New standard expected to boost trade, improve quality and support sustainable farming
August 1, 2025 – After more than a decade of intense discussions and negotiations, the Codex Committee on Fresh Fruits and Vegetables (CCFFV) has finalized a landmark international standard for fresh dates, marking a major step forward for global trade and agricultural sustainability.
Stakeholders from around the world are hailing the Codex-approved first-ever global standard for fresh dates—now submitted to the Codex Alimentarius Commission for final approval—as a breakthrough, following widespread collaboration and consensus-building across continents, with Saudi Arabia and India co-chairing the electronic working group.
Key Takeaways:
- Ten years of deliberation resulted in an international standard for fresh dates.
- The new standard will enhance trade clarity and quality expectations, benefiting producers and consumers globally.
- Major producing nations like Algeria and Saudi Arabia welcome the new guidelines as an opportunity for economic and agricultural growth.
- Codex values of inclusivity, collaboration, and scientific rigor were crucial to the standard’s development.
A Long-Awaited Achievement
The development of this standard represents “a significant and satisfying achievement,” said Perumal Karthikeyan of India, Chair of the fresh dates electronic working group. The absence of a global framework had previously led to inconsistencies in quality, creating trade obstacles. Clear guidelines will now enable smoother and fairer international transactions.
Abdulaziz al Rabeah, representing the Saudi Food and Drug Authority, noted that dates are a vital agricultural commodity for many nations. “Having a clear, agreed-upon standard improves transparency, boosts consumer confidence, and supports fair trade,” he said.
Empowering Producers and Protecting Traditions
For countries like Algeria, where date palm cultivation is a cornerstone of both economy and culture, the standard has deep implications. “This will allow us to expand production and improve quality,” said Dr. Hanane Bedjaoui from the Algerian delegation. She emphasized the environmental importance of date palms, noting, “The palm tree brings life to the desert – this standard could help sustain and even grow that life.”
Navigating Technical Disagreements Through Dialogue
Developing the standard involved tackling complex technical issues, particularly concerning classification and quality requirements. These hurdles were overcome through inclusive dialogue, mutual compromise, and alignment on both scientific principles and practical trade needs.
“This process reminded us that effective collaboration and open communication are the bedrock of Codex work,” said Rabeah.
Lessons for the Future
Reflecting on the journey, Karthikeyan outlined several lessons. “Persistence and patience were critical,” he said. “But beyond that, ensuring inclusivity—particularly of developing countries—and balancing scientific rigor with real-world applicability made the standard both relevant and feasible.”
He also highlighted
- The wider impact of the process
- Noting that it helped build technical capacity
- Negotiation skills and mutual trust among Codex Members, all of which will enhance future standard-setting efforts.
Support from the Codex Secretariat Recognized
Andrea Solano Rendón, Chair of CCFFV, praised the often-unseen role of the Codex Alimentarius Secretariat in the success of the initiative. “Their continuous professional support ensured institutional stability and technical coordination, which was vital for the Committee’s progress,” she said.
Read more
CCFFV