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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.

In such cases a prohibition would not be technically justified as the exported commodity would present no greater risk than it would had it naturally occurred or been produced in the country of import.

Whilst there is no international framework governing plant health market access negotiations most countries, including the UK, follow a very similar process (overview of the general export market access process):

  • UK business approaches Defra (uknnpo@defra.gov.uk).

  • Defra contacts the NPPO of the importing country.

  • NPPO of the importing country provides Defra with a list of questions which need to be answered in the form of a technical dossier.

  • Defra works with the UK business(s) to complete the technical dossier.  Once complete Defra submits to the importing country.

  • Importing country initiates its pest risk analysis (PRA), during this they may ask for additional technical/scientific information or clarification.

  • Importing country may conduct an audit (this isn’t always required).