Taiwan changes rules for table stock and chipping potato imports

Taiwan authorities amended their quarantine documentation requirements for imports of fresh potatoes, both table stock and chipping potatoes.

The Washington State Potato Commission (WSPC) said these amendments are not expected to disrupt trade and that the notice is to make growers aware of the changes to their paperwork.

The most notable change for shippers is that, the WSPC said, beginning on March 20, all phytosanitary certificates issued must include, in the additional declaration section, the following statement: “The potatoes in this shipment were treated with a sprout inhibitor.”

The current practice of including a certification of sprout inhibitor on a state government-endorsed packer affidavit will no longer be required on shipments with phyto certificates issued after March 19, 2018.

During the transition period between Jan. 19 and March 19, 2018, either the packer affidavit or the additional declaration language will be accepted as requisite certification of the sprout inhibitor treatment.

Also new, potatoes with sprouts over five millimeters are prohibited and will be rejected.