Checking wine imported from third countries

Question for written answer E-002553/2024
to the Commission
Rule 144
Mireia Borrás Pabón (PfE)

The European Union has banned the use of a number of substances as plant-protection products. These include sodium arsenite, which is used to treat various vine diseases and is thus present in wine from many third countries.

The European Union does however permit the import from third countries of wine from arsenic-treated vines. Regulation (EU) 2023/915 on maximum limits for certain contaminants in foodstuffs considers this to pose a serious health risk in Europe, as there is extensive literature showing it is carcinogenic for humans. All imported products thus need to be scrupulously inspected rather than merely regulated on paper.

In view of this:

• 1.Does the Commission intend to table amendments to EU legislation to tighten up checks and restrictions on products imported into the EU?
• 2.What meaningful checks will the Commission impose on imported products, given that most trade agreements, such as that between the EU and MERCOSUR, do not even provide for mirror clauses?

Submitted: 15.11.2024