What requirements must fresh fruit and vegetables meet to be allowed on the European market?

The European fruit and vegetable market is very competitive. You must meet several requirements to export to this market. These can be rules from the European Union or set by buyers. Private requirements are known as 'certifications'. Most certifications in Europe focus on social and environmental issues. Their primary goal is to safeguard European consumers. Some certifications cater to specific niche markets.

1. What are the mandatory requirements for fresh fruit and vegetables?

Mandatory requirements cover food safety and quality. These requirements change regularly. You can find a list of these requirements using My Trade Assistant on Access2Markets or ITC’s Global Trade Helpdesk. For details about your product, enter the product name and the country you are exporting from. 

The Generalised Scheme of Preferences (GSP) enables developing countries to pay reduced or zero duties on their exports to the European Union (EU). The list of GSP beneficiary countries is split into three different categories:

• Standard GPS, for low and lower-middle income countries.
• GSP+, a special incentive arrangement for sustainable development and good governance.
• EBA (Everything But Arms): the special arrangement for least developed countries (LDCs).

Limited use of pesticides

The EU often updates the Maximum Residue Levels (MRLs) for pesticides permitted in food products. You can find the list of approved pesticides on the Directorate General of Health and Food Safety website.

Remember to use only plant protection products (PPPs) that are permitted in your country. Using unauthorised products or PPPs intended for other crops may lead to rejection. You can find additional information on the PPPs permitted in your country on the Cabi BioProtection Portal.

MRLs are implemented via European Directives. This allows EU Member States to adopt tougher regulations than what European laws demand. Supermarkets in the Netherlands, Germany, Austria and Scandinavia are recognised for enforcing stricter MRLs. This also applies to exports to the United Kingdom.

If MRLs are exceeded, the first importer of the product may be held legally accountable. This is why more buyers request their suppliers to maintain records of the PPPs they use, as well as spraying records.

The Alert Cooperation Network (ACN) helps the regulatory agencies in EU countries to exchange information about products that have high levels of pesticides quickly. This allows for the quick removal of those products from the market. The ACN Annual Report 2023 highlights the importance of ensuring that food products meet maximum residue levels (MRLs). The information on official food controls below provides further information.

Avoiding contaminants

Foodstuffs can contain contaminants. Contaminants are substances that are not added to food on purpose. They can come from many sources, including farming methods, pollution of the environment, packaging, transportation and storage. Some contaminants also occur naturally in certain foodstuffs. This is the case with hydrocyanic acid in cassava roots, for instance. The EU refers to these contaminants as “inherent plant toxins”.

Contaminants can also pose a risk to human health. The EU sets limits for contaminants in foodstuffs (see Table 1), as it does for MRLs. The most common contaminants in food are chemicals. These include heavy metals from pesticides (e.g. lead and cadmium), perchlorate and nitrates, which are often found in spinach, lettuce and arugula. Table 1 provides a general overview and range of maximum limits as of March 2025. For details for each specific product, check the Regulation (EU) 2023/915.

The rules for processed fruit and vegetables (such as dried fruit and juices) may differ. As the regulation is also regularly updated, you must keep yourself up to date. New insights into or threats to food safety and contaminants can always lead to adjustments in the regulations.

Table 1: Maximum limits of contamination of lead, cadmium, nitrates and perchlorate in fresh fruit and vegetables in mg/kg as of March 2025

Source: Commission Regulation (EU) 2023/915 on maximum levels for certain contaminants in food (consolidated version of 1-1-2025).

Microbiological criteria for pre-cut fruit

If you supply fresh, pre-cut fruit and vegetables, it is important to manage microbiological hazards throughout the processing and packaging stages. These hazards can cause foodborne illness. European Regulation (EC) No 2073/2005 (consolidated version 3-8-2020) sets out the details regarding sampling, testing methods and the micro-organisms you need to look out for. Salmonella and E. Coli are the two main bacteria tested in pre-cut fresh produce.

Official food controls

Food imported into the European Union (EU) is subject to official food controls. These controls include regular inspections that can be carried out at import (at the border) or later on once the food is in the EU, such as at the importer’s premises. The control is meant to check whether products meet legal requirements. Non-compliance with European food legislation is reported via the Rapid Alert System for Food and Feed (RASFF). If this happens, your product could be removed from the market. This usually results in a claim from your buyer. 

The RASFF recorded almost 600 notifications for fresh fruit and vegetables in 2024. Most of these alerts (around 85%) were related to pesticide residues, with excessive chlorpyrifos residues being a major concern. 

Source: GloballyCool compilation based on data from RASFF (February 2025)

18% of all pesticide-related cases involved chlorpyrifos, with more than half of these cases linked to produce from Turkey and Egypt. Chlorpyrifos is not the only banned organophosphorus pesticide residue often found in the EU. Other pesticides include dimethoate (found 17 times) and acephate (23 times). 

Another frequently found pesticide residue was acetamiprid (37 times), a commonly used pesticide of the neonicotinoid pesticides group. Acetamiprid is allowed on fruit and vegetables in the EU. However, new, lower MRLs were introduced in 2025 for several fruits, including apples and pears, apricots, cherries, peaches and grapes. Lastly, formetanate (23x) completes the top five main pesticide residues. Formetanate is a frequently used carbamate pesticide but forbidden in Europe.

Source: GloballyCool compilation based on data from RASFF (February 2025)

Aside from pesticides, the most frequent issues were heavy metals contamination (28 cases) and microbiological hazards (mostly related to Salmonella). These categories ranked second and third in terms of the number of alerts.

Turkey dominates in terms of RASFF Notifications

A notable 25% of all RASFF notifications in 2024 involved products from Turkey, making it the leading country for reported issues. Egypt ranked second, accounting for 11% of notifications, followed by Kenya.

Kenyan challenges with green beans

Kenya has a reputation for being unable to consistently meet the EU’s legal requirements for green beans. Due to this, the beans have been subject to a 10% frequency of identity and physical checks in Europe for several years. These checks resulted in 34 non-compliance issues reported in RASFF in 2024, ahead of sweet and hot peppers from Turkey (31) and oranges from Egypt (30 issues). Figure 3 shows the seven largest product-origin combinations with issues in 2024.

Source: GloballyCool, compilation based on data from RASFF (February 2025)

Plant health and phytosanitary regulations

To prevent the spread of harmful organisms in Europe, there are regulations in place that control the trade of plants and plant products from non-EU countries. Most fresh fruit and vegetables are subject to health inspections and require a phytosanitary certificate prior to shipping. This certificate guarantees that your products are free from quarantine pests and mostly free from other pests. 

Your country’s plant protection authorities will provide phytosanitary certificates. The certificates guarantee that your exports: 

1. Have been inspected properly;
2. Are free from pests – free from quarantine pests and within the requirements for regulated non-quarantine pests and practically free from other pests;
3. Are in line with the phytosanitary requirements laid down in Regulation (EU) 2019/2072.

National Plant Protection Organisations (NPPOs) are the government agencies in charge of implementing and enforcing plant health regulations at country level. NPPOs are established in accordance with the requirements of the International Plant Protection Convention (IPPC). They are the only ones authorised to deliver phytosanitary certificates. 

• Phytosanitary certification is necessary for most fruit and vegetables. You can find these products and their Latin names in Annex XI, Part A and Part B of Regulation (EU) 2019/2072 (consolidated version 26-1-2025).
• Some exceptions apply, and no phytosanitary certification is requested for the following five products: pineapples, bananas, coconuts, durian and dates. See Annex XI, Part C of Regulation (EU) 2019/2072.
• Special requirements are needed for many fruit and vegetables originating from outside the European community, including leafy vegetables, potatoes, leaf celery and basil, among other things. Special requirements may include inspections, treatments or declarations that certain pests are absent. Root and tubercle vegetables require an official statement that the consignment or lot does not contain more than 1% of soil and growing medium by net weight. See Annex VII of Regulation (EU) 2019/2072.
• Special requirements for protected zones are in place for certain products and regions, such as onions, carrots, potatoes, grapes (Cyprus) and citrus fruit (Malta). See Annex X of Regulation (EU) 2019/2072.
• Prohibited from entering the European Union: there are rules to avoid the spread of regulated non-quarantine pests (RNQPs) mainly apply to potatoes from certain origins. See Annex VI of Regulation (EU) 2019/2072.

Countries, authorities and exporters that are not prepared for the strict pest control will have difficulties exporting their fruit and vegetables to Europe. As an exporter, you must stay up to date with the rules and work closely with the food safety authority in your country.

EU countries collect a fee for the documentary, identity and plant health checks, to be paid by the importer or their customs representative. This fee is usually settled with the account of sales and final payment of the buyer.

Marketing standards

You must meet the minimum quality standards to export your fruit and vegetables to the EU. As mentioned in Annex I, Part B of Regulation (EU) 2023/2429 there are specific marketing standards for ten crops:

• Apples
• Citrus fruit
• Kiwi fruit
• Lettuce, curly and broad-leaved endives
• Peaches and nectarines
• Pears
• Strawberries
• Sweet peppers
• Table grapes
• Tomatoes

Marketing standards describe the minimum requirements, the allowed tolerances, maturity and sometimes size and classification. Fruits and vegetables that do not have specific marketing standards must follow the general marketing standards (GMS) outlined in Annex I, Part B of Regulation (EU) 2023/2429 or the relevant United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE) standard. UNECE has developed over 50 specific marketing standards for fresh fruit and vegetables (including the ten types covered by the specific EU marketing standards). 

Every country in the EU has to keep an updated list of importers who sell these crops. National authorities ensure that random checks are done to verify that the products sold meet the necessary standards. If products do not comply, they might be downgraded or taken off the market. Only ten non-EU countries are allowed to carry out their own conformity checks on fruit and vegetables:

• Switzerland
• Morocco
• South Africa
• Israel
• India
• Senegal
• Kenya
• Turkey
• United Kingdom
• New Zealand (only apples, pears and kiwifruit)

Imports of products intended for processing are not subject to compliance with the EU marketing standards. However, they must be clearly marked on the packaging with the words “intended for processing” or other equivalent wording.

Labelling and traceability

To fulfil these obligations, you must document the sources of your product and be able to provide proof of origin for all fruits and vegetables. Proof of origin is also necessary for importers to get beneficiary tariffs that are common for imports from developing countries with a Generalised Scheme of Preferences (GSP). The traceability of products is compulsory and defined by the General Food Law Regulation.

Food placed on the EU market must meet the legislation on food labelling. Trade packages and cartons of fresh fruit or vegetables must mention the following particulars:

• Name and address of the packer or dispatcher;
• Name and variety of the produce (if the produce is not visible from the outside of the packaging);
• Country of origin;
• Class and size (referring to the marketing standards);
• Lot number for traceability or GGN if certified GLOBALG.A.P. (recommended);
• Official control mark to replace name and address of the packer (optional);
• Post-harvest treatment; for example, anti-moulding agents added in a post-harvest treatment of citrus fruits must be mentioned on the trade package;
• Organic certification, including name of inspection body and certification number (if applicable).

Figure 3: Label with a traceability code on a pack of oranges

Source: ICI Business

Figure 4: Example of printed packaging for export

Source: ICI Business

Figure 5: Example of an export label

Source: ICI Business

When fruit or vegetables are processed or directly packed for consumption, you must include appropriate labelling for consumers: 

• Common name of the product;
• Full name of the country of origin;
• Name and address of the producer, packer, importer, brand owner or seller (retailer) in the EU who places the product on the market, and the wording “Packed for” (if applicable);
• Net content in weight;
• Minimum durability – a best-before date (on all processed fruit and vegetables);
• Producer identification or lot number;
• List of ingredients (if applicable), including additives and post-harvest treatment;
• Allergenic declaration (if applicable);
• Declaration of nutritional value (when mixed with other foodstuffs);
• Packed in protective atmosphere, if applicable;
• Additional information about quality class, size, variety or commercial type and post-harvest treatment on the product labelling or in close proximity (on the shelf) for products with specific marketing standards.

The European Union (EU) requires that the text on the label must be written in one of the official languages of an EU Member State and be understandable for the consumer.

Figures 6: Examples of freshly cut fruit

Source: ICI Business

Protective and sustainable packaging 

Packaging marketed within Europe must comply with the general requirements and specific provisions. These aim at protecting the environment and preventing any risk to the health of consumers. The packaging must protect the product against contamination, leakage and dehydration. Also pay attention to your buyer’s preference for presentation, such as individual wrapping or sortation (for example, one side up). Products and packaging should be uniform.

In the future, you can expect stricter regulations on the use of plastic in packaging. The new EU Directive 2019/904 on the reduction of the impact of certain plastic products on the environment already intends to limit the use of single-use plastics by transferring the cost of waste and responsibility to the producer. With the European strategy for plastics, more and more buyers will demand alternative and environmentally friendly packaging.

Figure 7: Example of pre-packaged avocados

Source: ICI Business

2. What additional requirements and certifications do buyers ask for in the fruit and vegetables sector? 

European buyers often have specific requirements, depending on their sales channels and product segments. Common buyer requirements include GLOBALG.A.P. certification, and compliance with social and environmental standards.

Table 2: Most important certifications requested by fresh fruit and vegetable buyers

Source: ICI Business

* Additional implementation costs may include consultancy, training, internal preparations and adjustments.

** Total certification costs depend on your location, company size, complexity and the Certifying Body (CB). CB fees include audit time and travel costs and can be significantly higher if the CB is not based in your country.

Certification as guarantee

As food safety is a top priority in all European food sectors, you can expect most buyers to request extra guarantees from you in the form of certification. All buyers in the supply chain, such as traders, food processors and retailers, require the implementation of a food safety management system based on hazard analysis and critical control points (HACCP).

GLOBALG.A.P.

GLOBALG.A.P. (Good Agricultural Practices) is a private, voluntary certification scheme. Buyers of fresh fruit and vegetables in Europe often request this. The certification covers a variety of agricultural practices, ranging from crop management to worker health and environmental concerns. Complying with this certification proves that you have set up and documented a system of good agricultural practices. Buyers can sell GLOBALG.A.P.-certified goods more easily to different European supermarkets. It has become a minimum standard for buyers supplying European supermarkets.

Food safety management systems

Depending on the clients of your buyer, you may need to meet other safety management systems. Buyers in the UK typically look for BRC Global Standards, which are also recognised in several European nations. BRC standards have specific requirements for hygiene and food safety. Food processors and retailers use them.

Another important system is the IFS food standard, which focuses on food safety and quality. IFS was developed by the German Retail Federation (HDE) and the French Retail Federation (FDC). It is widely used by food manufacturers and retailers in Europe. 

Alternative food safety management certification includes the Safe Quality Food (SQF) programme and FSSC 22000, an industry-developed standard developed by the International Organisation for Standardization (ISO).

All the mentioned management systems are recognised by the Global Food Safety Initiative (GFSI), which means that major retailers generally accept them. Compliance with certification schemes varies between countries, trade channels and market situations. Buyers can be more lenient during supply shortages, but in general, you can only do business when certifications and standards are in place. Living up to these standards will only become stricter and more widespread in the future.

Social and environmental compliance

People in Europe are increasingly worried about social and environmental issues when they shop. They want to know the products they buy are made with care for social issues. For example, their products should not be made using child labour and their workers should be treated well and paid fair wages. Consumers are also becoming more aware of the environment and prefer to buy items that are better for the planet and support sustainability. 

The focus on corporate social responsibility (CSR) is different across Europe. In Eastern Europe, not as many consumers demand strict social standards, while larger companies in Western and Northern Europe often have their own rules. For instance, Unilever has a Sustainable Agriculture Code, and Tesco offers a Nurture accreditation. The latter was under review but has since resumed. Sometimes, paying more attention to social and environmental issues means taking specific steps, like managing water use in dry regions and ensuring that workers earn a decent living.

As an exporter, you need to implement standards, especially when dealing with buyers that are linked to retail chains. The most common social standard in fresh fruit and vegetables is SMETA. SMETA (Sedex Members Ethical Trade Audit) is one of the most-used social audit methodologies in the world. It is designed to help companies assess and improve their supply chains’ social and ethical performance. 

GLOBALG.A.P. has also developed a module that accounts for social concerns. This module is called GRASP (GLOBALG.A.P. Risk Assessment on Social Practice). It focuses on social aspects and is designed to assess and promote good social practices in agricultural production. 

Amfori BSCI (Business Social Compliance Initiative) is known in northwestern Europe. It includes a code of conduct for all its participants, and amfori BEPI for environmental performance.

Rainforest Alliance certification is also gaining importance in supporting climate-smart agriculture and helping reduce climate change. 

Fairtrade labels are not on the top of the list of buyers because of their complex requirements and high costs. Fairtrade is most often used for the largest product categories such as bananas.

The IDH Sustainable Trade Initiative has a Sustainability Initiative [for] Fruit and Vegetables (SIFAV). This is a pan-European covenant with over 30 partners, including retailers, brands, traders and civil-society organisations. The 2025 strategy focuses on reducing the environmental footprint across the supply chain, improving working conditions, wages and incomes, and strengthening due diligence reporting and transparency. In the near future, you can expect more buyers that will ask for new standards, such as GLOBALG.A.P. SPRING, paying a Living Wage or TÜV Rheinland’s tool for calculating the Corporate Carbon Footprint (CCF).

The Green Deal

Over the next few years, the European Green Deal will shape how resources are managed and how greenhouse gas emissions are cut. New EU sustainability policies aim to make Europe the first climate-neutral continent by 2050. 

The Farm to Fork Strategy is central to this deal, focusing on creating food systems that are fair, healthy and eco-friendly. It will promote sustainable food production and tackle issues like packaging and food waste. EU trade agreements with various countries already include guidelines for trade and sustainable development. Fresh fruit and vegetable suppliers should prepare for rising standards and stay ahead of these changes.

Soft skills and company performance are also important

To sell fresh products in Europe, you have to meet food safety rules, quality standards and certification requirements. However, this does not guarantee success. Buyers want to feel they can trust you and rely on you, and big retailers prefer less hassle. This means your soft skills and how you perform are just as important as your products and certifications. Key factors in the fresh trade include timely deliveries, clear communication and sticking to agreements.

Be cautious of buyers with bad reputations or those who only show short-term interest. In this fast-paced market, decisions may need to be made quickly. For example, your products may need to be sold for very low prices if quality drops or demand decreases. European buyers often avoid taking losses and may claim quality issues instead. It’s essential to handle claims professionally, whether they are valid or not.

3. What are the requirements and requested certifications in the niche fruit and vegetable markets?

In addition to the official and common requirements, specific requirements apply to niche markets, such as organic and fairtrade fruit and vegetables.

Organic certification

To market organic products in Europe, you have to use organic production methods according to European legislation. Since January 2025, it is mandatory to follow the EU organic regulation (EU) 2018/848 (consolidated version 1-12-2024), laying down the rules on organic production and labelling. A number of delegated and implementing regulations foresees in the legislation for trade in organic products. Inspection of organic products has become strict to prevent fraud. As a third-country producer, you will have to comply with the same set of rules as those producing in the European Union. 

To get certified as an organic farmer or exporter, you must be registered and certified through a recognised control body or accredited certifier. This control body is responsible for verifying that you comply with the organic rules through an annual inspection and a set of checks. After being audited by an accredited certifier, you can use the EU organic logo on your products, along with the logo of the standard holder (see Figure 8). 

All organic products imported into the EU must have the appropriate electronic certificate of inspection (e-COI). These certificates are managed through the Trade Control and Expert System (TRACES). If you do not have an electronic certificate of inspection, your products will not be released from their port of arrival in the European Union.

Conversion period

Any farm that wishes to produce organically has to undergo a process known as 'conversion'. During this period, organic production methods need to be used but the resulting product cannot be sold as organic. The conversion period for crop plots generally takes two years. For orchards of perennial soft, top and vine fruits, it is three years. The period can be shorter for areas for which you can prove no non-organic treatment has taken place.

The conversion period can be a difficult period for organic farms. In the first years, organic methods often result in lower yields while there is no price premium for crops in conversion. Maintaining the required soil fertility and water retention, avoiding cross-contamination, and using organic inputs and reproductive materials can also be a challenge for farmers in countries with tropical climates or with limited access to organic reproductive material and inputs. 

Group certification

Under the new regulation, smallholder farmers can apply for group certification if they have an Internal Control System (ICS). However, their group size is limited to 2,000 farmers that either have less than five hectares or a turnover of less than €25,000.

National differences

Some European countries may prefer a national organic standard, which is in line with the EU certification but often exceeding its requirements. National standards can be an addition when supplying specific markets, for example Naturland in Germany, KRAV in Sweden and BioSuisse in Switzerland.

Figure 8: The official organic logo for organic products in Europe

Source: European Commission

Fairtrade and environmental labels

Fairtrade and eco-friendly product labels are special features that can help your product stand out and catch the attention of shoppers who care about the environment. These labels are designed for consumers and are especially relevant for small farm crops and popular fruits and vegetables. You can often find these labels on fruits like bananas, pineapples and coconuts. Well-known labels include:

• Fair for Life;
• Fairtrade;
• Rainforest Alliance.

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