The European Union has introduced Regulation (EU) 2023/2652, requiring U.S. businesses exporting honey and other apiculture products to register with its Trade Control and Expert System (TRACES). This measure aims to tackle the growing issue of honey adulteration, a concern that has prompted the European Commission and EU Member States to tighten import regulations.
TRACES serves as the EU’s official online platform for managing health certifications for importing animals, animal products, food, and feed of non-animal origin, as well as for intra-EU trade and certain exports. Under the new regulation, all establishments exporting honey or supplying apiculture products for manufacturers importing such products into the EU must register on TRACES. This includes producers of honey, beeswax, royal jelly, propolis, and pollen intended for human consumption.
Steps for U.S. Exporters to Comply with EU Requirements
To gain eligibility for exporting apiculture products to the EU, U.S. establishments must undergo an on-site assessment conducted by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Agricultural Marketing Service (USDA-AMS). The assessment involves a comprehensive review, including a Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point (HACCP) Verification Survey, a Plant Survey, and a Food Defense System Survey.
Upon passing the USDA-AMS assessment, establishments must apply for registration through the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) Export Listing Module (ELM). As part of this process, the FDA ensures the applicant is in good regulatory standing. Establishments aiming for inclusion in the EU export list should submit their applications by December 23, 2024. The initial list of compliant establishments is expected to be transmitted to the EU by December 31, 2024.
Following FDA approval, the European Commission’s Directorate-General of Health and Food Safety (DG SANTE) will finalize and publish the registration on the TRACES website. Additionally, certification of honey and other apiculture products may be required before shipment to the EU.
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