Mozambique achieves zero sesame rejection rate in EU and Japan exports

Mozambique has achieved a historic milestone by exporting 6,400 tonnes of sesame to the European Union and Japan between January and September 2026 without a single rejection due to non-compliance. Of this volume, 1,400 tonnes (33 lots) were sent to the EU and 5,000 tonnes (31 lots) were sent to Japan.

This marks the first time in five years that the country has maintained a perfect record in these high-standard markets, following 14 rejections in the previous three years. During the same period, Mozambique exported a total of 48,915 tonnes of sesame globally with no recorded returns.

The Ministry of Agriculture, Environment and Fisheries (MAAP) attributed this success to improved quality control and traceability. Key measures include mandatory pre-shipment digital certification implemented by the Mozambique Cotton and Oilseeds Institute (IAOM) and monitoring via the Electronic Single Window (JUE).

This performance contrasts with other exporters; during the same period, the EU rejected 56 batches of imported sesame and Japan rejected nine, citing issues such as Salmonella, pesticide residues, and aflatoxins. Major exporters facing rejections included Nigeria, India, Sudan, and Tanzania.