Myanmar rice exported to Poland found with dead insects; Myanmar rice exporters state responsibility is only until loading onto ship under FOB system

It is said that situations where time is prolonged can occur due to long travel distances on ships, ship scheduling, container pickup, and other matters. Regarding the discovery of dead insects in Myanmar rice exported to Poland, the Myanmar Rice Exporters Association announced on September 11 that Myanmar rice export companies are responsible only until the rice is loaded onto the ship under the FOB system, and subsequent responsibilities lie primarily with the buyer and third-party organizations that inspect quality. It is known that Poland, a country in Europe, is a regular buyer and importer of Myanmar white rice and parboiled rice for its own consumption and for other landlocked countries in Eastern and Central Europe. The TVP News station, which reported the discovery, stated that dead insect remains were found in 250 tons, but it was noted that the report did not specify who the importer was, when and on what date it arrived at the port of Gdansk, Poland, or which company imported, distributed, and sold it. It was also reported that in July of this year, 40 tons of Thai jasmine rice were detained due to incorrect branding, and that food products from Ukraine, China, Thailand, India, Brazil, South Africa, and Argentina are frequently inspected. The announcement stated that when exporting rice from Myanmar to European countries, including Poland, pre-shipment inspections for microbiological requirements, phytosanitary, GMO Free, fumigation, heavy metals, mycotoxins, other toxins, and pesticide residues, as well as quality specifications, must be carried out with third-party inspectors. Myanmar rice export companies export under the FOB system in accordance with international practices and International Trade Incoterms. Under the FOB system, the seller is responsible only until the goods are loaded onto the ship. Thereafter, the responsibility for quality primarily lies with the buyer who purchased the goods under contract and with third-party organizations that inspect quality. It is also stated that delays can occur due to long travel distances on ships, the buyer's ship scheduling, container pickup, and other matters, and that Myanmar rice exporters have been notified to pay more attention and strictly adhere to quality management systems. The Myanmar Rice Millers Association has urged its member export companies to conclude firm contracts with buyers in European countries, including Poland, and other rice-buying countries, and to clearly and accurately specify responsibilities and accountability regarding quality. The association also announced that it will further study and analyze this matter and submit necessary corrective actions to the relevant ministries to seek guidance and proceed.