I. CHEMICAL MAXIMUM
RESIDUE LEVELS (MRLs)
II. CHEMICALS AND ADDITIVE INFORMATION
A. Chemical residue standards:
As a member of the European Union (EU), Italy applies Maximum
Residue Levels (MRLs) as established by the EU as well as
setting its own standards for chemicals not registered by the
EU.
DPA (diphenylamine): In November
2009, the EU Commission made an unanticipated decision to stop
the sale of products containing DPA (used in the U.S. for scald
control on apples) effective May 30, 2010. EU maximum
residue levels will be maintained through the end of the
2010-2011 marketing season and perhaps beyond. A legal
challenge to this decision has been mounted by the EU DPA Task
Force and additional residue studies are underway to address
questions raised in the EU risk assessment.
B. Monitoring chemical residues:
Italy monitors chemical residues on imported fruit in
accordance with EU regulations (EC directive 95/38/EC).
C. Restrictions on use of waxes:
The EU permits the use of white beeswax, yellow beeswax,
candelilla was carnauba wax and shellac on apples and pears (EC
directive 95/2/EC).
Morpholine is not allowed to be present
as an additive to waxes or other food coatings. There is
active enforcement of this prohibition.
III. ORGANIC FRUIT REGULATIONS
All producers and
importers must comply with European Commission regulations
regarding the production, labeling, certification and control of
organic foods. The U.S. organic standard has not yet been
accepted by Italy. Therefore, imported product needs to be
certified by a U.S. certifying entity and the Italian importer
must request a special import permit. Please refer to the
Organic Fruit Regulations section of the European Union page of
this manual for more information.
IV. TARIFFS
As a member of the European Union (EU), Italy imposes the EU's
tariff schedule and entry price system on apple, pear and cherry
imports. Please refer to the EU chapter for additional
information.
V. NON-TARIFF BARRIERS
A. Labeling requirements:
European Union (EU) labeling requirements apply. Please
refer to labeling requirements in the EU chapter.
B. Licenses and quotas:
EU licensing/quota regulations, if any, apply. Please
refer to the EU chapter for additional information.
C. Currency Issues:
D. Pest and plant disease restrictions:
E. Other trade restrictions:
Please refer to the EU chapter for
information on solid wood packing material regulations.
VI. SUBSIDIES
The Italian government supports apple and pear producers
through a price support system purchasing apples and pears if
domestic prices fall below EU-determined levels.
Please refer to the EU chapter for additional information.
VII. OTHER RESOURCE LINKS:
Governmental:
VIII. ADDITIONAL COMMENTS
