Quarantine pest found in Pakistani mandarins imported to Uzbekistan

Every year, during the winter season, there is a significant increase in the demand for citrus fruits in Uzbekistan, leading to a rise in the import of such products. A large portion of these fruits is imported from Pakistan. As per the regulations, imported quarantine-sensitive products undergo phytosanitary control upon arrival.

Recently, at the "Ayrtom" border crossing point, a shipment of mandarins from Pakistan, transported in 26 vehicles, was found to contain a quarantine pest. Samples were taken from the products, and testing was conducted at the agency’s Central Phytosanitary Laboratory. The analysis confirmed the presence of the "Red Pomeranian" scale insect in the imported fruit.

This insect feeds on the sap of various plants such as lemon, date, fig, apple, plum, olive, and grape, affecting their yield. It is commonly found in regions such as Pakistan, Afghanistan, Algeria, Angola, Guinea, Egypt, Tanzania, and South Africa.

In an effort to clarify the situation, the Quarantine Agency contacted the Pakistani quarantine service. Pakistan’s authorities confirmed that they had not issued a phytosanitary certificate for the mandarins exported to Uzbekistan in December.

Furthermore, the agency highlighted that electronic document exchange has been established between the national quarantine services of Uzbekistan and Pakistan. The fraudulent certificates were also verified through this electronic system, confirming their invalidity.

Under current legislation, from now on, all quarantine-regulated products imported from Pakistan will have their phytosanitary certificates verified at border checkpoints through the Quarantine Agency's "E-Fitouz" automated information system. Only when the validity of the certificate is confirmed in Pakistan’s electronic database will the products be allowed entry into Uzbekistan.

The agency advises entrepreneurs to collaborate with trustworthy companies from foreign countries when importing citrus, berries, and other fruits and vegetables.

Additionally, the Agency for Plant Quarantine and Protection has announced that the issuance of import quarantine permits for mandarins from Pakistan is temporarily suspended.