Russia imports more than 8.5 million tonnes of fruit and vegetables annually. Of this, less than 4% is from Morocco. Although the Moroccan export figures show a rise in fruit and vegetable export, the export is only 3.6% of the market share. Citrus is the most important product with 92% of the market share. Tomatoes represent 7% and the rest is made up of various vegetables.But there are new perspectives for the Moroccan export to Russia. Recently a Russian delegation visited Morocco to view the route the citrus follows and mainly to view the phyto-sanitary checks.
Although often questionable cases are raised in the favour of Morocco. This system ensures a special customs duty of 4.59% for the citrus and 16.62% for tomatoes. However the refusals of custom clearance are numerous. The costs of waiting times for ships and the deterioration of the quality of the products.
But the big problems are found on the level of sanitary and phyto sanitary norms. These have become more strict in the past few years, but aren’t enforced as strictly in all the countries that export to Russia. The position of competing countries compared to Morocco has become stronger due to this.
Morocco does have a checking system, that has been approved by the EVO. But Russia has not yet recognized this and has therefore been invited to see the checking system on the site. According to the national bureau for food safety the delegation was visibly surprised by the level of the system. However the definitive publication report of the Russian delegation remains to be seen.
Publication date: 12/23/2011
