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Regulatory & Trade
Regulatory & Trade

Shipping California almonds to more than 100 countries around the world calls for a dedicated focus on technical issues, regulatory needs and strong relationships with key stakeholders.

View Latest Regulatory and Trade Updates

Global Markets 
Overview

The Almond Board leverages research, technical expertise, and relationships to address dynamic production and global market conditions.

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Global Market Information Center

The Almond Board provides current regulatory and technical information for various export markets around the world.

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Government Affairs

The Almond Board of California’s government affairs program is centered around educating stakeholders about the California almond industry.

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Resources & Statistics

The Almond Board provides current market and shipment information are regularly updated to address issues of concern.

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Regulatory Updates

New Spanish Sampling Protocol

ABC recently learned that Spain’s Royal Decree 562/2025, published on July 2, 2025, and effective July 3, 2025, introduced standardized testing procedures for both domestic and imported agrifood products. The Royal Decree complements EU regulations in terms of official controls – but modifies the sampling and analysis procedures at the border. The Decree limits testing to two analyses, with the second test result prevailing over the first. Operators may request that enough be collected for a second (contradictory) analysis at the time of inspection. Previously, Food Business Operators could request a third sample which was the decisive tie breaker in case of the first two samples resulting in contradictory results. ABC recommends handlers communicate this to their Spanish buyers and encourage them to request a second retaining sample during port inspections in case another test is needed.

 

GB-PEC System Goes Into Effect

Effective January 15, 2024, Great Britain now requires a separate PEC certificate for shipments to UK, except Northern Ireland, which will continue to accept EU PEC certificate. Choosing Great Britain as a destination in the ePEC system will automatically generate a GB-PEC certificate from now on.

Shipments to Algeria

Algeria has clarified that only Aluminum and Magnesium Phosphide are permitted for fumigation of products intended for export to Algeria. APHIS has clarified that fumigation is a required treatment. Please also note that currently, Profume (Sulfuryl Floride) is not accepted. For any questions, contact gtra@almondboard.com

Global Technical Regulatory Affairs FAQs

  • 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.

  • No. If the shipment is not clearing customs in the EU, PEC certificate is not required.

  • No. Ethyle Oxide is typically used for sterilizing medical devices and some spices. But it is not used in the California almond industry.

  • No. California almond industry only uses varieties obtained from conventional breeding.

  • 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.

  • 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.

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