The British Association of Landscape Industries (BALI) has told its members to heed a reminder from Defra on the new requirements that plant importers must meet following Brexit.
BALI points out that, ‘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 Defra reminder focusses specifically on the need for importers to ensure they have obtained a phytosanitary certificate and pre-notified the consignment on the PEACH system, both in a timely fashion.
BALI points out, ‘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.’
In the original reminder document, Defra adds that, ‘For goods to be inspected by the Plant Health services they must be delivered to a registered Place of Destination (PoD). The PoD must be registered with APHA; details of registration and the appropriate form can be found at gov.uk.’