France to halt imports of fruit with banned pesticide residues

The French government has announced it will suspend imports of certain fruits found to contain residues of pesticides prohibited within the European Union. Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu stated that a forthcoming decree will block the entry of affected produce, framing the move as a measure to safeguard public health and support domestic agriculture.

Scope of the Import Suspension

In a social media announcement on Sunday, Lecornu specified that the ban will apply to fruits containing residues of four particular substances banned in Europe: mancozeb, glufosinate, thiophanate-methyl, and carbendazim. The measure will affect a range of popular produce including avocados, mangoes, guavas, citrus fruits, grapes, and apples, with shipments originating primarily from South America and other regions. These items "will no longer be allowed to enter the country" once the decree takes effect.

Rationale: Health Protection and Fair Competition

The prime minister described the action as "a first step" with dual objectives. Primarily, it aims to protect consumers by enforcing strict EU health standards. Secondly, it seeks to shield French farmers from what Lecornu termed "unfair competition," arguing that producers outside the EU gain an advantage by using cheaper, banned chemicals. He called it "a true issue of justice and fairness for our farmers." To ensure compliance, the government will implement stricter border controls carried out by a specialized inspection team.

Broader Context and Potential Impact

This decision aligns with broader European efforts to tighten food safety standards and responds to longstanding complaints from EU agricultural sectors about competing with imports produced under different regulatory regimes. While framed as a public health measure, the policy also carries significant trade implications and may affect diplomatic and economic relations with major fruit-exporting nations. The move highlights the increasing use of sanitary and phytosanitary standards as tools of trade policy, a trend that exporting countries, including agricultural producers like Türkiye, monitor closely to ensure their own compliance and market access.