Import restrictions for hay and straw to prevent spread of foot and mouth disease
Published by AGRINFO on
EU publishes the list of third countries allowed to export hay and straw (including pelleted straw) to the Union
Commission Implementing Decision (EU) 2022/575 of 6 April 2022 concerning emergency measures to prevent the introduction into the Union of foot and mouth disease through consignments of hay and straw from third countries or territories and repealing Implementing Regulation (EU) 2020/2208
Update
On 8 April 2022, the EU published the updated list of third countries allowed to export hay and straw to the EU. Serbia is allowed to export hay and straw, and Ukraine pelleted straw. Belarus and South Africa have been removed from the list.
Impacted Products
Hay and straw (including pelleted straw)
What is changing?
The EU is adopting emergency measures to prevent the spread of contagious animal diseases into the EU.
Why?
Due to the new Animal Health Law (Regulation (EU) 2016/429), the previous regulation laying down the list of third countries allowed to export hay and straw to the EU has been repealed. However, as there remains a risk of spreading foot and mouth disease (FMD) via hay and straw, it was necessary to adopt a new text to prolong these preventative measures.
Timeline
Date of publication: 8 April 2022.
The Decision may be reviewed when EFSA publishes its opinion on “Evaluating the animal health risks of the introduction into the EU of FMD and other category A diseases (listed in Implementing Regulation (EU) 2018/1882) through consignments of hay and straw from third countries or territories”.
What are the major implications for exporting countries?
Serbia is allowed to export hay and straw, and Ukraine pelleted straw, to the EU.
Belarus and South Africa have been removed from the list of countries permitted to export hay and straw to the EU.
Recommended Actions
AGRINFO partner countries, such as Belarus and South Africa, willing to export hay and straw to the EU need to show that there is no risk of spreading foot and mouth disease (FMD) with their consignments, so that they can be listed in the Annex of this Decision.
Background
The EU has laid down a legislative framework aimed at preventing the spread of contagious diseases in the EU, including foot and mouth disease (FMD). It is based on the Animal Health Law Regulation (EU) 2016/429 and the Official Controls Regulation (EU) 2017/625.
Sources