EU Honey and Bee Products Can Be Exported While Complying with Established Norms: SRC

Honey and other bee products intended for human consumption (beeswax, royal jelly, propolis, or pollen, etc.) producers and those wishing to export them to the European Union have been informed by the State Service for Food Safety (SRC) that changes have been made to the "AGRINFO" program, under which honey is exported from Armenia to the European Union.

In particular, EU honey exporting companies are required to obtain approval from the competent authorities of the exporting countries (in Armenia, from the Food Safety Inspection Body of the Republic of Armenia). A list of companies that have received the appropriate certificate will be submitted to the European Commission and published in the TRACES system. Starting from November 29, 2024, only companies published on the specified site will be able to continue honey exports.

EU honey exporting countries must provide guarantees that certain antimicrobial substances intended for human consumption are not used to feed the honey-producing bees. These guarantees should be provided within the shortest possible time frame for Armenia to be included in the list of third countries allowed to continue exports after September 3, 2026. Official certificates regarding the guarantees should be utilized starting September 3, 2024, even if their validity period expires before September 3, 2026.

According to these changes, production is vital not only for consumers and their interests but also for protecting conscientious producers, enhancing the reputation of Armenian honey, and promoting trade.