The first of these pragmatic steps is an extension to the grace period for sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) controlled goods being moved by authorised traders. Under the current grace period, plants and plant products which are being moved by authorised traders into authorised retailers (e.g. supermarkets) do not require a phytosanitary certificate (PCs). This also applies to export health certificates (EHCs) for products of animal origin.
Phased approach
The grace period was due to end on 31 March 2021 but has now been extended until 1 October 2021. After this date, there will be a phased introduction of controls:
- Phase 1 will see the introduction of EHCs for fresh meat products.
- Phase 2 will cover PCs for plants and seed for planting, and EHCs for dairy products, as well as VI-1s for wine.
- Phase 3 will incorporate PCs and marketing standards for fruit and vegetables.
- Phase 4 will bring in the remaining certification requirements, including organic certification.
More information on this announcement can be found .
The second key announcement is around the movement of plants and plant products with growing media or soil attached from GB to NI. There was requirement for plants and plant products to be washed, including for plants grown in soil, or in contact with soil (e.g. on mypex), to be root washed. Following extensive NFU engagement with the UK government, the government has announced temporary operational measures to allow the movement of:
- Bulbs or vegetables that have been grown in soil can be sent from GB to NI even if they still have soil attached.
- Plants that have been grown in soil can be moved with soil attached, provided they are from an authorised business meeting GB plant passporting requirements for soil.
- Plants that are moving in containers with growing medium attached can be moved from GB to NI where they meet the conditions which apply for GB plant passporting purposes.
Note that phytosanitary certificates will still be required for these movements unless you are an authorised trader supplying an authorised retailer.
This easement will provide significant relief, particularly for ornamental businesses supplying the NI market, who will be preparing for the busy spring planting season, and potential reopening of garden centres as part of the exit from lockdown.
Movement of vehicles
There is also an easement for used agricultural and forestry machinery which can move without a phytosanitary certificate, providing machines have been washed to remove excessive soil and plant debris. This means that machinery can still be moved if small amounts of soil remain.
More information on this announcement can be found on the .
These easements recognise the importance of trade between GB and NI, and are in direct response to NFU engagement on these critical issues. However, whilst these steps are pragmatic operational measures to target specific problems, they are temporary and do not detract from the need for long term, reciprocal solutions to wider GB-NI and UK-EU trade. 91²Ö¿âcontinues to urge both the UK Government and the European Commission to work proactively and constructively to address these and other outstanding issues and to seek permanent solutions that work for business and consumers alike.
Financial and logistical support
Financial and logistical support for the movement of plants and plant products, including a waiver for the cost of a PC, is available via the Support with customs procedures when moving goods to NI is available via the .