France Tightens Import Checks Amid Farmer Protests Over EU-Mercosur Deal

The French government has announced a significant tightening of import checks on food products in response to ongoing farmer protests over the planned EU-Mercosur trade deal. This move, declared on January 4, seeks to address concerns about unfair competition from countries with looser regulations. Agriculture Minister Annie Genevard annie genevardemphasized that the checks are designed to ensure imported food does not contain substances banned within the European Union.

The decree will suspend imports of food products known to contain banned substances, such as mancozeb, glufosinate, thiophanate-methyl, and carbendazim. These substances have raised health and environmental concerns within the EU. The affected products include a wide range of food categories, such as melons, apples, apricots, cherries, strawberries, grapes, potatoes, avocados, mangos, guavas, and certain citrus fruits. Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu sebastien lecornuconfirmed that any imported product showing traces of these substances will not be allowed into France FR.