The Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock (MAPA) has issued Ordinance SDA/MAPA No. 1,246/2025, now active, setting phytosanitary protocols for importing fresh lemons from Portugal. The regulation seeks to safeguard Brazil's citrus sector by mandating a Phytosanitary Certificate (PC) from Portugal's National Plant Protection Organization, verifying the absence of quarantine pests and diseases.
An additional declaration must confirm inspection and freedom from six high-risk pests, such as Thaumatotibia leucotreta and South African citrus thrips. Inspections will occur at Brazilian entry points, with options to return, destroy, or suspend imports if pests are found.
This measure addresses concerns of potential threats to local citrus production from foreign pests. Importers must comply with enhanced protocols to prevent clearance delays and extra costs. MAPA may expand inspections to ensure adherence to these new requirements.
Source: Datamar News