Official Border Controls of the European Union: Everything You Need to Know

Ceimic Services, Food

Exporting to the European Union: Keys to Regulation (EU) 2017/625 and Official Controls

Food safety and quality are essential priorities in the European Union (EU). To guarantee these standards, the EU has implemented Regulation (EU) 2017/625, which introduces stricter and more coordinated procedures for the inspection of food products, including fruits.

Physical and Documentary Inspections

Inspections at EU borders are carried out by the competent authorities of each member state and include:

Physical and documentary inspections: Documentation is verified and a visual analysis of the products is performed.
Laboratory analysis: Tests are carried out to detect pesticide residues, microbiological contaminants, and other potential risks.

Physical Inspections

Regulation (EU) 2017/625 establishes several mandatory physical inspections:

Control of animals and goods: This includes visual and physical inspection of animals and products.
Control of packaging and means of transport: The condition and adequacy of the packaging and the vehicles used for transport are verified.
Labeling and temperature: Checks are made to ensure labeling is correct and product temperature is appropriate.
Sampling for analysis: Samples are taken to perform necessary analyses, tests, or diagnoses.

Documentary Verification

In addition to physical inspections, Regulation (EU) 2017/625 establishes rigorous documentary inspections:

Verification of accompanying documents: Certificates, permits, and other documents accompanying the products are checked.
Review of records: Records maintained by companies, such as production, transport, and storage, are inspected.
Control of import and export documents: Documentation related to the import and export of agri-food products is verified.
Management systems audits: Quality and safety management systems implemented by companies are evaluated.

Laboratory Analysis

Laboratory analyses are fundamental for official controls in the agri-food chain:

Microbiological analysis: To detect pathogens such as Salmonella, E. coli, and Listeria in food and feed.
Chemical analysis: To identify pesticide residues, environmental contaminants, and unauthorized additives. These include:
Residue sampling and analysis: Samples of food and feed are taken to analyze the presence of pesticide residues.
Maximum Residue Limits (MRLs): Products must not contain pesticide residues exceeding established MRLs.
Risk-based controls: Analyses are performed according to a risk-based approach, prioritizing products and substances representing a higher risk to public health.
Veterinary residue analysis: To detect residues of veterinary medicines in products of animal origin.
DNA analysis: To verify product authenticity and detect genetically modified organisms (GMOs).
Plant health testing: To identify pests and diseases in plants and plant products.

At CEIMIC, we have vast experience in pesticide analysis and are recognized for our precision and reliability in residue detection.

We offer a full range of analysis services for agri-exporters wishing to ship their products to the European Union, ensuring they comply with the strict requirements of Regulation (EU) 2017/625.

With our advanced sampling methods and risk-based testing, we help exporters ensure their products do not exceed the established Maximum Residue Limits (MRLs), thus protecting public health and ensuring the acceptance of their products in the demanding European market.

CEIMIC. Life Sciences Testing Group. It’s about life.

Source: https://eur-lex.europa.eu/eli/reg/2017/625/oj/spa

Metal analysis in wine using ICP-MS: ensuring quality and safety for global exports

Food

Metal Determination in the Wine Industry: OIV and ISO 17025 Standards

The presence of metals in wine can originate from both the fruit’s biological process and contact with industrial machinery during winemaking. Elements such as aluminum, copper, manganese, nickel, zinc, and lead exhibit varying levels of solubility and potential impact on the final product. In Argentina, the world’s tenth-largest wine exporter, academic studies have identified significant concentrations of manganese, lead, molybdenum, and cobalt that require rigorous monitoring.

To ensure safety and compliance with international regulations, the TASQA-CEIMIC Argentina laboratory performs specialized testing using Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS). This methodology allows for the quantification of trace metals with high precision, ensuring the product meets the requirements of the most demanding global markets. Our processes are endorsed by the International Organisation of Vine and Wine (OIV, Method OIV-MA-AS323-07) and hold ISO 17025 accreditation from A2LA.

At CEIMIC, we support the excellence of the Argentine wine industry. Contact us at info@ceimic.com

Multi-residue analysis with ISO 17025 international accreditation (DAkkS and A2LA)

Environmental, Food

Pesticide Residue Analysis: Regulatory Compliance for Agro-Exports

Pesticide residue analysis is a critical requirement for production and agro-export companies. The objective is to comply with guidelines established by both local and international regulatory bodies, ensuring that pesticide levels remain within Maximum Residue Limits (MRLs) that do not pose a risk to consumer health.

At CEIMIC, we offer one of the most extensive analytical scopes in the Americas. We hold ISO 17025 accreditations granted by the prestigious German entity DAkkS and A2LA from the United States, guaranteeing traceability and precision for all analyzed molecules. Our services are fully available in Colombia through our new laboratory strategically located in Chía (Cundinamarca), as well as our facilities in Santo Domingo (Dominican Republic) and Villahermosa (Mexico).

We have the operational capacity to handle requirements across multiple species and crops in Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Guatemala, Mexico, Peru, and the Dominican Republic.

At CEIMIC, we support your global competitiveness with analytical excellence and international technical rigor.