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 the United Kingdom was a member of the European Union and requires importers, exports, and users of material to follow an entirely new procedure. Defra has issued a reminder to importers of high-priority plants and plant 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.
The 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 the website. The pages are updated weekly according to the latest Defra information and guidance.
For more information:
British Association of Landscape Industries
www.bali.org.uk