Việt Nam will temporarily halt imports of peanuts (Arachis hypogaea) from Senegal after nearly 1,000 tonnes of a recent shipment were found to contain beetles. — VNA/VNS Photo

HA NOI (Biz Hub) — Viet Nam will temporarily halt imports of peanuts (Arachis hypogaea) from Senegal after nearly 1,000 tonnes of a recent shipment were found to contain beetles.

This was announced in a directive issued by Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development Cao Duc Phat on July 11.

The suspension will begin after 60 days from the signing of the decision.

According to the Plant Protection Department, the temporary halt of peanut imports from Senegal came after more than 48 containers of peanuts, or 943 tonnes, shipped from Senegal to Viet Nam between February 18 and June 14 through Hai Phong Port were found to be infested with live beetles, Trogoderma granarium Everts and Caryedon serratus Olivier.

The department said these two types of beetles were a hazard for many agricultural products, so the products needed to be subject to quarantine checks. Trogoderma granarium Everts, commonly known as the khapra beetle, has been described as one of the world's 100 most invasive species.

These two beetles can harm agricultural products such as cereals, grains, medicinal herbs, vegetables and rubber as well as threaten to affect agricultural production efforts in Viet Nam if they enter the country.

The Plant Protection Department has sent a notice to Senegal's in-charge organisation following international regulations and Vietnamese regulations on quarantine checks for customs handling. — VNS