Will I be able to move mushroom compost from GB to NI after 1st January 2021?
Mushroom substrate (compost) does not fall within the scope of the Plant Health Regulation (EU) 2016/2031. It typically contains a category 2 Animal By-Product (ABP), such as chicken litter, and therefore is regulated under EU Regulation No. 142/2011, and will require an Export Health Certificate following treatment at an approved processing facility.
Will I be able to move mushroom compost from NI to GB after 1st January 2021?
Direct exports of mushroom substrate from a NI producer to a GB destination should be possible under current controls, on condition that this material is confirmed as originating in NI.
Will I be able to move mushroom compost between NI and ROI after 1st January 2021?
Yes, there will be no changes to the current requirements.
Are mushrooms regulated plant products?
No, mushrooms are not regulated plant products and do not require a phytosanitary certificate or plant passport.
What growing media is permitted for movement from GB into NI after 1st January 2021?
From the 1st January 2021, growing medium composed entirely of peat or fibre of Cocos nucifera L., previously not used for growing of plants or for any agricultural purposes will be permitted.
Are there any implications for cut flowers and floristry imports after the Transition Period ends?
From the 1st January 2021, cut flowers will require a PC for entry into NI from GB. (See Importing plants, plant products, wood bark, used agricultural and forestry machinery - question 2).
What are the approved Points of Entry for plants and plant products?
- Belfast International Airport
- Belfast Port
- Warrenpoint Port
- Larne Port
- Foyle Port
Where can I find information on other relevant authorities?
- Republic of Ireland (DAFM)
https://www.agriculture.gov.ie/farmingsectors/planthealthtrade/ - Scottish Government (SASA)
https://www.sasa.gov.uk/eu-exit-guidance-plant-health - Animal and Plant Health Agency (England & Wales) (APHA)
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/importing-and-exporting-plants-and-plant-products-from-1-january-2021
Where can I find information for registering on TRACES NT and creating a CHED PP?
A guidance document has been provided on the following link:
Currently there are import charges for documentary, ID and physical checks on non-EU consignments. Will there be import charges for checks on GB consignments imported to NI?
The legislation requires the costs of official controls to be recovered, subject to conditions, however, at present there are no plans to apply charges for checks on GB consignments moving into NI. This will remain subject to review.
What are the Marketing Requirements for GB Fruit and Vegetables from January 1st 2021?
Goods moving from GB into NI will be required to meet the import requirements applied by EU Marketing Standards Regulations.
Are there any implications for importing honeybees or bumblebees from GB from January 1st 2021?
The United Kingdom left the European Union (EU) on 31 January 2020. During the transition period until the 31 December 2020, current EU regulations continue to apply to the whole of the United Kingdom. Therefore the current requirements for the trade of live animals between Northern Ireland and Great Britain remain the same until 31 December 2020.
At the end of the transition period, under the Northern Ireland (NI) Protocol, EU regulations for live animal imports will continue to apply to NI, however, Great Britain (GB) will be a third country. The requirements for the trade of live animals between GB and NI will depend on the listed status the EU allocates to GB. The UK Government continues to engage with the European Commission regarding their future relationship, including securing the best possible listed status for GB.
For further information regarding imports to Northern Ireland from third counties, including the need for Export Health Certification and notification using the EU TRACES system, please visit: