UK: Exception for imported tomato and pepper plants planted before March 1

New requirements for the importation of tomato and pepper plants for planting in the UK have been introduced in relation to viroids. However, it has been recognized that it may not have been possible for the new import requirements to be met in full by exporting countries. In order to ensure a continued supply of young pepper and tomato plants in GB, Defra announces to accept an alternative declaration on phytosanitary certificates as follows: Plants were planted before March 1, 2024, and (aa) staff and items such as tools, machinery, vehicles, vessels, and packaging material from other sites producing solanaceous plants and other host plants of Pepper chat fruit viroid (or Citrus exocortis viroid, Columnea latent viroid, Pepper chat fruit viroid or Tomato planta macho viroid, as appropriate) have been prevented from coming into contact with the site, or (bb) other appropriate hygiene measures have been taken to prevent infection by staff working or items used at other sites ...