On 26 April 2025, the European Union will be implementing stricter rules for the import of roses from Africa to keep the false codling moth at bay. Interest groups such as Union Fleurs, Kenya Flower Council, EHPEA, VBN and VGB fear that the measures will have a major impact on rose farms. Their plea for a delay was only partly honoured by the EU.
As of 26 April 2025, nurseries in Africa must adopt a systematic approach to ensure they are free of the false codling moth (Thaumatotibia leucotreta). Before exporting their roses, growers must have them inspected by the national plant health service. Roses destined for the EU must come with a phytosanitary certificate.
According to the EU, the moth is a threat to economically important crops in Europe, such as citrus fruits, peaches/nectarines, capsicums and cut roses. Earlier – as of 1 May 2024 – the EU had already increased the inspection percentage for roses from Africa for the same reason. For Kenya and Ethiopia, this percentage went up from 10 and 5%, respectively, to 25%. Read more about this topic here.
