EU decision to impose import certificate on Moroccan tomato a hindrance to exports

The Moroccan government was surprised by the European Union's unilateral decision to impose, starting next January 1, import certificates on Moroccan exports on tomatoes.

Moroccan minister of agriculture, rural development and sea fisheries, Habib El Malki said in a statement the decision hinders the normal flow of Moroccan tomato exports to the European market. He also regrets that European authorities have taken the decision on the basis of a restrictive interpretation on compatibility between Morocco's preferential status, as part of the Moroccan-France association agreement and French commitments within the World Trade Organization.

El Malki also said his department is endeavoring to have the decision lifted and safeguard Morocco's gains.

According to official estimates, Morocco has exported in the 1999/2000 campaign 244,000 tons, up by 5% in comparison with the preceeding campaign.