Agriculture Food Authority (AFA) has lifted the ban on avocado exportation as the country approaches its harvesting season.
In a circular dated February 14, the government agency announced that the exportation of the product is set to resume on March 1.
However, the authority outlined six measures to ensure that exporters comply with current international standards.
In the new directive, all interested exporters must submit a list of their Horticultural Produce Marketing Agents (HPMA) or suppliers by February 26, 2024.
Only marketing agents with valid registration permits are authorised parties for transactions.
Exporters were also ordered to subject their products to inspection three days before shipment.
Agriculture Food Authority (AFA) further limited the Hass and Fuerte's variety of avocados to a maximum size code of 20 which translates to 184 grams.
AFA also directed all farmers to use crates when transporting the goods to avoid damage.
"Transporting avocados without crates or on open pick-up trucks (or Probox vehicles) contrary to the Horticulture Regulations shall be penalized," stated the authority.
Furthermore, avocado dealers will be held responsible for the production and postproduction processes to guarantee compliance with market regulations.
On November 3, AFA closed the harvest window, banning the exportation of the product.
For close to three months now the agency has been pursuing rogue exporters selling immature avocados, warning them against contravening the regulation.
