Honduras Allows Ag-Chem Import Licenses

Avatar for Matt Hopkins By Scott C. Lucas|30 July 2007

The country’s Ministry of Agriculture has authorized the state agricultural health service the Senasa to begin issuing the licenses immediately. Only Senasa-registered importers, and those which have product approvals pending can obtain the licences. Each licence will last 30 days, but may be revalidated.

CropLife Honduras has criticized the decision, arguing that it violates the principles of free trade. "The result will be products lying on shelves, increasing the risk that they will be used on other crops," CropLife said. The association also warned that its members could suffer direct and indirect financial losses, and that damage to the environment, to farmers, to consumers, and to exports could result.