Despite the hopes expressed by the Sicilian Phytosanitary Service and some exporters a few months ago, it seems that the first trial shipments to China will be delayed by at least another year.
Nonetheless, China required further inspections and studies for what concerns the presence of potential pathogens and harmful parasites.
Dr. Rosario D'Anna from the Sicilain Phytosanitary Services reports that "when we completed the dossier in late July, we expected to be given the 'all clear'. However, in early December, we received additional study requirements, which we completed before the Christmas holidays. We are now hoping our Ministry and Embassy will put their foot down."
This slowdown will probably mean the first shipments will be carried out during the next citrus fruit season. In addition, the delay will affect the commencement of other dossiers concerning products such as, for example, apples and pears.
In fact, even it is possible to present multiple applications, the Chinese authorities officially take into consideration only one single product per country at a time.
China does not seem that close for Italian fruit and vegetables after all.
