1. New Plant Health Law Regulation (EU) 2016/2031
More proactive approach against new devastating pests (surveillance, eradication, import rules, financing)
Timeline ahead:
Entry into force:
13 December 2016
Application:
14 December 2019
(3 years after adoption)
Impact of tree pests – background information
The pine wood nematode (Bursaphelenchus xylophilus) is native to North-America. North-American pine species are resistant to it, so there is little damage.
The nematode was introduced last century into Asia, where it has caused massive forest death (Japan, China, Taiwan, Korea).
In 1999, an outbreak of the nematode was reported in Portugal. Strict measures are in place to stop its spread across Europe, which would result in 50-90% mortality of conifers in southern Europe (and possibly central Europe). The economic impact would amount to an annual loss up to €49 billion.
The Asiatic longhorn beetle (Anoplophora chinensis) is very damaging to broad-leaved trees (= non-coniferous trees). Several outbreaks have been recorded in the EU following entry in wood packaging material and young plants from Asia. It is a killer.
The red palm weevil (Rhynchophorus ferrugineus) reached Europe in the past decade. It is causing large-scale death of Mediterranean palms. Saving a single tree is extremely costly, so most trees are left to die, and the pest continues to spread.
Cases like this show that it is worthwhile to keep new pests out of the EU.

2. Inclusion of all pests
Regulation of all pests (quarantine and regulated non-quarantine pests)
Listing of pest following risk assessment
Union quarantine pests and protected zone quarantine pests
Priority pests
Regulated non-quarantine pests

3. Proactive measures against pests in the EU territory
Surveys to identify outbreaks of pests
Multiannual survey plans
Rules on early notification of outbreaks
Detailed rules for eradication of pests
Containment only under Commission decision
Contingency plans and simulation exercises for priority pests
Provisional measures on non-listed pests

4. Measures on commodities
Measures on introduction into, and movement within the EU, following risk assessment
Current Annexes III and IV of Dir. 2000/29 will remain valid
High risks plants: banned pending full risk assessment
Temporary measures against new trade
Phytosanitary certificates for all plants

5. Registration and traceability
Registration of professional operators
Traceability of commodities

6. Certification Plant passports for all plants for planting
Phytosanitary certificates for all plants
Export and re-export certificates
Pre-export certificates
ISPM 15 mark for wood packaging material
Other attestations
Exceptions to plant passports and phytosanitary certificates

7. Plant health provisions under the Official Controls Regulation
Certain provisions under Official Controls Regulation that are particularly important for plant health:
- Specific plant health rules (Art. 22)
- Designation of European Union Reference Laboratories (Art. 92 and 93)
- Specific rules on import controls (Art. 43 – 72)
Those provisions are currently subject to finalisation by the Council and the European Parliament. The Official Controls Regulation is expected to be adopted in 2017 and will become applicable the same date as this Regulation (14 December 2019)

8. Indicative timeline 2017-2019 Delegated and implementing acts
Format and rules on plant passports (legal deadline): Dec 2017
High risk plants (legal deadline): Dec 2018
Plants exempted from PCs (legal deadline): Dec 2018
List of priority pests:
Rules on exemptions from scope:
Lists of pests and commodities:

9. 'Last update as of 3 February 2017.
This presentation is a working document which might be subject to further amendments and does not necessarily represent the official position of the European Commission).'