Italy, Spain, Greece, France and Portugal have prepared inspectors for new US import rules, due to take effect in June
Several European countries are apparently ready to meet new entry requirements, due to take effect in early June, for fresh fruit and vegetables exported to the US.
Ten inspectors from a total of five nations took part in a special training and certification course in Ferrara, Italy, in late April, where they learned about the enhanced cold treatment procedures.
These are known as CTIS-M, which stands for Cold Treatment Information System – Modernisation.
As part of the initiative, which was organised by CSO Italy at the request of the Italian government, seven USDA phytosanitary experts illustrated the new operating procedures required by the US for the in-transit cold treatment of fruit and vegetables.
The course was open to inspectors from various European countries and was attended by delegations from Italy, Spain, Greece, France, and Portugal.
The US delegation was coordinated by USDA’s director for phytosanitary inspections, Prakash Hebbar.
During the final day of training activities, a full simulation of cold treatment operations was conducted using a container of kiwifruit at the premises of leading exporter Unacoa, in collaboration with logistics providers DCS Tramaco and MSC.
“Initiatives like this represent a fundamental step in ensuring the continuity and competitiveness of Italian fruit and vegetable exports to strategic markets like the US,” commented Simona Rubbi, head of legislation and certifications at CSO Italy, who thanked everyone involved for their support.
“Direct contact with US authorities and on-the-job training allow European operators to promptly adapt to the new standards, strengthening the reliability of the entire supply chain.”
