MEP Alexander Bernhuber (PPE) has submitted a written parliamentary question to the European Commission, seeking clarity on the targeting of import controls for fruit and vegetables from non-EU countries and demanding binding measures to standardise Member States' reporting of control data. The question, filed on 8 April 2026, highlights that 84% of notified fruit and vegetable imports in 2024 came from non-EU countries, primarily Türkiye, Egypt, India and China, while the Commission acknowledges inconsistent reporting formats across Member States.
Bernhuber's question contains three concrete demands. First, he asks the Commission to specify which countries of origin and product categories are covered by the announced 50% increase in non-EU audits, and the planned number of audits per country. Second, he calls for binding measures to ensure all 27 Member States report the total number of controls, inspection rates and outcomes in a standardised format, with a clear timeline. Third, he requests confirmation that prescribed check frequencies under Implementing Regulation (EU) 2019/1793 were actually met by all Member States from 2023 to 2025, and if not, which Member States fell short and for which product-country combinations.
Policy orientation and ambition
The question signals a push for greater transparency and uniformity in EU import controls, reflecting a concern that inconsistent national practices may undermine food safety and fair competition. By requesting binding standardisation and verification of compliance, Bernhuber advocates for stronger EU-level oversight and enforcement, potentially increasing the regulatory burden on Member States but also enhancing consumer protection and market predictability for EU producers.
Expected follow-up
The Commission is required to respond within approximately six weeks. Its answer will indicate whether it is willing to tighten reporting requirements, disclose audit allocations, and enforce compliance with existing check frequencies. A detailed response could signal a move toward more centralised control data management, while a vague reply may suggest reluctance to impose additional obligations on Member States.