The European Union said it has lifted the ban on peppers from Uganda.
The Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries (MAAIF) announced that the peppers of genus Capsicum originating in the country have been removed from Annex I to the EU Regulation 2019/1793.
This is coming, following the recent communication received from the European Commission, Directorate-General for Health (DG SANTE),
EU expressed its satisfaction with the overall compliance of Ugandan peppers with the relevant requirements outlined in Union legislation.
“This recognition is a testament to the continuous efforts made by Ugandan producers and regulatory authorities to meet and exceed international quality standards,” the ministry said in a Friday, December 22 statement.
According to the letter from DG SANTE, the information available indicates a satisfactory degree of compliance, leading to the decision that official controls at a harmonized increased level by national competent authorities at the entry into the Union will no longer be carried out. Instead, routine checks will be performed, streamlining the process for Ugandan pepper exports to the European market.
The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries, Maj. Gen. David Kasura-Kyomukama said, “This positive development is a result of collaborative efforts between the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries, and various stakeholders involved in the pepper production and export chain and reflects the commitment of the Ugandan government and its partners to ensuring the quality and safety of agricultural products for international consumers.”
The removal of these restrictions is expected to enhance market access for Ugandan peppers in the European Union, contributing to increased export opportunities and economic growth for the country.
The Ministry encouraged all stakeholders in the pepper industry to maintain the high standards that have led to this favorable decision and to continue working towards the sustainability and growth of the sector.
