UAE tightens norms for import of veggies from India

UAE said fruits and vegetables coming from India showed high levels of pesticide residues exceeding permitted limits

Amid quality concerns, the UAE has tightened norms for import of chili peppers, mango and cucumber from India from this month onwards.

The Arab nation has now made it mandatory for Indian exporters to furnish a pesticide residue analysis report for each consignment of shipment of these products.

In a latest circular, the agri-export promotion body Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) has advised exporters to "strongly adhere to the import requirement of the UAE and not make any shipments without violating the stipulated conditions."

In a recent communication, the UAE has informed that "fruits and vegetables coming from India showed high levels of pesticide residues exceeding the permitted limits of in accordance with international standards adopted by Codex Alimentarius Commission."

"In light of this, it has been decided by the UAE that for the sake of the health and safety of consumers, it will not allow the shipment of chili peppers, mango and cucumber without accompanying a residue analysis report with each consignment with effect from May 1," APEDA said in the circular.

In the 2015-16 fiscal, India had exported 2,62,158 tonnes of fresh vegetables and 48,591 tonnes of fruits to the UAE, as per the APEDA data.