South Africa and China revise citrus cold treatment export rules

South Africa and China have amended cold treatment requirements for South African citrus exports, reducing the duration and temperature restrictions previously applied to shipments entering the Chinese market, according to South Africa’s Department of Agriculture.

Under the revised protocol signed in April, citrus exports can now qualify for entry into China after either 16 consecutive days at a pulp temperature of -0.2°C or lower, or 19 consecutive days at 1°C or lower.

The previous protocol required at least 24 days below -0.6°C together with a mandatory 72-hour pre-cooling period.

The Department of Agriculture said the amendment is expected to lower logistics costs, improve operational efficiency, and reduce the risk of cold damage to fruit during transit.

South Africa’s citrus industry exports around 165 million 15kg cartons annually to more than 100 markets. China and Hong Kong accounted for about 11.5 million cartons, or 6% of total exports, in 2025.

The revised agreement was signed in Pretoria by agriculture minister John Steenhuisen and Chinese ambassador Wu Peng following bilateral discussions on agricultural trade cooperation.

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source: nda.gov.za

photo: za.usembassy.gov