Simplification of rules on release of checked plant products by border control posts
- Food safety
- Biotechnologies
- Official controls
- Plant health controls
Summary
Today, consignments of plants and plant products that are controlled by European Union (EU) border control posts cannot be released until the entire consignment has been checked. As a consignment may contain various plant products, each requiring different lengths of time, there is a risk of delays which could lead to damage or loss of perishable products.
The European Commission proposes to allow border control posts to split consignments of plant products before completing official controls, so that each part can be released as soon as controls have been finalised.
European Commission proposes to allow border control posts to split consignments of plant products for speedier release
Proposal for a Regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council amending Regulations (EC) No 999/2001, (EC) No 1829/2003, (EC) No 1831/2003, (EC) No 852/2004, (EC) No 853/2004, (EC) No 396/2005, (EC) No 1099/2009, (EC) No 1107/2009, (EU) No 528/2012, (EU) 2017/625 as regards the simplification and strengthening of food and feed safety requirements
Update
Today, consignments of plants and plant products that are controlled by European Union (EU) border control posts cannot be released until the entire consignment has been checked. As a consignment may contain various plant products, each requiring different lengths of time, there is a risk of delays which could lead to damage or loss of perishable products.
The European Commission proposes to allow border control posts to split consignments of plant products before completing official controls, so that each part can be released as soon as controls have been finalised.
What is changing?
Today, consignments of plants and plant products that are controlled by EU border control posts cannot be released until control of the entire consignment has been completed (Regulation 2017/625, Art. 50(3)). This means that border control posts cannot release part of a consignment until all the other parts have undergone all checks, including laboratory testing where required.
The European Commission proposes to allow border control posts to split consignments of plants and plant products, and to immediately release parts of a consignment that have already completed official controls.
Why?
Different types of products in a consignment may have different types of controls, some of which may last longer than others. These delays can damage perishable products or make them unmarketable. EU control bodies and businesses have requested flexibility to avoid unnecessary delays and economic damage.
Timeline
This proposal will be discussed by the Council of the EU (Member States) and the European Parliament, a process that can take up to 2 years. So its application is possible in the second half of 2027.
Resources
Regulation (EU) 2017/625 on official controls and other official activities performed to ensure the application of food and feed law, rules on animal health and welfare, plant health and plant protection products
Sources
Proposal for a Regulation amending Regulations 999/2001, 1829/2003, 1831/2003, 852/2004, 853/2004, 396/2005, 1099/2009, 1107/2009, 528/2012, 2017/625 as regards the simplification and strengthening of food and feed safety requirements
Disclaimer: Under no circumstances shall COLEAD be liable for any loss, damage, liability or expense incurred or suffered that is claimed to have resulted from the use of information available on this website or any link to external sites. The use of the website is at the user’s sole risk and responsibility. This information platform was created and maintained with the financial support of the European Union. Its contents do not, however, reflect the views of the European Union.
European Commission proposes to allow border control posts to split consignments of plant products for speedier release
Proposal for a Regulation amending Regulations 999/2001, 1829/2003, 1831/2003, 852/2004, 853/2004, 396/2005, 1099/2009, 1107/2009, 528/2012, 2017/625 as regards the simplification and strengthening of food and feed safety requirements
What is changing and why?
Today, consignments of plants and plant products that are controlled by EU border control posts cannot be released until the entire consignment has been checked. As a consignment may contain various plant products, each requiring different lengths of time, there is a risk of delays which could lead to damage or loss of perishable products.
The European Commission proposes to allow border control posts to split consignments of plant products before completing official controls, so that each part can be released as soon as controls have been finalised.
Timeline
This proposal will be discussed by the Council of the EU (Member States) and the European Parliament, a process that can take up to 2 years. So its application is possible in the second half of 2027.
Disclaimer: Under no circumstances shall COLEAD be liable for any loss, damage, liability or expense incurred or suffered that is claimed to have resulted from the use of information available on this website or any link to external sites. The use of the website is at the user’s sole risk and responsibility. This information platform was created and maintained with the financial support of the European Union. Its contents do not, however, reflect the views of the European Union.