Argentina and Japan update sanitary rules for fresh citrus exports

Argentina has reached an agreement with Japan that eases the process for exporting fresh citrus to the country, SENASA has confirmed. The deal follows technical discussions with Japan’s Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (MAFF) and updates the phytosanitary rules that apply to citrus shipments.

Under the revised protocol, the way quarantine treatment is verified has changed. Instead of permanent on-site supervision, Japan will now rely on audits carried out by its own officials. To support this shift, Japan has adjusted its domestic regulations to allow the new system to be applied.

According to SENASA, the update keeps Japan’s phytosanitary requirements intact while making controls more efficient. It is also expected to lower operational and logistics costs for exporters, where expenses linked to freight, cold storage and timing can significantly impact profitability.

The new framework also adds a planning requirement. Argentina must inform Japanese authorities at least one month before each export season begins. Japan can then decide whether inspections will be carried out at the start of the season, during shipments, or not required. For exporters, this brings clearer timelines and more predictable conditions for planning exports.

source and photo: argentina.gob.ar