The European Commission (EC) will from next year ban citrus imports that have been treated with the fungicide Guazatine acetate, which has been prohibited for use in the continent since 2011. 

Spain's Valencian Farmers Association (AVA-ASAJA) said in a release the move was due to complaints it made last December about the "senseless paradox and unfairness" of the situation.

The new EU regulation 2015/1920 imposes a maximum residue (MRL) of Guazatine acetate for all citrus sold in the European market, regardless of origin.

The MRL of 0.05 miligrams per kilo is said to be an undetectable amount, and is therefore equivalent to a de facto ban of the substance.

AVA-ASAJA said countries like South Africa, Morocco, Egypt, Turkey, Brazil and Argentina which export citrus to Europe would lose a competitive edge they may have had over recent years with the application of the fungicide.

The group also claimed the ruling did not occur earlier due to 'certain political maneuvering' within the Plant Health Standing Committee.

"What was happening with Guazatine acetate was a real blunder, and at last the European Union has realized its mistake and has decided to amend it, which we commend," AVA-ASAJA president Cristóbal Aguado said.

"The position that was held during this time involved a blatant form of unfair competition at the expense of European growers and the health of consumers.

"This double standard is one more example of the lack of reciprocity in EU phytosanitary and foreign trade policies."

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