses.
Moreover, the detection of false moths in mandarins once again highlights the need to extend cold treatment to all citrus species at risk of spreading this quarantine pest.
1. What measures is the Commission taking to contain and prevent the spread of black spot in the EU?
2. What guarantees is it giving to the European citrus sector, which has been affected by this pest?
3. What plans does it have to extend the requirement for cold treatment to all citrus fruit?
Submitted: 18.10.2023
Answer given by Ms Kyriakides on behalf of the European Commission (11 December 2023)
Regulation (EU) 2022/632 (1) prescribes temporary strict measures for imports of citrus fruits from Argentina, Brazil, South Africa, Uruguay and Zimbabwe, to prevent the introduction of Phyllosticta citricarpa (citrus black spot).
According to Regulation (EU) 2017/625 (2) on official controls, citrus fruits are subject to 100% documentary control. In addition, according to Implementing Regulation (EU) 2022/2389 (3) on frequency rates, citrus fruits from the majority of third countries are subject to 100% identity and physical checks at the entry point.
As a result of the above-mentioned controls, the EU Member States have intercepted a significant number of consignments due to the presence of Phyllosticta citricarpa. In addition, according to Regulation (EU) 2016/2031 (4), Member States are required to carry out annual surveys for this pest.
The Commission is in close contact with the relevant third countries, including South Africa, urging for immediate action including the suspension of trade. In the case of South Africa, the Citrus Growers’ Association of South Africa announced in the news the suspension of trade starting from 15 September 2023.
Furthermore, an annual evaluation of each import season is carried out at the end of the trade season to decide on the way forward ahead of the following season.
As regards cold treatment, given that the number of non-compliances due to Thaumatotibia leucotreta on citrus fruits other than oranges has remained low, there is no risk-based evidence that would allow the EU to impose cold treatment to all citrus fruits.
Nevertheless, the EU measures for Thaumatotibia leucotreta were strengthened in 2022 also for all other relevant commodities in terms of traceability and sampling prior to export.
1 ∙ ⸱ https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=CELEX%3A32022R0632&qid=1696924764915
2 ∙ ⸱ https://eur-lex.europa.eu/eli/reg/2017/625/oj
3 ∙ ⸱ https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=CELEX%3A32022R2389&qid=1696924833769
4 ∙ ⸱ https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=CELEX%3A02016R2031-20191214