Fruit & vegetable exports
Certifications and requirements for exporting fruit and vegetables from Africa to Europe
Exporting fresh produce from Mali, Senegal, Guinea or Angola to Europe involves official documents, arrival checks and often certifications requested by buyers. Here are the main steps.
General information: exact requirements depend on the product, country of origin and current regulations. Confirm them for each shipment with the competent authorities and a freight forwarder or customs representative.
Before departure: documents from the country of origin
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Phytosanitary certificate
Issued by the official plant protection authority in the country of origin, this certificate confirms compliance with EU plant health requirements. It is required for many fruits and vegetables, including citrus fruits, mangoes, tomatoes, chillies, aubergines and root vegetables such as yams, sweet potatoes and cassava.
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Certificate of origin
This documents where a product was grown and may support access to trade preferences. It is generally issued by a chamber of commerce or the exporting country's administration.
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Commercial and transport documents
A commercial invoice, packing list and transport document, such as a bill of lading or air waybill, accompany shipments.
On arrival in Europe: checks
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TRACES-NT notification
A Common Health Entry Document (CHED) is created in the European TRACES-NT system, generally by the customs representative, before the shipment arrives.
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Border checks
At the EU entry point, inspectors carry out documentary, identity and plant health checks on the shipment.
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Consumer safety
Customs authorities may also check imported plant products for pesticide residues.
Certifications that reassure buyers
Beyond legal requirements, many European importers and distributors request voluntary certifications. These can support access to major retailers and add value to products.
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GLOBALG.A.P.
An international good agricultural practices standard covering food safety, traceability and environmental practices at farm level.
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Organic farming
To market products as organic in Europe, they must be certified by a recognised body and accompanied by a certificate of inspection.
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Fair trade
Labels such as Fairtrade support fairer prices for producers and appeal to socially conscious customers.
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Hygiene and food safety
HACCP-based procedures and, for packing facilities, standards such as BRCGS, IFS or ISO 22000.
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Marketing standards
Size, class, presentation and labelling must meet the applicable European standards for fresh fruit and vegetables.
Our support
As a business intermediary, we help growers and buyers identify the documents they need and connect with the right contacts: official authorities, freight forwarders and customs representatives.