Is your packaging material ready for the new EU Plant Health Law 2016/2031/EU? From 14 December 2019, this law will come into affect and the plant passport will be subject to new legislation that may have consequences for the grower's existing pot prints. So, how to include the plant passport on your pot? Over the last months, the Design Studio of pot and container manufacturer Desch Plantpak focused on this change and is currently busy with assisting growers to adjust the layouts of their pot prints or help them restyle including plant passport.
Plant passport
The plant passport is an official document required to certify the phytosanitary status of the cultivation material and in order to trade this material within the EU. A renewal of EU regulations has been initiated to modernize and harmonize current European phytosanitary rules. Due to increasing trade flows and climate changes, Europe is increasingly being exposed to new phytosanitary risks. This new EU legislation will provide greater protection for the EU against the introduction of harmful organisms, and will enable member states to implement improved measures in the event of an outbreak. With the passport you will be able to show that your products comply with the applicable phytosanitary requirements in the EU.
New law
The new EU Plant Health Regulation number 2016/2031/EU replaces the current European Phyto Directive 2000/29/EC. As of December 14, 2019, the rules for the plant passport will change as a result of the new European Plant Health Regulation 2016/2031/EC. The ‘legitimation obligation' is extended to all 'plants intended for potting', including seed, pot, bedding and container plants. An exception is that sales from a garden centre or shop to private consumers no longer require a plant passport along with the product.
Strict demands regarding layout
Moreover, from that moment onwards strict requirements will apply to the plant passport layout; where growers can still decide for themselves, from December 14, 2019, the passport must have the following appearance:
• The EU flag in the upper left hand corner
• The word 'Plant passport' in the upper right hand corner
• 'A' + botanical name
• 'B' + ISO code of the member state, hyphen and registration number
• 'C' + traceability code
• 'D' + the ISO code of the country of origin/production
For more information:
Desch Plantpak
desch.nl