With this circular we would like to inform you about the new obligation of ports to have information regarding restrictions on the import of plant material.
On 14 December 2019, the Regulation on protective measures against pests of plants (2016/2031) was published, together with the Implementing Regulation (2019/2072).
These regulations contain some important consequences for the import of plant products into the EU:
- Extension of the scope of regulated products for phytosanitary purposes: all plant materials (such as plants, fruits, vegetables, flowers, flower bulbs), certain plant products (such as coniferous trees, oak wood and specific products such as wood packaging material).
- Restrictions for travellers entering the Union. With the new regulation, travellers are no longer able to bring into the Union territory the material referred to in point 1, even in small quantities and for personal use, unless they are accompanied by a phytosanitary certificate issued by the competent authorities (National Plant Protection Organisation) in the country of origin.
The new EU harmonised approach puts an end to national exemptions for small quantities of the above-mentioned material, when intended for use by the owner or recipient for non-industrial and non-commercial purposes, from the standard phytosanitary import requirements into the EU.
The regulation also stipulates that Member States, seaports and international carriers shall provide information to travellers and postal customers (Article 45 of Regulation 2016/2031).
The Commission has prepared information videos and posters to facilitate the implementation of this Regulation (they are available in all EU languages and can be used freely). It should be noted that the poster is part of the Implementing Regulation (2020/178) adopted on 31 January 2020. This Regulation requires the poster to be displayed in prominent places at all points of entry into the Union, both in physical locations and online.
One can find and download the video and poster on the website of the Commission for Plant Protection Issues at the following link: https://ec.europa.eu/food/plant/plant_health_biosecurity/non_eu_trade_en
To download the video, please note that you must first create an account on the portal with your name and email address.
