Plant health legislation: Protective measures against plant pests [EU Legislation in Progress]

Written by James McEldowney (3rd edition),

Following an evaluation of the European Union’s plant health regime, on 6 May 2013 the European Commission proposed a new regulation on protective measures against plant pests. These include regulating pests on the basis of established criteria for risk assessment and prioritising those pests with the most serious consequences. More focus is being placed on high-risk trade coming from third countries. The proposal provides for better surveillance and the early eradication of outbreaks of new pests. On 15 April 2014, the outgoing European Parliament adopted its first-reading position. Seven trilogue meetings were held, concluding on 16 December 2015, when the representatives of the Council and Parliament finalised an overall compromise text. The Council’s position at first reading adopted on 18 July 2016 confirmed the agreement reached with the European Parliament in December 2015. The European Parliament, in line with the recommendation for second reading of the Committee on Agriculture and Rural Development, approved the agreed text during its plenary session on 26 October 2016.

Versions

• December 2016: Plant health legislation: Protective measures against plant pests (3rd edition)
• September 2016: Plant health legislation: Protective measures against plant pests (2nd edition)
• March 2016: Plant health legislation: Protective measures against plant pests (1st edition)

Number of notifications of interceptions to EUROPHYT showing non-conformities attributable to Third Countries (TCs) or Member States

Type of intercepted consignments with Harmful Organisms from Third Countries (2010-2014)