Further to the consultation on APHA's guidance for civil sanctions, we have now published a response and the updated final guidance. The guidance will not become operational until October 2026 in order to allow professional operators time to become familiar with the guidance and encourage correction of any outstanding non-compliance.   

As previously indicated, civil sanctions provide a wider range of enforcement options that can be used in addition to existing tools. This will allow APHA to be more proportional in their enforcement of plant health regulations and allows them to better fit any sanction or enforcement action to the offence.   

The vast majority of operators are in compliance with the regulations and will not be affected by civil sanctions. APHA will continue to primarily use advice and guidance to encourage compliance where possible.    

If you have any outstanding questions, please email planthealth@defra.gov.uk