AFA Statement on Violation of Closure of Export of Avocado

Agriculture and Food Authority (AFA) in a notice dated 20th October 2025 announced the restriction of the avocado harvesting season for all export consignments by sea and oil processing. Following continuous surveillance by crop inspectors, the following have been observed:

1) Some dealers (exporters and processors) are sourcing fruits locally and exporting without due process in contravention to the notice, thus encouraging harvesting of immature avocado and theft, in contravention of para 18 (1) of the Crops (Horticultural Crops), Regulations, 2020;

2) Dealers receiving produce delivered in sacks (without crates) in pick-ups, open flatbed trucks and probox in contravention of para 20(6) of the Crops (Horticultural Crops) Regulations, 2020;

3) Dealers receiving produce from unregistered supplier(s) of avocado fruit and failing to provide contract agreements with the suppliers for fruits either sourced locally or imported from other East African Community (EAC) states contrary to para 22 (3) the Crops (Horticultural Crops) Regulation 2020;

4) Exporters mixing Mango export with Avocado, contrary to Crops (Horticultural Crops) Regulations, 2020 Section 20(5);

5) Failure by processors to notify the Authority of import consignments from EAC countries as guided in the harvesting season closure guidelines, thereby hindering effective monitoring at border points, and using third parties to import avocado consignments without proper traceability documents linking the importing entity to the processors, contrary to para 22 (1), (2) of the Crops (Horticultural Crops) Regulations, 2020; and

6) Exporters and processors obstructing crops inspectors from accessing their premises during inspections contrary to section 28, 20, 30 of the Crops Act, 2013.

Please note that:

1. Processors or their agents wishing to import avocado from EAC are required to have an import license and request for import permit from Agriculture and Food Authority, indicating the source of produce, volumes, expected date of entry and port of entry. The import permit for avocado for processing shall be issued free of charge and shall be a requirement at the border point and thus should be obtained prior to importation. All other import documentation by other government agencies shall also be required.

2. Any further violation to any of the stated regulations and guidelines above will lead to suspension of export/import license for the rest of the avocado harvesting closure season.

AGRICULTURE AND FOOD AUTHORITY

DR BRUNO LINYIRU, OGW

DIRECTOR GENERAL