Defra reminds plant importers to meet requirements
From 1 January 2021 the United Kingdom has operated a full, external border as a sovereign nation. New controls were placed on the movement of goods between the EU and UK, and UK businesses involved in the import of plants and plant material are required to adapt their working practices.
The new process is distinct from when United Kingdom was a member of the European Union, and requires importers, exports and users of material to follow an entirely new procedure. Defra have issued a reminder to importers of high-priority plants and plants products from outside GB to ensure GB import requirements are met.
The reminder focusses specifically on the need for importers to ensure they have carried out the following in a timely fashion:
a) obtained a phytosanitary certificate
b) pre-notified the consignment on the PEACH system
The consequences of importers not correctly pre-notifying or obtaining a phytosanitary certificate may involve consignments being held at the Place of Destination until requirements are met and/or being destroyed.
Our Association has developed free, detailed guidance for members covering all aspects of importing and exporting plants and plant material and published it on the plant health section of our website. The pages are updated weekly according to the latest Defra information and guidance.