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Exports

Please follow the below links for advice on exporting plants and plant products to either the EU or the rest of the world (non-EU countries).

Exports to the EU

Export requirements for some plants and plant products have changed since the UK left the EU. The phasing for the new requirements has been delivered and there are no further phases left to be introduced. Please see below for guidance.

Exports to the EU

WTO ePing notifications

ePing is an online service to keep track of new regulations in global export markets, covering food safety, animal and plant health (WTO SPS Agreement), and technical regulations and related procedures (WTO TBT Agreement).

WTO ePing notifications

The 'typical' export market access process

For plants a market access request is generally an opportunity for the country wishing to gain market access to demonstrate that the phytosanitary status of the commodity to be exported from their territory is equal to or greater than that of the country where the prohibition is applied.

The 'typical' export market access process

The timescale for a market access request

 There is no way of knowing exactly how long it will take to conclude a market access request. Market access negotiations are not something which progress quickly and it usually takes two or more years before a decision is made.

The timescale for a market access request

Overview of third country prohibitions and export market access requests

Under the WTO-SPS agreement and the International Plant Protection Convention, countries have the right to establish their own phytosanitary import requirements. Many countries include prohibitions on the import of certain commodities on phytosanitary grounds within their import requirements to prevent the spread of pests and maintain food security. 

Overview of third country prohibitions and export market access requests

International plant health organisations

A description of international plant health organisations of relevance for the UK Plant Health regulations.

International plant health organisations

Exports of prohibited commodities

Prohibitions on imports

Under the WTO-SPS agreement and the International Plant Protection Convention, countries have the right to establish their own phytosanitary import requirements. Many countries include prohibitions on the import of certain commodities on phytosanitary grounds within their import requirements to prevent the spread of pests and maintain food security. 

Exports of prohibited commodities