Fruit and Vegetables Industry Series N°12

Navigating EU policies, regulations and standards impacting fruit and vegetable value chains

The European Union’s regulatory landscape for agri-food trade is becoming more structured and enforcement-driven, with significant implications for fruit and vegetable (F&V) value chains. Recent developments  including updates to pesticide residue thresholds, strengthened import monitoring, new corporate sustainability due diligence requirements, and revised packaging and environmental rules are reshaping the conditions for accessing the EU market. Compliance now extends beyond product standards to encompass traceability, governance, and sustainability performance.

For exporters and SMEs in particular, navigating these evolving requirements requires stronger regulatory awareness, targeted investment in testing and digital systems, and proactive engagement with EU partners. This session will explore how these regulatory changes affect F&V exports in practice and identify practical strategies to manage risks while maintaining competitiveness and inclusion.