Food, customs: EU confirms the classification criteria for the olive oil

The European Commission, general direction for agriculture and rural development, has recently confirmed the interpretation of the Custom Agency regarding the reference regulations for the identification of the virgin olive oil imported from other countries . In the case of virgin olive oil fallen into classification of combined nomenclature at num. 1509.10.90 “virgin oil-other”, the agency – it is reported in a notice – has always recorded, to defend top-quality olive oil, that this oil can be exported again away from the origin country being labelled as “extra-virgin olive oil”. This oil can in fact undergo the well known adulterations (filtration, setting, polishing and bottling), provided it has the same qualitative characteristics as the extra-virgin olive oil produced in the EU. This confirm of the EU commission represents a recognition to action made by the Agency for the defence of quality and the fight against food adulterations.