The days of Malaysia's status as a non-protocol market for fruit exports are on their way out, with the country now ramping up requirements for citrus imports.

Citrus shippers from a range of countries will have to comply with the Malaysian Department of Agriculture’s (DOA) new rules, including import permits (IP) and phytosanitary certificates (PC) confirming the cargo is free of fruit flies and citrus greening-related pests.

The new requirements will not apply to shipments that left port prior to Dec. 31 last year, and that arrive before Feb. 28.

The DOA said consignments would also be subjected to visual inspection, examination or analysis prior to clearance by an Malaysian Quarantine Inspection Services (MAQIS) officer upon arrival in the South East Asian country.

Nations included in the new regulations include Argentina, Australia, China, Egypt, South Africa, Spain, the U.S., Turkey, France, India, Taiwan, Vietnam, Cyprus, Italy and Thailand.

Citrus exporters from countries that are not included will need to submit applications for consideration of import approval to the DOA's Import Control & PRA (Pest Risk Assessment) Unit.

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