EU adopts import licence system for apples

A licence system for importing apples into the EU came into effect on 1st February. The technical procedure for implementation will follow the system already in place for bananas. EU importers, wishing to import apples from non-EU countries will need to submit a license application, and a security of EUR15/ton (or about EUR0.29 /carton). Since the application can be filed electronically, the license should be readily available. The security will be refunded once the final import shipment transaction is complete. The European Commission believes that the license system will not interfere with existing trade. It is seen as a temporary measure that will remain in place until the new IT-based centralized data transmission system becomes operational in 2007.