QNA
Doha
A permit is a must to import fruits and vegetables to Qatar from December 1, the Ministry of Municipality has announced in a meeting with suppliers on Sunday.
Each month’s imports require separate permits, specifying the items and quantities to be shipped. Permits for December can be applied between November 1 and 20 by emailing a filled-in form to importrequests@mme.gov.qa. The form, F-AAD-PP-02, can be downloaded from the ministry’s website.
Masoud Jarallah Al Marri, Director of Food Security at the ministry, said the permit system would ensure imports conform to food safety standards of Qatar and food wastage is reduced.
Studies have shown that around 14 percent of food supplies are wasted on an average in Qatar between when they arrive in the country (or leave from a local farm) and when they reach the customers. This has made coordination among relevant authorities a necessity, especially when it comes to import of perishables such as fruits and vegetables. The permit system is considered a step in that direction.
Marri said the system is the result of the ministry’s efforts to ensure the availability of all food commodities in a sustainable manner that guarantees the local consumers’ access to high-quality products at appropriate prices.
The National Food Security Strategy of Qatar is based on five main pillars — international trade and logistics, local self-sufficiency, strategic stocks, local markets and supply chains, and research and development. The strategy works to improve local markets through many initiatives and measures, as well as by improving and simplifying the governance of food standards.
Doha
A permit is a must to import fruits and vegetables to Qatar from December 1, the Ministry of Municipality has announced in a meeting with suppliers on Sunday.
Each month’s imports require separate permits, specifying the items and quantities to be shipped. Permits for December can be applied between November 1 and 20 by emailing a filled-in form to importrequests@mme.gov.qa. The form, F-AAD-PP-02, can be downloaded from the ministry’s website.
Masoud Jarallah Al Marri, Director of Food Security at the ministry, said the permit system would ensure imports conform to food safety standards of Qatar and food wastage is reduced.
Studies have shown that around 14 percent of food supplies are wasted on an average in Qatar between when they arrive in the country (or leave from a local farm) and when they reach the customers. This has made coordination among relevant authorities a necessity, especially when it comes to import of perishables such as fruits and vegetables. The permit system is considered a step in that direction.
Marri said the system is the result of the ministry’s efforts to ensure the availability of all food commodities in a sustainable manner that guarantees the local consumers’ access to high-quality products at appropriate prices.
The National Food Security Strategy of Qatar is based on five main pillars — international trade and logistics, local self-sufficiency, strategic stocks, local markets and supply chains, and research and development. The strategy works to improve local markets through many initiatives and measures, as well as by improving and simplifying the governance of food standards.