DAFM Webinar Brexit – time is running out
We were reminded in the DAFM webinar “Importing plants and plant products from UK after Brexit” that the deadline for Britain to leave the EU is fast approaching. On January 1st, GB will be a 3rd country and trading will be very different regardless if trade agreements are reached between EU and UK. Plant health inspector Shane Kirk addressed key issues of concern during the webinar followed by a question and answer session with Declan Kealy.
Important points addressed during the event:
- Register with DAFM if you haven’t already done so
- A minimum of 14 days’ notice will be required to get a phytocert in GB,
- 24 hours notice is required of custom inspections of imports in Ireland
- Northern Ireland can continue to be traded with as we do now, a plant passport will suffice instead of a phytosanitary cert
- Transit of products through GB ie Netherlands to Ireland does not require inspection but a basic Transit Document will suffice
- Wood packaging material/pallets must meet ISPM 15 standards for both import and export between EU and GB.
- Second hand agri/hort machines for import/export will require an inspection and a phytosanitary cert , see trader notice 9, 2020
- Charges for inspections of plant import from 3rd countries are already in place and will apply to GB from Jan1st; documentary check fee, an identity check fee and a plant health check fee based on the volume/quantity of material
Further useful information can be found on the Department of Agriculture web page Trading in Plants and Plant products
