After six years of negotiations, Serbia and China have signed a protocol on phytosanitary requirements for Serbian apples. On October 26, the General Administration of Customs issued an announcement that it would allow the import of fresh apples from Serbia that meet the relevant requirements from now on.

Serbia produces 550,000 tons of apples and pears annually and exports more than 190,000 tons annually. 10 to 12 years ago, the apple was mainly the variety demanded by the Russian market. With the development of markets in Europe, the Middle East and the Far East, the cultivation of varieties adapted to the tastes of these markets is expanding. After gaining access to the Chinese market, President of the Serbian Apple Producers Association Zagorac pointed out that from the next harvest season, that is, from August next year, the first batch of apples for export to the Chinese market will be delivered.

According to the announcement of the General Administration of Customs, China is concerned about 15 kinds of quarantine pests, including Mediterranean fly, apple moth and pear fire blight bacteria. Orchards exported to China should establish a sound quality management system and traceability system under the supervision of Serbia, implement good agricultural practices (GAP), and implement integrated pest management (IPM).

During the packaging process, apples must be washed, brushed, sterilized, picked, graded, and defective fruits removed to ensure that there are no insects, mites, rotten fruits, branches, leaves and soil. After the packaging is complete, technicians need to conduct spot checks on each batch of apples. If quarantine pests of concern to the Chinese side are found, the fruits will not be exported to China. If fire blight of pear or brown rot bacteria of US-Australian type of stone fruit are found, Serbia should also suspend the relevant non-epidemic producing areas and notify China immediately. only after Serbia has eliminated the epidemic and received China's approval can it resume operations in epidemy-free areas.

All apples exported to China should take cold treatment measures against Mediterranean fly. Cold treatment indicators are as follows: 1.11°C or below (pulp temperature), continuous treatment for 14 days or more; Or 1.67°C or below (pulp temperature) for 16 days or more; Or 2.22°C or below (pulp temperature) for 18 days or more.