Global Technical Regulatory Affairs FAQs

Pre-Export Checks (PEC) Program

• Is PEC certificate mandatory for shipping to EU?
  
  No. PEC program is voluntary and not a condition for import into the EU. PEC shipments qualify for less than 1% inspections whereas non-PEC shipments maybe inspected at the member states’ discretion.
• Is PEC certificate required for trans-shipping through EU ports for clearance in a non-EU Country?
  
  No. If the shipment is not clearing customs in the EU, PEC certificate is not required.

Ethylene Oxide (EtO)

• Are almonds treated with Ethylene Oxide (EtO)?
  
  No. Ethyle Oxide is typically used for sterilizing medical devices and some spices. But it is not used in the California almond industry.

GMO

• Are there GMO (genetically engineered/modified) almonds?
  
  No. California almond industry only uses varieties obtained from conventional breeding.

Pesticide Use

• Are pesticides widely used on almonds?
  
  Integrated Pest Management (IPM) practices are widely followed in the almond industry. Pesticides are just one of the tools almond growers have available. IPM practices involve regular monitoring, beneficial insects, orchard sanitation, and so on. When pesticides are used, almond growers follow the strict regulations from the state of California related to application, monitoring and reports, following all applicable label guidelines.

Commercial Disputes

• Can the Almond Board help almond handlers/exporters in case of commercial disputes with
  foreign buyers?
  
  The Almond Board is not privy to contractual terms between shippers and buyers. Where there is a technical or import regulatory issue, ABC can assist by leveraging contacts in the local USDA/Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS) office.