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Import, Movement and Keeping of Prohibited Material

It may be possible to import, move and keep normally prohibited material into England and Wales under the authority of a licence issued by Fera, subject to detailed quarantine and containment conditions. The rules relating to the issue of licences are set down in Commission Directive 2008/61/EC which allows importation of normally prohibited material only for:

  • scientific research purposes;
  • trialling; or
  • work on varietal selections.

For further information please see our explanatory leaflet on the issue of licences for England and Wales. The leaflet also explains the charges payable for the issue of licences.

There is also a limited range of material normally prohibited, which may be imported under a 'derogation' from the EU legislation. Derogations are granted by the European Commission and are available for a limited period, with various conditions applying to import. A licence issued by Fera, is required for imports made in this way. Requests for new derogations are assessed against the potential risks to all Member States. This is a complex procedure and cannot be completed in less than 12 months. See details of the derogations currently in force.

Licensing enquiries

Questions relating to licenses issued by Fera for England & Wales:

Tel: 01904-465625
Fax: 01904-455198
email:planthealth.info@fera.gsi.gov.uk

More information on licensing arrangements in Scotland can be obtained from:

Scottish Agricultural Science Agency
1 Roddinglaw Road
Edinburgh
EH12 9FJ.

Tel: 0131 244 8937
Fax: 0131-244-8940
email: plant.health.licensing@sasa.gsi.gov.uk

Enquiries about plant health import restrictions in Northern Ireland should be addressed to:

Department of Agriculture and Rural Development
Agri-Food Development Service Quality Assurance
Horticulture Inspectorate
Magnet House
81-93 York Street
Belfast
BT15 1AB.

Tel: 028-9054-7106
Fax:028-9054-7204
email: qab.admin@dardni.gov.uk