|
INTERNATIONAL ACCREDITATION OF KEPHIS LABORATORIES |
|
|
|
|
Page 2 of 2
Grading and inspection of fruits and vegetables
The European Commission regulation (EC No. 1148/2001) which came into effect on April 1, 2004 requires that, all import consignments of fresh fruit and vegetables subject to the EU marketing standards will require a recognized Certificate of Conformity before release into free circulation within the European Union. Where the exporting country has met conditions laid down by the European Commission and has been granted approved status, the certificate can be issued by the exporting country thereby facilitating quick release of products into free circulation. The conformity criteria among others include the inspection standards, technical competence, inspection infrastructure and points of inspection. Kenya, through KEPHIS applied to be granted approved status by the EU. This was granted vide Commission Regulation (EC) No.431/2006 published in the Official Journal of the European Union on 16th March 2006.
WHAT DOES IT MEAN IN TERMS OF TRADE FOR KENYA
 |
Kenya is able to benefit from the international seed trade by exporting and importing quality seeds thus enhancing the expansion of the local seed industry and access to superior foreign crop varieties and germplasm. Through accreditation, the seed testing laboratory has continually provided an independent and accurate seed testing service to the Kenyan seed industry, thereby maintaining and promoting sustainable agriculture and economic growth. |
|
Requirements to ensure fair practices and safe food are a growing concern in traded commodities. Crop protection products are used throughout the world on growing and stored produce. The use of pesticides in agriculture should not compromise consumer safety hence the need to ensure residues from these chemicals are minimized in compliance with CODEX and other requirements in respect of Maximum Residue Levels (MRLs). The accreditation assures that tests conducted by KEPHIS are internationally recognised thereby facilitating trade. |
|
Trade facilitation through quick release of fruits and vegetables into free circulation within Europe. |
<< Start < Prev 1 2 Next > End >>
|
