Košarac: We proposed instructions on grape imports to protect domestic wine production

SARAJEVO, (Patria) - The Ministry of Foreign Trade and Economic Relations of BiH has drafted Instructions on the procedure for competent institutions during the import of grapes into BiH and forwarded them for harmonization to competent institutions at lower levels of government in BiH.

The adoption of this document was initiated by the relevant minister, Staša Košarac, after detailed analyses and discussions with representatives of the wine producers' group at the Foreign Trade Chamber of BiH, who have repeatedly expressed the need to protect domestic wine production.

The instructions regulate additional controls, supervision, and procedures of competent institutions during the import of grapes into BiH in accordance with existing legal provisions.

'By analyzing the problems and possible support measures for domestic winemakers, we proposed Instructions on the procedure for competent institutions during the import of grapes in order to contribute to the remediation of negative effects on domestic wine production, caused by the occurrence and spread of coronavirus. Given that the consequences of the pandemic have almost halted the sale and export of wine, our producers are seeking the adoption of measures that would specifically help reduce business disruptions, especially considering the fact that the situation will further worsen in the fall with the arrival of the new grape harvest and wine production season,' stated Minister Košarac.

He also pointed out the necessity of accelerating the activities of competent institutions in adopting new regulations in this area, with a focus on adopting the Law on Wine of BiH, which would be harmonized with the EU acquis communautaire. In this regard, he reminded that the newly appointed working group for drafting the law on wine is actively working on preparing this legal solution, in accordance with the EU acquis communautaire, in order to systematically resolve a number of existing problems in this area.

The draft Instructions on the procedure for competent institutions during the import of grapes into BiH have been sent for approval to the Ministries of Agriculture, Forestry and Water Management of Republika Srpska and the Federation of BiH, the Department for Agriculture, Forestry and Water Management of Brčko District BiH, the Indirect Taxation Authority of BiH, the Food Safety Agency of BiH, the Administration for Inspection Affairs of Republika Srpska, the Federal Administration for Inspection Affairs, and the Inspectorate of the Government of Brčko District BiH.