The United Kingdom (UK) has tightened the import measures for roses (Rosa Sp.) from Canada, India, Mexico or the United States (US) with effect from 23 July 2019. The measures concern the continuing problems in these countries with the Rose Rosette Virus. The measures apply to all rose products from these countries; for example propagation material, tissue culture and cut flowers. Rose seed is excluded.
What are the consequences of these measures for the Dutch rose sector?
In principle, the measures do not have far-reaching consequences for the Dutch rose sector: it only concerns rose plants from Canada, India, Mexico and the US. Rose plants from these countries that are being transported via the Netherlands do fall under the measures. It is possible that in the long term the plant health authorities in the UK will also check certificates for these rose plants.
What exactly do the measures entail?
The measures entail that the roses from the four countries must be accompanied by a phytosanitary certificate with a specific clause. The obligation to add a clause on the certificate is new and shows that the roses are coming from a production location that is free from the virus. It also indicates that the plants are properly packaged for transport. The UK has indicated that they will gradually increase controls on shipments of roses from Canada, India, Mexico and the United States after July 23.
Why is the UK taking these measures?
The UK is taking the measures because there are problems with the Rose Rosette Virus (RRV) and a mite (Phyllocoptes fructiphilus) that is spreading the virus in Canada, India, Mexico and the US. The virus is insufficiently controlled at Indian rose production companies and has been a problem for many years in the American floriculture sector. The virus has harmful effects on product quality; the symptoms of the disease generally make products unmarketable.
The published legislation was approved by Parliament in the UK on July 23 and can be viewed via legislation.gov.uk.
Source & more information in Dutch: NVWA