Suriname vegetable exporters warn of EU regulatory risks

The Association of Exporters of Agricultural Products in Suriname (VEAPS) has warned that repeated rejections of vegetable shipments by the European Union could lead to intensified inspections or export restrictions under EU Regulation 2019/1793. Within a six-month period, the EU rejected four shipments of Surinamese produce—including red pepper, kouseband, and sopropo—due to excessive pesticide residues. All four instances were classified as serious by the EU.

VEAPS expressed concern that the entire agricultural sector could be affected by the EU's ability to temporarily tighten controls on food products from countries with recurring issues. The association criticized the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Husbandry and Fisheries (LVV) for failing to share information regarding these rejections and urged the immediate operationalization of the National Institute for Food Safety (NIVS) to protect market access.