Fresh Kyrgyzstani Apricots and Peaches Granted China Market Access

On July 31, the General Administration of Customs of China announced via its website that two types of stone fruits from Kyrgyzstan, namely, apricots and peaches, meeting the stipulated phytosanitary requirements would be permissible for import into China. This further expands the list of Kyrgyzstani produce items with China market access, which already included fresh cherries, melons and table grapes.

China has identified a total of eight quarantine pests of concern in relation to fresh apricots and peaches from Kyrgyzstan, including the codling moth (Cydia pomonella), peach weevil (Rhynchites bacchus), peach black aphid (Pterochloroides persicae), verticillium wilt (Verticillium dahliae), fire blight (Erwinia amylovora), plum pox virus, and two species of scale insects (Lepidosaphes malicola and Rhodococcus turanicus).

The GACC announcement states that orchards intending to export apricots and peaches to China must establish a traceability system and adhere to good agricultural practices and integrated pest management techniques. If the codling moth is detected in a pest-free area, Kyrgyzstan must suspend the area’s exports to China and inform the GACC. Exports from such areas may only resume after eradication of the outbreak and approval from China.

During the packing process, apricots and peaches destined for China must undergo procedures including the removal of diseased or deformed fruits, sorting, grading and cleaning to ensure the absence of insects, mites, rotten fruits, branches, leaves, roots and soil. Packed apricots and peaches that require storage should be stored immediately and separately to prevent recontamination.

Image: Pixabay

This article was translated from Chinese. Read the original article.