First batch of Argentine sunflower seeds imported by Bulgaria does not meet EU standards

Laboratory control of the first batch of sunflower seeds from Argentina that arrived in Bulgaria revealed that the maximum permissible levels of two pesticides – malathion and deltamethrin – were exceeded. This is reported by AgroPortal.bg.

After taking into account the permissible measurement uncertainty (50% according to the SANTE method), the indicators remain higher than the norms established by Regulation (EC) No. 396/2005 – approximately three times for malathion and about five times for deltamethrin.

At the same time, the content of pirimiphos-methyl is within the permissible values, and the indicators of heavy metals – lead, cadmium and nickel – meet the requirements. There are no deviations during phytosanitary control and grain quality assessment.

According to the importer, the raw materials are intended for industrial processing and further re-export to third countries without sale on the domestic market of Bulgaria.

In addition to this vessel, a second one from Argentina is expected in the coming days. Four more ships with sunflower are on their way to Bulgaria, two are currently being loaded, and three are preparing to start loading. In total, there are 11 ships with an approximate volume of 440 thousand tons of sunflower.

It remains an open question whether the next batches will show similar laboratory control results and whether all ships will retain their destination in Bulgaria, or whether some of the cargo will be redirected to other countries.

In the regional context, the situation is also developing: one ship with sunflower from Argentina has already arrived in Romania, but there is no official data on the results of the analysis yet. Two more ships are heading to Romanian ports.

From a trade point of view, the situation complicates the position of the importer, the publication writes. Such deliveries are usually planned several months in advance – both in terms of processing and in terms of selling sunflower oil and meal. In the event of confirmation of pesticide excess, possible options include re-export, finding alternative markets or revising contract terms. This may affect planned volumes and delivery times, as well as price dynamics in Bulgaria and the region.

Tags: sunseed, Argentina, grain quality, Bulgaria, EU