In mid-April, the Animal and Plant Quarantine Agency Korea (APQA) advised Australia's Seoul Agriculture Counsellor of the high compliance rates achieved across the approximately 3,000 tonnes (175 consignments) of Australian table grapes exported to the Republic of Korea (ROK) this season. This result reflects ongoing work by Australian table grape growers and exporters to produce and deliver high-quality exports that fully meet trading partner requirements and expectations.
Positive compliance results come in addition to APQA advice in February that the revision of the table grape protocol has been finalised, removing the requirement for pre-clearance inspections in favour of on-site verification.
Removing the requirement for pre-clearance inspectors reduces costs and provides greater flexibility for table grape growers. This will support the ability of Australian growers to trade throughout the full seasonal tariff window under the Korea-Australia Free Trade Agreement.
What exporters should do
Exporters may wish to investigate the opportunities available in the ROK market following the removal of the requirement for pre-clearance inspections.
