Dutch customs issued a Red Alert in Rotterdam and seized a container of premium blueberry fruit produced by a South African fruit producer and exported by a South African fruit exporter for distribution and sale in the European Union without the authority of the Australian plant breeder.
In doing so the European Union Customs Authority recognised the Community Plant Variety Rights in respect of the OZblu® blueberry varieties held by United Exports Group and grown by the South African fruit producer without a license to do so.
The European Union Customs Authority have seized the fruit and commenced proceedings involving the South African exporter, the shipper and the European wholesaler for the destruction of the fruit.
The European Commission, Taxation and Customs Union enforces the intellectual property, counterfeit and piracy regulations and will monitor the future import of all OZblu® blueberry varieties into the European Union.
For more information:
Contact Chloë Middleton
United Exports
Tel: +27 (0) 21 879 2306 (Ext 207)
Email: chloe@unitedexports.com.au
www.united-exports.com