Egypt’s plant-quarantine authority has expanded its DNA-verification system for the 2026 grape season — and from this season, blocking inspector access automatically revokes a grower’s Export Code.

Now in its third year, Egypt’s Central Administration of Plant Quarantine (CAPQ) has widened the system that prevents exports of illegally propagated table grape varieties. Growers and packhouses must hold an Export Code tied to documented rights for protected varieties, and export is not permitted without it.

Where illegal plantations are suspected, CAPQ collects samples for DNA analysis against a reference database. From the 2026 campaign, denying inspectors access to collect those samples triggers automatic revocation of the Export Code. Members of The Breeders’ Alliance account for more than 80% of Egypt’s proprietary table grape production.

What it means for buyers: Variety-rights compliance is becoming a hard gate on Egyptian grape exports. Sourcing from code-eligible, documented suppliers protects programmes from disruption and aligns with the traceability buyers increasingly require.

Source: FreshPlaza, June 2026.

How to cite: PEI Trade, "Egypt Tightens DNA-Based Controls on Illegal Grape Exports for 2026," PEI Trade News, 16 June 2026, www.peitrade.com.