The Kazakhstan Ministry of Agriculture recently announced a temporary import ban on Chinese top fruit, stone fruit, and citrus fruit. According to the announcement, some of the fruit imported from China carried harmful organisms. The Inspection Committee therefore decided to implement a temporary ban on Chinese top fruit (apples, pears, papaya), stone fruit (apricot, cherry, peach, plum), and citrus fruit. The ban went into effect on the 2nd of March 2020.
Kazakhstan has already officially informed the Chinese Customs Agency. The Chinese authorities have implemented stricter inspection policies. According to the Chinese authorities, the problems occurred because some orchards are unable to implement proper preventative measures.
Kazakhstan investigated 52 cases in which Chinese import fruit violated the regulations. The offensive products (12 thousand products) have all been turned away at the border. In 27 cases the Kazakhstan authorities also fined involved parties for a total of 2 million Kazakhstani Tenge [5,033 USD]. Chinese fruit export to Kazakhstan has grown in recent years, especially the export of Aksu apples from Xinjiang.
Source: Fruit Patch [WeChat ID: Guo Ye Quan Zi]