From the 1st October 2023 instead of applying a phytosanitary certificate to consignments moving from GB to NI, authorised operators in GB are able to attach a NI Plant Health Label (NIPHL).  

The NIPHL differs from the phytosanitary certificate in that it is issued and applied by the authorised operator. Rather than applying for a phytosanitary certificate for each consignment, businesses can become authorised with their relevant competent authority to issue and attach NIPHLs themselves. 

Some plants continue to be classified as high-risk in NI legislation and must not be moved from GB to NI. If you intend to move plants from GB to NI you must check the list of plants here to see which are prohibited.

Defra continue to work with industry to overturn such prohibitions, though the submission and assessment of technical dossiers. Please see here for updates on this work.  Where prohibitions have been overturned, such species can move GB-NI, subject to satisfactory authorisation to issue NIPHLs.   If you wish to move any high-risk plant species from GB to NI which currently remain prohibited, please contact UKNPPO@defra.gov.uk.

Registration and authorisation 

All operators intending to move plants for planting, seed potatoes and used agricultural and forestry machinery to NI using a NIPHL are required to be both registered and authorised with the relevant competent authority. Operators should only be registered with one competent authority in GB. Which competent authority (APHA/SASA) will depend on the location of your business premises. 

If you are based in England or Wales, you must register with the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA). If you are based in Scotland, register with Scottish Government by emailing NIPHLenquiries@gov.scot.  

Any operator involved in the movement of plants and seed for planting from GB to NI using a NIPHL is required to be authorised. An authorisation number is needed to complete the notification process before the goods arrive in NI.  

The registration process is completed once and only needs to be updated if there are changes in circumstances or details.  

Unlike registration, authorisation will need to be completed on an annual basis and requires operators to provide more details about their business and the goods they intend to move. This can be completed by operators in England and Wales by filling out the e-form here. Scottish businesses should contact the plant health authority using the contact details provided below. 

If you cannot access the e-form to become registered and authorised please use the details provided below to contact the relevant plant health agency or local inspector. 

Operators should then complete the online eLearning module NIPHL: plants and seeds for planting. This module is currently being developed and we will inform you when it is ready. 

Growing Season Inspections 

Growing Season Inspections (GSI) are required for all authorised operators growing plants. 

Pre-movement  

Authorised operators are responsible for conducting examinations of the goods they intend to move to NI and ensure they meet all pest and disease requirements prescribed for NI. 

For guidance and requirements on specific pests and pathogens, please refer to the NIPHL pest and disease page for resources to support your business and ensure the person responsible for each consignment understand the symptoms and what to look out for. 

Format of the NIPHL 

The NIPHL for plants and seeds is based on the current UK plant passport, there is an example for reference below. 

UK Flag – the UK flag must be printed in the top left corner of the NIPHL label. It can be in colour or black and white. 

NI Plant Health Label heading – The label must clearly state ‘Northern Ireland Plant Health Label’ to indicate what the label is and ‘for use in the UK only’. 

Part A: botanical names   

You must include the botanical names of the plants or plant material. This should be a full genus and species name.  

A genus name is only acceptable on its own if the species name is not known. Variety or cultivar names are optional. 

Part B: NIPHL registration number 

You must include your NIPHL registration number. This number is given to you in your email confirming you have been given authorisation by APHA or Scottish Government. 

Part C: Traceability code 

You must include a traceability code which links to your records. This can be an existing code used to trace or identify a consignment. For example, it could be an individual serial, week, batch or invoice number. 

Part D: QR code - compliance statement 

All NIPHLs must give assurance you have met the requirements set out in EU legislation 2023/1231. This is done by printing the QR code and putting it in Part D of your NIPHL. The QR code links to the Windsor Framework requirements. Following confirmation of authorisation, APHA/SASA will provide operators with a copy of the QR code. 

If it is not practical to use the QR code for a NIPHL, authorised operators can print an NIPHL with text from the Windsor Framework. This should only be done in exceptional circumstances. The QR code should be used unless there is a good reason not to. 

If you must print an NIPHL without a QR code, including when authorised to do so for seed potato NIPHLs, check with your local inspector for details of the statement to include. 

 Attachment of the NIPHL 

Pre-notification 

The NIPHL scheme requires the NI consignee/ to have filled out a CHEDPP a minimum of 4 hours before the goods arrive in NI. CHEDPPs are Common Health Entry Documents that provide DAERA with the information that allows for risk-based checks to occur at point of entry. It is important that the correct information regarding the consignment be provided to the NI consignee by the GB authorised operator. Failure to do so could result in goods being held up or returned to GB. 

For more information on CHEDPPs please follow this link to the DAERA webpage. 

Arrival at point of entry 

Telephone: 0300 200 7847 

Email: planthealth@daera-ni.gov.uk