Protective measures extended on imports of bivalve molluscs from Türkiye
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EU extends protective measures on imports of bivalve molluscs from Türkiye
Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2024/360 of 24 January 2024 amending Implementing Regulation (EU) 2022/478 as regards the extension of the period of application of protective measures on imports of bivalve molluscs from Türkiye intended for human consumption
Update
The EU has extended the period of protective measures applied to imports from Türkiye of bivalve molluscs intended for human consumption for 3 more years.
Impacted Products
Bivalve molluscs
What is changing?
The protective measures on imports of live, chilled, frozen, and processed bivalve molluscs from Türkiye for human consumption (Regulation 2022/478) are extended until 31 December 2026.
Why?
Commission audits found persistent structural shortcomings in food safety within Turkish establishments approved to export bivalve molluscs to the EU, and their controls (European Commission: Türkiye 2021-7257).
Timeline
This Regulation applies from 29 January 2024.
What are the major implications for exporting countries?
EU Member States must carry out tests at border control posts on consignments of frozen and processed bivalve molluscs originating in or dispatched from Türkiye. If the tests show any risk for human health, the consignment must be seized, and either destroyed or be subject to treatment such as purification or processing [in accordance with Regulation 2017/625, Arts. 67 and 71(1,2)]. All expenditures incurred by Member States in applying this Regulation will be charged to the operator, or their representative responsible for the consignment on arrival at the EU border control post.
Recommended Actions
Turkish competent authorities and exporters are strongly recommended to address the shortcomings identified in the latest Health and Food Safety audit for export to the EU, including the implementation of corrective measures.
Background
On the legal basis of the Official Controls Regulation (Art. 128.1), the EU can adopt protection measures when non-compliances with EU food law are identified. Such non-compliances were identified regarding the microbiological requirements and official controls of imports of live, chilled, frozen, and processed bivalve molluscs from Türkiye, implemented by the Turkish authorities.
Protective measures were put in place by Regulation 743/2013, maintained by Regulation 2022/478, and are now extended by Regulation 2024/360.
The protective measures include testing all consignments at border control posts of entry into the EU for:
- Escherichia coli contamination levels in frozen bivalve molluscs
- presence of marine biotoxins in frozen or processed bivalve molluscs.
Resources
European Commission: Health and Food Audits and Analysis: Türkiye 2021-7257
Regulation 743/2013 introducing protective measures on imports of bivalve molluscs from Turkey intended for human consumption
Regulation 2017/625 on official controls and other official activities performed to ensure the application of food and feed law, rules on animal health and welfare, plant health and plant protection products
Sources
Regulation 2024/360 as regards the extension of the period of application of protective measures on imports of bivalve molluscs from Türkiye intended for human consumption
Regulation 2022/478 on maintaining protective measures on imports of bivalve molluscs from Turkey intended for human consumption