The Netherlands, Denmark First to Resume Beef Exports to South Korea After Restrictions Lifted

South Korea will allow for beef imports from some EU states after a nearly 20-year ban was lifted, the European Commission said in a news release. "Producers from Denmark and the Netherlands are the first ones to be able to resume exports," it said. “This is a very welcome development and an important statement of confidence by the South Korean authorities in the safety and quality of European beef," said Phil Hogan, commissioner for agriculture and the next commissioner for trade. "Following confirmation of access for Danish and Dutch operators, I hope that it won't be long before operators in other EU Member States are approved for export to this important and valuable market. Securing access for other EU Member States will continue to be a priority for the European Commission in bilateral trade relations with Korea.” South Korea had imposed the restrictions as a result of bovine spongiform encephalopathy in 2001. South Korean authorities recently "provided assurances that the pending applications from EU Member States (others than Denmark and the Netherlands) would be processed in due time," the EC said.