The European Union is the most important partner with regards to the export of fruits and vegetables from Bosnia and Herzegovina, and the quantities of exported goods are constantly increasing every year. Therefore, it is crucial that agricultural producers comply with the legal, market, and consumer standards of EU markets.

EXPORTING FRUITS ANDVEGETABLES TO THE EU CONQUER THE MARKET WITH QUALITY PRODUCTS

STRICT REGULATIONS

When dealing with food, the European Union has strict regulations regarding its safety and consumer protection. In order for your products to find their place on the shelves of retail chains in EU countries, pay attention to many factors. Continue reading to find out more about the key factors.

When exporting goods to the EU, you must have all the appropriate documentation and certification as proof of complete traceability of your products. This includes: proof of the origin of goods, a waybill, phytosanitary certificate, packaging material list and customs documentation. If complete documentation is not provided when entering EU markets, you can face unplanned costs, delays in delivery and even penalties.

GENERAL CUSTOMER REQUIREMENTS

The maximum level of pesticide residue in food products at the EU level is clearly defined and exceeding this level automatically results in the withdrawal of products from the market as well as a ban on exporting goods.

PESTICIDES

General and specific market standards are given for the minimum quality and maturity of fruits and vegetables that are placed on EU markets. Non-specific products must comply with these general market standards. Specific market standards apply to apples, citrus, kiwi, lettuce, peaches, nectarines, pears, strawberries, sweet peppers, grapes, and tomatoes. These standards prescribe that your consignments must also have a certificate of compliance.

MARKET STANDARDS

Mandatory information on each package of fruits and vegetables includes information about the product, the packaging, the country of origin, class, size, as well as a LOT number. For fresh products that were previously packaged, it is necessary to indicate the name and address of the seller on EU territory.

LABELING AND PACKAGING

In order to prevent the introduction of harmful organisms for plants and plant products into the European Union, your products must have a phytosanitary certificate issued by competent entity inspectors in BiH. This certificate must include plants, plant products, and wooden packaging materials.

PLANT HEALTH

DOCUMENTATION

It is possible to find contaminants in food during production, preparation, processing, packaging, transportation, and storage. Keep this in mind, as EU regulations specifically apply to the restriction of nitrates and metals.

CONTAMINATES

SPECIFIC BUYER REQUIREMENTS

Secure your goods through well known and recognized certificates. Pay special attention to certificates recognized by the Global Food Safety Initiative such as HAACP, GLOBAL GAP, BRC or IFC standard. Some customers may look for SQF, FSSC 22000 or other specific certifications. Ask about them on time.

CERTIFICATES

The precise terms of delivery and payment, the possession of quality specifications, and the adherence of standards will enable you to deliver your products quickly and easily. Failure to adhere to these handling processes can lead to reclamation, restitution or destruction of goods, as well as price reductions.

QUALITY SPECIFICATIONS

The company “Maočanka Commerce” from Maoča near Brčko works in the production of fresh plums, fruit concentrates, fruit distillates as well as the milling of medicinal herbs.

EXAMPLE OF SUCCESSFUL AGRIBUSINESSES EXPORTS TO THE EU

In 2007, “Maočanka Commerce” became the first company in BiH to implement the GLOBALG.AP standard necessary for BiH products to enter the European Union. Shortly after acquiring this certificate, “Maočanka Commerce” fulfilled the requirements for GRASP and IFS standards. Nevertheless, this company still constantly adapts to new requirements and regulations in terms of quality, packaging, and general customer demands.

STANDARD IMPLEMENTATION

When exporting to EU markets it is necessary to understand consumer standards.

It is necessary to keep in mind that certain niches or markets have special requirements and require certain standards, such as GRASP or social responsibility standards.

REQUIREMENTS FOR SPECIFIC MARKETS OR NICHE MARKETS

Although it demands higher production costs, producing organic fruits and vegetables places you in a more valued position in European markets. This type of production must comply with the EU organic production legislation, and you or an EU importer must apply for approval of imports to the EU organic quality control bodies.

ORGANIC PRODUCTION

ACHIEVED RESULTS

Due to their compliance with EU standards, the company “Maočanka Commerce”, were able to successfully penetrate foreign markets. Today, their fresh plums, fruit distillates, and medicinal herbs can be found on the shelves of supermarkets in Germany, Austria, Italy, Slovenia, and Croatia.

MONITORING AGRIBUSINESS FLOWS

With the goal of increasing agricultural production, the creation of conditions for competitive agriculture, and the improvement of exports to EU countries, “Maočanka Commerce” pays special attention to monitoring market flows. In order to respond to all new requirements in a timely manner, knowledgable teams work with experts in the field of agribusiness. Advice and assistance, as well as the exchange of experiences with companies of similar profiles, has also been a key factor for business development.

The Programme for Local Self-Government and Economic Development - EU ProLocal is funded by the European

Union in the amount of nine million Euros, and the Government of Germany in the amount of four million. The

program is implemented by GIZ.

www.eu-prolocal.ba

This publication was made with the help of the European Union. The content of this publication is the

sole responsibility of GIZ, and in no case does it represent the views of the European Union.

PUBLICATION OF “COMPASS FOR ENTREPRENEURS”

How to strengthen your competitiveness in a market whose requirements are

changing daily? How to promote your products? How to meet the conditions

for export to the EU? These are just some of the topics presented through the

EU ProLocal project publications aimed at supporting small and medium-sized

enterprises to improve their businesses.

Whether you need to develop your business or require guidelines when making important decisions, seek the help of your nearest business support provider.