Horticultural businesses are being urged to prepare now for the imminent changes to the plant passporting regulations which come into force on December 14. In preparation for this, the Horticultural Trades Association (HTA) have produced an animated infographic video and guidance sheet to inform members about plant passporting.

This new information, available to members at www.hta.org.uk/plantpassporting builds on the on-going campaign the HTA are implementing to clarify what the new regulations mean for businesses and explain the different steps that need to be taken over the coming months.

The regulations, which come into force in the event of the UK leaving the EU with a deal or in the event of an extension, mean that all plants for planting* and plant products** will need to travel with plant passports. All businesses that are involved in selling to other companies or online will need to be authorised to issue plant passports and register with the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) to be able to do so. This affects any business professionally involved with plants.

HTA President, Boyd Douglas-Davies, commented: “As a garden retailer myself I can see how it is so important for the plants we sell to be sourced responsibly. It’s clear that having the ability to trace back the journey through the supply chain of every plant that is moved throughout the country is not only great for plant health purposes, but also needs full co-operation of every business involved in the trade in plants.  The HTA plays an active role in supporting members with the implementation of new laws, interpreting the finer detail and making our industry robust and biosecure.”

He added: “Given that many retail businesses will be focussing on

plans for Christmas plant sales it is imperative that action is taken now so that trading can continue as seamlessly.”

HTA policy manager, Sally Cullimore, commented: “The introduction of the new plant passporting regulations on 14 December is part of wider legislation coming in to force on Plant Health Controls. We have been representing the industry views to the Government to establish clarity around the changes and keeping members fully informed over the last few months through E-News, HTA News and website updates, member meetings and advice sessions. These latest resources are part of our on-going communications plan to provide access to the critical pieces of information in a digestible format. It is time to take action now and make sure your business is prepared for the changes.”