New French decree blocks fruit imports with residues of EU-banned pesticides

In the upcoming days, the French government will issue a decree suspending the import of food products containing residues of phytosanitary substances prohibited in the European Union, including mancozeb, glufosinate, thiophanate-methyl, and carbendazim.

The announcement was made on Sunday, January 4b, by the Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu through an open letter to the country's ag workers posted to X. The state secretary noted that the initiative was promoted by the Minister of Agriculture, Annie Genevard.

According to the document, if residues of the five aforementioned substances are found on products such as avocados, mangoes, guavas, citrus fruits, grapes, and apples, they will not be able to enter French territory. The country’s agencies will deny access to contaminated fruit regardless of its country of origin.

Local authorities will implement reinforced border controls through a specialized brigade to ensure strict compliance with current health regulations.

"It’s a first step to protect our supply chains and our consumers, and fight against unfair competition," explained Lecornu.

Justice and equity for the French ag industry

For her part, the French Minister of Agriculture, Annie Genevard, stressed that it is reasonable to allow the entry of products containing prohibited substances in France, just for them to reappear indirectly through imports.

"Regardless of their origin, imported products must comply with our standards,” Genevard said. “France sets an example in Europe by adopting this unprecedented decree covering more than a dozen food products." 

The country added melons, apricots, and strawberries to the list, expanding the scope of the decree.

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"Justice and equity for our farmers. Legitimate protection for our agriculture," continued the secretary of state, who added that France will urge the European Commission to extend this type of measure at a community level.

"Protecting our farmers, guaranteeing the health and safety of the French people, and fighting firmly against all forms of unfair competition by enforcing our standards is a non-negotiable requirement," she concluded.

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