PHEATS for ware potatoes

From Monday 9th September 2024 exporters of ware potatoes in England and Wales are able to facilitate their exports using the Plant Health Exports Audited Trader Scheme (PHEATS). This will be facilitated through the Plant Health Export Service (PHES) via the plant produce journey. Guidance on PHES can be found here: Plant Health Export Service (PHES) - UK Plant Health Information Portal (defra.gov.uk)

Business involved in the preparation of consignments of ware potatoes for export will be able to apply for authorisation.  Subject to demonstrating appropriate facilities, provision of equipment and staff meeting required competency standards following the completion of online training, assessment and an initial site audit.

Sites that facilitate 3rd party exports will require the 3rd party to provide the application reference and a list of goods to the authorised site. This information will need to be forward onto the Centre for International Trade (CIT) via PHEATS@apha.gov.uk as a confirmation that the inspection has taken place. 

PHEATS authorisation is premise based so exporters who source potatoes for exports from a range of suppliers will need to ensure their supplier applies for PHEATS.  Merchants without their own packing station are not eligible for PHEATS – there is no provision for staff employed by an exporter to inspect at various premises.

Green top potatoes, where stock is harvested and inspected in the field, normally on tarpaulin beside the crop as it is being harvested, is not eligible for PHEATS given the requirements of the BCMP, as PHEATS authorisation is premise based due to a lack of inspection and quarantine areas.