Exporting Fresh Table Grapes to the European Union: Procedures, Certifications, and Compliance

Exporting fresh table grapes to the European Union (EU) requires adherence to stringent procedures and regulations to ensure compliance with food safety standards. The Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) has outlined detailed guidelines for grape farmers, exporters, laboratories, and other stakeholders involved in the export process. This article provides a comprehensive overview of the procedures, responsibilities, and requirements for exporting fresh table grapes to the EU.

Background

The export of fresh table grapes to the EU is regulated to ensure compliance with food safety norms, particularly concerning the residue levels of agrochemicals. The Central Insecticide Board and Registration Committee (CIB&RC) permits the use of specific agrochemicals, and their residue levels must not exceed the prescribed limits of the importing countries. Additionally, fresh table grapes must meet Agmark standards before the issuance of a Phyto Sanitary Certificate (PSC).

Objectives of the Procedures 

The procedures aim to:

Establish a system to control chemical residues in exportable fresh table grapes at the farm and plot level.
Monitor chemical residues in soil, water, and packhouses.
Facilitate exports by implementing a surveillance system for agrochemical residues.
Ensure corrective actions in case of residue levels exceeding prescribed limits.
Guarantee compliance with EU food safety norms for agrochemical residues.
Provide grade classification of fresh table grapes through the Certificate of Agmark Grading (CAG).

Scope and Coverage 

The procedures apply to:

Grape farmers, farms, and plots intending to produce grapes for export to the EU.
Exporters, APEDA-recognized packhouses, laboratories, and personnel involved in sampling, analysis, and grading.
National Research Centre for Grapes (NRCG), CIB&RC, Department of Marketing and Inspection (DMI), and other stakeholders.

Farm Registration Process 

Farmers intending to export grapes must register their farms and plots with the District Superintending Agriculture/Horticulture Officer. The registration process includes:

Submission of an application form (Annexure-1).
Physical verification of the farm/plot by the Inspection Authority.
Maintenance of records of chemical applications (Annexure-2A).
Compliance with the use of only registered agrochemicals (Annexure-5).
Display of farmer name and plot registration number prominently on the farm.

Farm registration is valid for three years, with annual validation required for export purposes. Late registration is allowed with a fee, provided it occurs before the veraison stage.

Responsibilities of Stakeholders 

Farmers, Growers, and Exporters

Ensure compliance with EU Maximum Residue Levels (MRLs) for agrochemicals.
Use only recommended chemicals listed in Annexure-5.
Maintain accurate records of chemical applications and cultivation practices.
Provide declarations (Annexure-3) to exporters at the time of harvest, certifying compliance with EU food safety norms.

District Agriculture/Horticulture Officers 

Conduct inspections of farms/plots at least twice before harvesting.
Verify registration records and ensure compliance with recommended practices.
Provide guidance to farmers and exporters on quality production and food safety.

Laboratories

Accredited to ISO/IEC-17025 and recognized by APEDA.
Draw samples from registered farms/plots for residue analysis.
Issue residue analysis certificates (Annexure-10) within six days of sampling.
Report failed samples to the National Referral Laboratory (NRL) and other authorities within 24 hours.

National Referral Laboratory (NRL) 

Prepare and update the list of recommended chemicals and their MRLs (Annexure-5 and Annexure-9).
Monitor laboratory compliance and conduct surveillance audits.
Issue Internal Alert Information (Annexure-13) for failed samples and revoke alerts upon successful re-testing.

APEDA

Facilitate export promotion and ensure compliance with procedures.
Monitor laboratories and evaluate test results.
Nominate committees to assess exporters’ compliance with procedures.

Sampling and Analysis

Sampling is a critical step in the export process. Authorized laboratory representatives draw samples from registered farms/plots following the method outlined in Annexure-7. Samples are collected from representative sections of the plot, ensuring they meet export grade standards. Laboratories analyze the samples for chemical residues and issue residue analysis certificates.

Certification Requirements

Certificate of Agmark Grading (CAG) 

The CAG certifies the quality of grapes for export. The process includes:

Application for a Certificate of Authorization (C.A.) for grading fruits and vegetables under Agmark.
Inspection and grading of the consignment by approved laboratories.
Issuance of the CAG, valid for 15 days, with revalidation possible in case of shipment delays.

Phyto Sanitary Certificate (PSC) 

The PSC ensures compliance with quarantine regulations of the importing country. Exporters must provide necessary documents, including laboratory analysis reports, fumigation certificates, and packing lists, to the PSC issuing authority.

Penalties for Non-Compliance 

APEDA may impose penalties for breaches of the procedures, including:

Cancellation of Import-Export Code (IEC) of exporters.
Suspension of laboratory accreditation.
Other actions as deemed necessary.

Conclusion

Exporting fresh table grapes to the EU requires strict adherence to APEDA’s procedures to ensure compliance with food safety and quality standards. By following the outlined guidelines, stakeholders can ensure the successful export of high-quality grapes to the European market. For detailed information, visit the APEDA website or contact the relevant authorities.

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Source: APEDA

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