Part 3 of the Official Controls and Phytosanitary Conditions (Amendment) Regulations 2021 introduces amendments to Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2019/2072, to include additional measures to prevent the establishment or spread of Xylella fastidiosa (Wells et al.) in Great Britain. The aim of these measures is to protect GB biosecurity generally, i.e. plant/trees growing in the wider environment, and protect GB businesses which trade in Xylella host plants from the impact of restrictions which would be imposed following an outbreak of Xylella.
Under the new measures, imports of the highest risk host plants (Polygala and Coffea) are only allowed from countries where Xylella is known not to occur.
The existing requirements applying to the import of other host plants (olive, almond, lavender, rosemary and Nerium oleander) from countries where Xylella is known to occur have been strengthened. Imports will only be permitted under certain conditions, including inspections of the place of production and the surrounding area, testing, preexport inspections and a one-year quarantine period prior to import.
The existing requirements for plants from countries where Xylella is not known to occur, which include annual official inspection, with sampling and testing of the plants, are to be maintained.
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