In a significant turn of events, Spanish garlic producers have urged the European Union to take action following Morocco's recent decision to impose a licensing system on the importation of fresh and chilled garlic. This call to action came from the National Association of Garlic Producers and Marketers (ANPCA) after the issuance of decision number 6775/311 by the Moroccan Customs and Indirect Taxes Administration. This regulation mandates prior authorization for garlic imports, specifically under the customs code 0703.20.00.00.
The association believes that this new regulation could adversely affect their exports to the Moroccan market, which they regard as crucial for Spanish purple garlic varieties. They view the decision as a measure to protect local production, leading them to request a review of the customs duties imposed on garlic imports from outside quota systems, which have remained unchanged for approximately 25 years.
On the Moroccan side, the National Federation of Garlic Producers and Sellers asserts that the new regulations are designed to safeguard domestic products. They claim that current production levels meet market demands, ensuring self-sufficiency while generating significant employment across an area of approximately 400 square kilometers that includes regions such as Khenifra, El Hajeb, Sefrou, Akka, Ifrane, Azrou, and Timahdite.
The association's president emphasized that Spain itself imposes high tariffs on imported garlic, particularly from China, as a means of protecting its own agricultural output. He clarified that regulating imports does not equate to severing trade relations; rather, it is a strategy to stabilize the market.
As reported by akhbarona.com.
