23 Apr 2015

German kava ban lift opens doors for Tongan exports

8:10 pm on 23 April 2015

Tonga has welcomed the news that Germany has lifted its ban on importing kava.

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Photo: RNZ

Radio Tonga reports that the ban was imposed in 2002 after a claim that kava caused liver injuries.

To'imoana Takataka of the Pacific Executive Council for Kava says that growers are grateful for the decision as it will help them generate good income.

A German researcher is now in Tonga to conduct a research on the different types of kava and to ensure that they are good quality when exported.

Tonga is expected to begin shipping kava in September starting with about 10 tonnes.