Reefer shortage intensifies as Algeciras impose non-tariff blockade

Importers are experiencing an unusual situation in Algeciras, the prominent inflow port hub for fruits and vegetables in EU nowadays, responsible to receive many shipments from Latam. New procedures were advised by the European Commission, while demanding a strengthening in the controls to these products to effectively verify full compliance with the European Union regulations. However, the strict interpretation by the Department of Foreign Health of Algeciras, Spain about the new EU rules that regulate fruit coatings, led to the rejection of many containers. These are being destroyed or simply backlogging from the docks to offshore waters all because shipments and their product contents are failing to comply with regulation 1333-2008.

The main issue is because of a specific paraffin coating in cassava and protective waxes in pineapples that are not authorized by the EC, in reference to Central and South American companies that have been exporting these products to the EU since forever.

It is estimated that 200 containers are anchored waiting for a resolution, whilst others had been re-routed all the way to Rotterdam.