Since June 2022, all citrus imports from non-EU countries — including China — have required mandatory cold treatment in transit under EU Implementing Regulation 2021/2244. This guide explains exactly what importers need to know to ensure compliance.
What is Cold Treatment?
Cold treatment is a phytosanitary measure that exposes citrus fruit to sustained low temperatures to kill quarantine pests — primarily the Mediterranean fruit fly (Ceratitis capitata) and false codling moth (Thaumatotibia leucotreta).
Regulatory Requirements
| Parameter | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Regulation | EU Implementing Regulation 2021/2244 |
| Effective date | 24 June 2022 |
| Target pests | Ceratitis capitata, Thaumatotibia leucotreta |
| Temperature Option 1 | 1–2°C for 14–18 consecutive days |
| Temperature Option 2 | 2–3°C for 18–22 consecutive days |
| Monitoring | Continuous digital logging, probes in fruit pulp |
| Documentation | Temperature record signed by GACC + reviewed by EU authorities |
The Cold Treatment Process
- Pre-cooling: Within 6 hours of harvest, fruit cooled to 4–6°C
- Loading: Pre-cooled fruit loaded into reefer container with temperature probes
- Temperature stabilization: Container reaches 1–2°C within 24 hours
- Treatment period: 14–18 days at target temperature (continuous)
- Documentation: Digital temperature log exported and signed
- Verification at EU port: Temperature records reviewed by plant health authorities
Temperature Probe Placement
EU regulations require a minimum of 3 temperature probes placed in fruit pulp:
- Probe 1: Front of container (near door) — typically warmest position
- Probe 2: Middle of container — reference position
- Probe 3: Rear of container (near machinery) — typically coolest position
GannanGrove's Track Record
We have completed over 50 EU cold treatment shipments with 100% compliance. Each shipment includes full digital temperature documentation compliant with EU requirements.