Import Scenario Guidance for Packaging and Loading Best Practice

Import scenarios and associated guidance for packaging and loading best practice.

Finished plants – plants imported and intended for final users, in line with the examples provided on the Plant Health Portal.
Propagation material - Plants intended for further propagation, growing on or multiplying. Including young plants/cuttings imported by a commercial nursery, to retain on site for growing on to a different state, before sale to other businesses or final consumers.
Regulated and notifiable commodities – commodities which can only be brought into Great Britain if accompanied by a phytosanitary certificate and advanced notification of landing.
Consignment – The total quantity of goods which a consignor sends to the consignee.

Ensure primary and secondary packaging are clearly labelled with the genus and species and unique identifiers (e.g. Bill of Lading, CMR number or equivalent).
Where possible, within each consignment, group genus together as opposed to splitting across separate packaging units or trolleys.
Ensure each consignment can be easily distinguished (by labelling with consignee and consignor) and is loaded together on the vehicle.
Where material is boxed, ensure that the corresponding box numbers are detailed on at least one of the accompanying documents (phytosanitary certificate, packing list or invoice).
Ensure that primary packaging does not impede APHA’s ability to undertake their inspection.
Where practicable, prioritise loading consignments of propagation material over finished plants towards the rear of rear unloaded trailers.

Ensure primary and secondary packaging are clearly labelled with the genus and species and unique identifiers (e.g. Bill of Lading, CMR number or equivalent).
Where material is boxed, ensure that the corresponding box numbers are detailed on at least one of the accompanying documents (phytosanitary certificate, packing list or invoice).
Ensure that primary packaging does not impede APHA’s ability to undertake their inspection.
Where applicable, prioritise loading any propagation material over finished plants towards the rear of rear unloaded trailers. Additionally, prioritise ensuring that the genera containing the highest number of plants are most accessible.
Where possible, group genus together as opposed to splitting across separate packaging units or trolleys.
Where applicable, ensure that the consignee is authorised to issue UK Plant Passports.

Considerations applicable to charging group: plants for planting

Where practicable, prioritise loading consignments of plants for planting towards the rear of rear unloaded trailers. Prioritising access to consignments containing propagation material over finished plants.
Ensure each consignment can be easily distinguished (by labelling with consignee and consignor) and is loaded together on the vehicle.
Ensure primary and secondary packaging are clearly labelled with the genus and species and unique identifiers (e.g. Bill of Lading, CMR number or equivalent).
Where material is boxed, ensure that the corresponding box numbers are detailed on at least one of the accompanying documents (phytosanitary certificate, packing list or invoice).
Ensure that primary packaging does not impede APHA’s ability to undertake their inspection.

Considerations applicable to charging groups such as: fruit and vegetables, cut flowers

Single commodity in a consignment

Ensure boxes are clearly labelled with the commodity type and unique identifier (i.e. Bill of Lading, CMR number or equivalent).

Multiple commodities in a consignment

Ensure boxes are clearly labelled with the commodity type and unique identifier (E.g. Bill of Lading, CMR number or equivalent).
Additionally, consider sealing boxes of regulated and notifiable commodities with a coloured tape and provide details of the coloured tape when submitting your pre-notification through IPAFFs.
When loading, try to ensure that that regulated and notifiable material is easily accessible within the consignment (i.e. loaded towards the top of pallets).