Staff Reporter
NAMIBIA’S Ministry of Agriculture and China’s General Administration of Customs have signed a Protocol outlining the phytosanitary requirements for the export of fresh Namibian table grapes to the Chinese market.
“This Protocol marks a significant milestone in bilateral trade relations, enabling Namibian grape producers to access the Chinese market while ensuring strict compliance with Chinese laws, regulations and health and safety standards. The agreement stipulates that all fresh table grapes exported to China must be free from quarantine pests of concern to China and from soil contamination,” the ministry’s spokesperson, Romeo Muyunda, said.
He noted that the Protocol provides a comprehensive framework governing orchard management, the registration of orchards, packing houses and cold-treatment facilities, integrated pest management, packaging and product traceability, as well as pre-export and border inspections.
Muyunda said both parties had agreed to uphold the highest standards of agricultural practices and phytosanitary controls, with Namibia’s Ministry overseeing registration and quality management, while China’s customs authorities will conduct compliance checks upon entry.
“Key provisions include the mandatory registration and approval of all relevant facilities, rigorous pest monitoring, adherence to international standards, and compliance with labelling requirements for export consignments. The agreement takes effect upon signature and will remain in force for three years, with provisions for automatic renewal and amendment by mutual consent. Both Namibia and China have committed to ongoing cooperation and compliance, fostering growth in agricultural trade and strengthening bilateral relations,” Muyunda said.
SIGNED: Minister of Agriculture, Inge Zaamwani, and the head of the General Administration of Customs of the People’s Republic of China (GACC), Minister Sun Meijun. Photo: Ministry of Agriculture.
