STC Number - 209
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Plant health directive

Maintained by: European Union
Raised by: United States of America
Supported by:
First date raised: March 2005 G/SPS/R/36/Rev.1 (EN), paras. 40-41; G/SPS/R/36 (FR, ES), paras. 40-41
Dates subsequently raised:
Number of times subsequently raised: 0
Relevant documents: Raised orally
Products covered:
Primary subject keyword: Plant Health
Keywords: Control, Inspection and Approval Procedures; Plant health
Status: Not reported
Solution:
Date reported as resolved:

Extracts from SPS Committee meeting summary reports

In March 2005, the United States noted under the new EC plant health Directive 2000/29/EC, as amended, and Regulation 1756/2004 the inspection rates for plant products would significantly increase in relation to previous years. The increase in inspections was likely to slow the release of products to importers, thus increasing the potential for spoilage and damage. The United States also sought clarification on how EC member States had provided the data on imported consignments and inspections, as required under Regulation 1756/2004.

The European Communities clarified that the overall purpose of the new Regulation was to reduce the level of phytosanitary controls on imports of certain plants, plants products and other objects listed in part B of Annex V to Council Directive 2000/29/EC. However, there would be a period of adjustment in moving towards this new system during which controls would likely increase. A bilateral meeting had permitted discussions of the impact of the legislation with representatives of the US industry and EC authorities were making as quick a transition as possible to the new system of controls, taking into account the past record of US fresh produce exports.