Permit now required for agro imports from Jordan

The decision is in response to complicated regulations faced by exports to Jordan

Prior permission is now needed before agro-products can be imported from Jordan, the Ministry of Agriculture announced. Imports of fruits and vegetables from Jordan will require written permission from the ministry.

According to the Director of Export and Import at the MoA, Charles Zarzour, the new regulation came in response to a similar decision taken by Jordan. International trade standards recognize the principle of reciprocity.

Zarzour said that around nine percent of local agricultural exports go to Jordan: “We export around 35,000 tons of potatoes and other vegetables to Jordan each year.”

Zarzour said the decision was made to protect local markets, and to urge Jordanian authorities to facilitate access for Lebanese products to their market.

Jordan’s exports to Lebanon total 40,000 tons per year. These mainly include winter vegetables, such as tomatoes and cucumbers.

According to the decision, traders who want to import fruit and vegetable products from Jordan should request an authorization from the MoA’s Directorate of Agricultural Resources. The applicants should specify the name and type of product, weight, and method of packaging.

Zarzour said that the decision can be revoked only if Jordan amends its restrictions on Lebanese exports.

Reported by Abeer Darwiche