Kazakhstan Tightens Checks on Imported Fruit and Vegetables

Kazakhstan has introduced mandatory laboratory testing for all imported plant products subject to quarantine controls, Deputy Agriculture Minister Azat Sultanov said, Orda.kz reports.

Previously, inspectors sent products for testing only if they identified potential risks. All shipments are now tested at laboratories operating at border checkpoints.

We have switched from selective testing to full laboratory control of all regulated plant products entering Kazakhstan,Sultanov said.

He said the measures were intended to prevent dangerous pests and plant diseases from entering the country. Shipments found to violate phytosanitary requirements will either be returned to their country of origin or destroyed.

Kazakhstan will also notify the relevant foreign authorities and request an investigation. If no action is taken, products from the company responsible may be barred from the Kazakh market.

Original author: Alina Elgeldina

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