The approval for fresh meat is effective immediately, but it will take several months until hams will be available for sale as they have to complete their maturation process before being placed on the market. The opening of the Taiwanese market is the result of several years' work engaging with the Taiwanese government, academia and the wider public in a dialogue to explain the EU's comprehensive, multi-layered control systems, recognised worldwide to meet highest sanitary standards.

Agriculture and Rural Development Commissioner Phil Hogan welcomed the Taiwanese decision: "This important breakthrough is further vindication of the high standards of EU food production. Europe is the best address for high-quality food in the world and we will build on this opening to the Taiwanese market to pursue further market opportunities in Asia.

The European Commission will continue to work closely with the Taiwanese government and member states to expand bilateral trade of food products with Taiwan. The decision of the Taiwanese authorities will send an important and positive signal also to other Asian governments to fully recognise the EU's stringent veterinary controls that fully comply with international standards and guarantee the safety of our exported meat products.

Via ec.europa.eu