EU will strengthen control of imported agricultural products and food products

The European Commission (EC) will strengthen controls on food, animal and plant products imported into the EU.

The EC press service reports that the move follows a dialogue with stakeholders on import controls.

The Commission said the measures aim to maintain a high level of food safety for EU citizens and ensure a level playing field for producers.

The package of measures includes a planned 50% increase in the number of audits of non-EU countries over the next two years, while maintaining existing levels of controls within the EU. The number of audits of European border control posts will increase by 33% to check whether Member States carry out inspections in accordance with EU requirements. The Commission also plans to monitor non-compliant goods and countries more closely, with necessary adjustments to the frequency of checks, and will support Member States in implementing additional control measures.

A dedicated EU working group will be set up to improve the efficiency of import checks, with a focus on pesticide residues, food and feed safety and animal welfare. Coordinated EU measures to monitor certain imported products are also being considered.

The updated rules will regulate imports of products containing traces of dangerous pesticides banned in the EU, reflecting recent developments in international standards.

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