Amended Plant Health Law enters into force

New rules on plant health will enter into force on Sunday 5 January 2025, following the adoption of Regulation (EU) 2024/3115, that amends the Plant Health Regulation (EU) 2016/2031 last year.

These amendments will help protect plant health in the EU more effectively, which is vital for a competitive and sustainable agricultural and horticultural production. The new measures include, for example, increased phytosanitary guarantees and a more transparent procedure for granting temporary derogations from import prohibitions. Furthermore, the amended rules streamline reporting obligations and cut administrative burden, for example by requiring only a single annual report on controls of passengers' luggage and postal packages for personal use.

The amended Regulation establishes a Union Plant Health Team of technical experts who will provide urgent assistance to Member States confronted with a new plant pest outbreak. The Team may also assist third countries in cases of outbreaks that could threaten the EU.

While the majority of the Regulation will enter into force on 5 January, the obligation for third countries to declare the measures they applied against regulated non-quarantine pests on the phytosanitary certificate will only apply from 6 July 2026 onwards.

EU rules on plant health aim to protect crops, fruits, vegetables, flowers, ornamentals and forests from harmful pests and diseases (quarantine pests) by preventing their introduction into the EU or their spread within the EU.

See more: Plant health and biosecurity - European Commission (europa.eu)