The Plant Health Exports Audited Trader Scheme is for the exports of fruit, vegetables and cut flowers and is designed to facilitate export trade while ensuring the requirements of the importing country can be met.

Introduction

PHEATS is a trade facilitation scheme for the exports of fruit, vegetables and cut flowers to the European Union (EU) and Northern Ireland (NI).

Official phytosanitary inspections will be carried out by an authorised person(s) to ensure that any consignments exported under the scheme meet the requirements of the importing country. Only fruit, vegetables (with the exception of ware potatoes) and cut flowers are eligible for this scheme. PHEATS does not cover exports of:

• Plants for planting
• Plant products
• Seeds
• Grain
• Used machinery
• Wood and wood products
• Potatoes (seed and ware)

Further information related to the export of these goods can be found on GOV.UK

Eligibility

Before beginning the registration process, you must ensure that you meet the eligibility criteria listed below. To be eligible to join PHEATS, the applicant must:

• Export fresh produce and/or cut flowers (the scheme does not apply to produce or cut flowers that are prohibited entry to the importing country or ware potatoes)
• Apply for export services online, using the Plant Health Exports Audited Trader Scheme application
• Identify a “Person(s) Responsible” (PR) for overall management of the scheme and to act as a point contact.
• Nominate an “Authorised Person(s)” on site who are to be authorised to conduct the official export inspections.
• Create, implement and monitor an approved “Biosecurity Control Management Plan” (BCMP) for PHEATS

Registration

There are several steps involved in registering and enrolling in the PHEATS scheme, highlighted in the flow chart below. 

Further information can be found in the documents listed below, which includes helpful information around the scheme, an application form, FAQ and a quick reference acronym guide.

Documents

User Guide	Application Form	FAQ	Acronym Guide

Once the initial application has been submitted both the Person Responsible (PR) and the authorised person(s) will be contacted and provided with further information on how to undertake the training for PHEATS. Before undertaking the training ensure that you have thoroughly read the User Guide and application form.

Fees

Exports under PHEATS is a chargeable service, further information related to fees for PHEATS can be found within the User Guide and the table below.