KARACHI: Much to the fruit and vegetable exporters’ relief, the Ministry of Commerce on Monday gave the go-ahead to shipment of onion consignments declared prior to the imposition of a ban on the export of the commodity, reported ARY News.
On Feb 28, the government imposed a ban on the export of onions until May 31 on a request by the Ministry of National Food Security and Research.
“In compliance of directives received from the worthy collector, the loading of all the consignments/containers declared to contain “Fresh Onion” falling under PCT 0703.1000 filed in weboc on or before 28.02.2020 is allowed,” read a notification issued to this effect.
Read More: Export of onions lying at port hangs in balance as govt notifies ban
“The loading of all the consignments/containers declared to contain “Fresh Onion” falling under PCT 0703.1000 filed in weboc on or after 29.02.2020 is not allowed.”
The All Pakistan Fruit & Vegetable Exporters, Importers & Merchants Association’s (PFVA) Waheed Ahmed had a day earlier said more than 100 containers full of onions are lying at the port which were to be loaded onto a ship slated to leave Monday.
Denying permission to shipment of these consignments would incur a loss of $2 million, he said.
Read More: No ban on export of tomatoes, potatoes imposed
The Economic Coordination Committee (ECC) of the federal cabinet, considering the summary dated February 19 submitted by the Ministry of National Food Security and Research, green-lighted imposition of the ban on export of onion with immediate effect till 31th May, 2020.
