Updated 2nd August 2024

This document sets out the most frequently asked questions from industry regarding the Northern Ireland Plant Health Label (NIPHL) and the implementation of the Windsor Framework. We will endeavour to keep this document updated with more answers as we are able to.   

Which goods are eligible to move with a NIPHL?  

Plants for planting (including seeds), seed potatoes, and used agricultural and forestry machinery are eligible to move from Great Britain (GB) to Northern Ireland (NI) with a NIPHL. Fruit, vegetables and cut flowers cannot move from GB to NI with a NIPHL. However, if they meet the eligibility requirements, they can move from GB to NI under the Northern Ireland Retail Movement Scheme (NIRMS). Guidance on NIRMS can be found here.   

Do seeds and bulbs fall under the NIPHL scheme as well as plants for planting?  

Yes, all seeds and bulbs for sowing/planting are in scope of the NIPHL scheme. However, marketing regulations will still apply in some cases. For specific queries please refer to the published guidance on Gov.uk or contact your plant health inspector.  

Are cut flowers eligible to move with a NIPHL?  

No, cut flowers and foliage, including cut Christmas trees and wreaths are not eligible to move with a NIPHL. However, they can move under NIRMS if the meet eligibility requirements.  

Are herbs eligible to move with a NIPHL?  

Potted herbs are classed as plants for planting and are eligible to move with a NIPHL.  

Cut herbs are not eligible to move with a NIPHL. However, if they meet the eligibility requirements for NIRMS they are eligible to move under NIRMS. Guidance on NIRMS can be found here   

Are potted plants sold in supermarkets, e.g. Phalaenopsis orchids in bark, eligible to move with a NIPHL?  

Yes, these are classed as plants for planting and can move under the NIPHL.  

Is seaweed eligible to move with a NIPHL?  

Dried seaweed for consumption is not eligible to move with a NIPHL. However, it is eligible to move under NIRMS.  

Seaweed for growing on, e.g. in aquariums, is classed as plants for planting and is eligible to move with a NIPHL.       

Are Christmas trees eligible for NIPHL/NIRMS?  

Potted Christmas trees can be moved using a NIPHL but not cut Christmas trees.  

Cut Christmas trees can be moved under NIRMS if they meet the eligibility requirements. Guidance on  NIRMS can be found here.  

Will plants from the EU that transit through GB require a phytosanitary certificate?  

No, plants for planting would need to move under an EU Plant Passport if GB is used as a land bridge from an SPS perspective. You would need to abide by transit requirements via the New Computerised Transit System (NCTS).  

Does the NIPHL affect existing marketing requirements?  

Existing marketing requirements such as OECD and ISTA requirements are not in scope of the NIPHL and are unchanged. Seed potatoes will continue to need to have valid SPCS labels and seeds will continue to need existing marketing labels.   

Will I still need to seal consignments of seed potatoes that are moving with a NIPHL?  

Yes, consignments of seed potatoes will still require a seal with a UK certification label, as is required under SPCS, as well as the NIPHL attached. Consignments of certified seed will also still require a seal with a UK certification label, as well as the NIPHL.   

Will seed moving to NI with a NIPHL still require an International Seed Testing Association certificate?  

Certified Agricultural seed moving to NI with a NIPHL will require an ISTA certificate as well as a NIPHL.   

Why are cut flowers included in NIRMS while plants for planting aren’t?  

Plants for planting represent a higher potential risk to biosecurity than cut flowers. Because of this, when moving within GB, a UK plant passport is needed to confirm the plants are free of pests and diseases and to provide traceability. This same approach is now going to be taken when such plants move to NI from GB. We have always been clear, in line with our commitment to biosecurity on the island of Ireland, that an appropriate regime for plants would need to be in place.   

Do I need to sign up to NIRMS, NIPHL and the UK Internal Market Scheme (UKIMS)?  

All three schemes are separate and optional. If you choose not to move goods under NIRMS or using a NIPHL, you will have to use Phytosanitary Certificates instead as required under the EU’s Official Controls Regulations. You do not need to sign up to UKIMS to be eligible to sign up for NIRMS or NIPHL. However, signing up to UKIMS will allow you to benefit from simplified customs arrangements as well as simplified phytosanitary requirements.   

Can I move the same goods that I moved under STAMNI using a NIPHL?  

Most goods that previously moved under STAMNI will now be able to move under NIRMS, including cut flowers, fruit and vegetables. Please see guidance on eligible products here. Plants for planting cannot move under NIRMS but can move from GB to NI with a NIPHL.   

Can I move seed potatoes from GB to NI garden centres or retail suppliers in NI?  

No, the NIPHL regime permits the movement of seed potatoes from an authorised operator in GB to a registered grower in NI, for planting in NI.  

Harvested seed potatoes (or ware potatoes) produced from such a planted crop are no longer under the requirements of the NIPHL scheme.  

Can pre-packed seed potatoes for retail be moved from GB to NI?  

No, the Windsor Framework allows for the movement of seed potatoes between professional operators for commercial growing. Only registered growers of seed potatoes in NI are able to receive GB seed potatoes.  

After the seed potatoes have been grown in NI the harvested seed potatoes (or ware potatoes) are no longer under the requirements of the NIPHL scheme and are eligible to be marketed in NI and EU (if all relevant EU requirements are met).  

Can I move soil and growing medium?  

Soil and growing medium as a commodity are outside the scope of the Windsor Framework.   

Plants for planting moving under the NIPHL scheme can have soil and growing media attached, provided this is in compliance with NI’s requirements. This will be assessed as part of the annual process undertaken by APHA and Scottish Government inspectors, to authorise businesses to issue UK plant passports and labels to move plants to NI.  

Machinery and vehicles are required to be free from soil and plant debris.  

Seed potatoes will have to meet one of the following:  

• Have been washed free of soil   

• Have been declared as grown on land that has never grown Sugar Beet with less than 1% by net weight of soil remaining   

• Have had the land they grew on soil sampled and bait tested for Beet necrotic yellow vein virus with less than 1% by net weight of soil remaining   

Bulbs will need to have less than 1% by net weight of soil remaining   

I’ve never been authorised to move UKPP do I need to get authorised for NIPHL? 
 

Yes, only authorised NIPHL operators can move goods under the NIPHL regime. The goods you intend to move and your business model will determine the authorisation requirements you will need to meet.  

Authorisation can be completed using the online form in the guidance published on .gov.uk.  

Can I use the NIPHL to move goods within the UK?  

No, the NIPHL specifically allows the movement of goods from GB to NI. Domestic movements within GB will be required to meet UK legislation. A good example is plants for planting which must be moved with a UK plant passport.  

Can my supplier print the NIPHL and attach it to the goods I intend to move to NI?  

Yes, authorised NIPHL operators can attach a NIPHL label to goods even if they are not immediately moving to NI. The label will not be valid for any other movements than GB to NI.  

How would a GB producer check the NI customer is registered as a PO?  

GB authorised operators can only send goods using a NIPHL to professional operators registered with DAERA in NI. It is the responsibility of the GB authorised operator to ensure the NI recipient is registered as a professional operator with DAERA. Failing to do so may result in goods being held at the point of entry or sent back by DAERA.  

Who is responsible for filling out the CHED-PP?  

The NI consignee is responsible for filling out the CHED-PP on TRACES-NT. They will require information from the GB authorised operator. These mandatory information fields will be published in guidance shortly.  

Will phytosanitary checks be removed from the requirements to move seed from GB to NI?  

The attachment of a NIPHL to a consignment provides assurance to NI and the EU that all phytosanitary requirements for entry into NI have been met by authorised professional operators.  

The attachment of a NIPHL to each consignment by an authorised operator provides an alternative to using a phytosanitary certificate for every consignment moving from GB to NI which requires an inspection from the plant health authority and can cost around £150 per consignment.  

DAERA will carry out documentary ahead of goods landing Northern Ireland. Any necessary physical and identity checks will be completed at SPS Inspection Facilities when the goods arrive in NI.  

Where will checks take place in NI?   

All checks will be completed at point of entry in Northern Ireland.   

Can I use the NIPHL to move goods within the Island of Ireland?  

No, the NIPHL is only valid for the movement of goods between GB and NI. Onward movement within the Island of Ireland is subject to EU regulations.  

Will there be costs associated with the NIPHL Scheme?  

There will be no fees charged for the NIPHL scheme in 2024, this position will be reviewed in 2024.  

What will happen to the MAS when NIPHL comes into effect?  

We are expecting an announcement on MAS shortly.