The FPC is organising a seminar to analyse and discuss the impact on fresh produce businesses of implementation of revised Plant Health Regulations (2000/29/EC).
The seminar is of primary interest to importers of plants and plant produce from non-EU countries and relevant trade organisations.
The regulation will have a significant impact on import management of products that require a plant health (or “phytosanitary”) certificate. In broad terms this includes plants, potatoes, the majority of fruits other than bananas and grapes, cut flowers and some leafy vegetables and is due to be implemented by January 1, 2005. For details see http://www.defra.gov.uk/planth/publicat/importer/impguide.pdf
Key topics up for discussion include:
• Mandatory Registration of Importers
• Approval of Points of Entry
• Notification of Imports
• Customs and Plant Health Clearance/Checks at Destination
• Levels of Inspection
• Proposed Implementation Timetable
Key speakers will include:
• Nigel Jenney, chief executive, FPC
• Martin Ward, Defra, plant health division
• Chris Furk, Defra, plant health division
• Iain Johnstone, Defra, plant health division
• Representative of Defra, horticultural marketing inspection
This provides an opportunity to discuss the issues directly with Defra representatives and allows the FPC to formulate a response on behalf of the industry.
