The Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock has temporarily suspended the import of cocoa from Côte d’Ivoirethe world’s largest almond producer. The measure was published in the Official Gazette of the Union this Tuesday (24). The suspension takes effect immediately and applies to fermented and dried almonds. 
According to the ministry, the decision was adopted because of the possibility of mixing cocoa produced in countries neighboring Ivory Coast in cargo destined for Brazil, which increases the risk of pests and diseases entering Brazilian territory. These countries do not have authorization to export cocoa to Brazil, unlike Côte d’Ivoire.
“The measure is based on the phytosanitary risk arising from the high flow of grains from neighboring countries to Ivorian territory, which makes it possible to mix almonds in cargo destined for Brazil”, informs the order published in the Official Gazette.
The ministry ordered the secretariats of Commerce and International Relations and Agricultural Defense to investigate “facts of triangulation of fermented and dried cocoa beans from the Republic of Côte d’Ivoire, with possible phytosanitary implications”.
The suspension will remain until the presentation of a formal document by Côte d’Ivoire, guaranteeing that there is no risk of the presence of cocoa beans from neighboring countries in cargo destined for Brazil.
