As of Thursday, March 2, 2023, the import of plant material susceptible to Xylella fastidiosa is no longer permitted for 13 third countries: Argentina, Chile, China, Colombia, Ecuador, Philippines, India, Indonesia, Jordan, Uzbekistan, Peru, Sri Lanka, and Vietnam.
In accordance with EU legislation (Regulation (EU) 2020/1201), imports of plant material susceptible to Xylella fastidiosa (plants for planting, other than seeds) from these third countries are no longer allowed.
Xylella fastidiosa declaration quite necessary
As of March 1, 2023, thirteen third countries will be required to have prepared a declaration that the country or areas are free of Xylella fastidiosa, a major EU quarantine pest. This declaration should rely on sufficient survey data based on a specific statistical approach, including testing in accordance with specific protocols. The European Commission has challenged the aforementioned third countries on this matter on several occasions throughout 2022 and early 2023. However, the information provided by all of these third countries is insufficient. Imports may once again take place again if these third countries later conduct a proper survey or can provide guarantees that production sites are free of Xylella fastidiosa. The lists of authorized third countries, territories, and production sites are published and maintained by the European Commission.
As of March 2, 2023, the Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety (NVWA) will refuse the import of such plant material from consignments with phytosanitary certificate issue date of March 1, 2023, or later.
Source: Royal FloraHolland
