A pest has been found in a shipment of mandarins from Pakistan.

According to a report from the Plant Quarantine and Protection Agency, the demand for citrus fruits increases during the winter season in the republic, leading to a rise in their import volumes. A significant portion of these fruits comes to Uzbekistan from Pakistan. The imported quarantine products undergo quarantine control.

A few days ago, at the "Airitom" border crossing, a quarantine pest was detected in a batch of mandarins imported from Pakistan on 26 vehicles. Samples of the products were sent for examination to the Central Phytosanitary Laboratory of the agency. The tests revealed the presence of the insect Aonidiella aurantii (the "Red Palm Scale").

This pest species feeds on the sap of plants such as lemons, dates, figs, apples, plums, olives, and grapes, significantly reducing their yield. The scale is widespread in Pakistan, Afghanistan, Algeria, Angola, Guinea, Egypt, Tanzania, and South Africa.

To clarify the situation, the Quarantine Agency contacted the Pakistani quarantine service. The Pakistani side reported that phytosanitary certificates for the export of mandarins to Uzbekistan were not issued in December.

According to the agency, there is an electronic document exchange system in place between the national quarantine services of Uzbekistan and Pakistan. The verification of counterfeit certificates through this system also confirmed their falsification.

In accordance with current legislation, all phytosanitary certificates for products intended for import from Pakistan will now be checked through the automated information system E-Fitouz at border points. The import of products will only be permitted after the authenticity of the certificate is confirmed in Pakistan's electronic database.

The Plant Quarantine and Protection Agency has notified about the temporary suspension of issuing import quarantine permits for the export of mandarins from Pakistan.