EUROPHYT interceptions in February 2024
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EUROPHYT interceptions in February 2024
Report on EUROPHYT interceptions in February 2024
Update
This report summarises EUROPHYT interceptions of products entering the European Union from low- and middle-income countries that occurred in February 2024.
In February 2024 there were 70 interceptions due to harmful organisms affecting 17 countries, and 330 interceptions due to other non-conformities affecting 38 partner countries.
Impacted Products
Plants and plant products
What is changing?
Harmful organisms
In February 2024 there were 70 EUROPHYT interceptions due to harmful organisms as detailed in Table 1.
Other non-conformities
There were also 330 interceptions due to other non-conformities, affecting 38 partner countries (see Table 2).
For more detail see EUROPHYT interception February 2024 report.
What are the major implications for exporting countries?
EUROPHYT interceptions can have significant impacts on producers and exporters. A shipment is intercepted at EU border controls when products do not comply with the EU's phytosanitary requirements. As a result, the affected importer/exporter/producer may face a range of consequences including delayed shipments, additional costs of testing and inspection, and potential rejections or destruction of their products. These interceptions can also damage the reputation of the producer/exporter in the EU market, which may affect their ability to conduct future trade with EU buyers. It can also have impacts on the export sector as a whole, particularly when repeated interceptions lead to more stringent plant health measures or bans.
Recommended Actions
Producers and exporters must take proactive measures to ensure their products comply with EU phytosanitary requirements to avoid the risk of interceptions. This can include implementing effective pest management strategies, using certified seeds and planting material, and complying with regulations and standards.
Background
EUROPHYT is the European Union Notification System for Plant Health Interceptions.
The basis for EUROPHYT interceptions is the obligation for EU Member States (and Switzerland) to rapidly report the occurrence of harmful organisms and other non-conformities found during import controls, to prevent the introduction and spread of pests and diseases. Interceptions due to "other non-conformities" are usually caused by an inaccurate or missing phytosanitary certificate.
Notifications of such interceptions are disseminated EU-wide and to the National Plant Protection Organisation (NPPO) of the exporting country. The legal framework for EUROPHYT interceptions is provided by Regulation (EU) 2016/2031 on plant health. For more information about plant health law, see EU plant health law explained.
Also see Official Controls Regulation - explained.
Resources
European and Mediterranean Plant Protection Organization (EPPO)
European Commission (2024) Interceptions of harmful organisms in imported plants and other objects
Sources
European Commission (2024) Number of occurrences of harmful organism(s) in commodities imported into the EU or Switzerland (February 2024)
Tables & Figures
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