The announcement
follows an official report received from Dr. Mohamed El-Mansi, Head of the
Central Administration for Agricultural Quarantine. The report reviewed the
outcomes of formal discussions with the European Commission’s Standing
Committee on the matter. The discussions highlighted the new monitoring system
implemented by the Egyptian Agricultural Quarantine Authority, which has
significantly improved the quality and safety of shipments. This led the EU to
approve the second consecutive reduction within a year, following a previous
cut from 30 percent to 20 percent in November 2024.
Minister Farouk
emphasized that the decision reflects international recognition of the
effectiveness of Egypt’s agricultural export monitoring system. He added that
it will directly enhance the competitiveness of Egyptian citrus, the country’s
top export crop in global markets.
The Minister noted
that the decision will take effect 20 days after its publication in the
Official Journal of the European Union. He also praised the high-level
coordination with the Egyptian Trade Representation Office in Brussels, headed
by Trade Commissioner Nasser Hamed, for its crucial role in conveying technical
correspondence and clarifying EU requirements.
Farouk commended the
efforts of the Agricultural Services and Follow-up Sector and the Central
Administration for Agricultural Quarantine in establishing regulatory
frameworks that ensure the continued quality of Egyptian agricultural exports.