Cecilia Malmström, the European Commissioner for Trade, visited the Port of Rotterdam on October 15, 2019, to learn more about its operations, in particular, security and food safety standards.
The Netherlands is the entry point for 40% of goods entering the continent and the Port of Rotterdam is the EU’s largest port..
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Malmström said: “Everything we import has to abide by our strict food standards. Nothing in any trade agreement will change this. I am in Rotterdam today to learn more about how the port uses risk assessments and physical searches to keep our citizens safe from illegal and unsafe products.”
Malmström added: “Citizens need to have the confidence that the EU is standing up for their interests. That means striking trade deals across the world to open up new business opportunities and create jobs, but it also means ensuring that our trade partners stick to the rules.
“This is why I am here in Rotterdam today, and this is why I instructed my department to launch a WTO dispute with Colombia as soon as possible. Since November last year they have been imposing unfair tariffs on frozen fries, causing unjustified damage to Belgian, Dutch and German companies.
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Following presentations by experts on customs, and food and consumer product safety, Malmström took a tour of port’s facilities.
In doing so she visited the State Inspection Terminal, where customs authorities use the latest technology to scan the containers entering the port and the training centre for customs officials.
The facility also has a specific dog-handling center, where staff train the dogs to detect illegal substances.
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