Can I import ware potatoes from GB following the end of the EU Exit Transition Period?
Yes. The EU agreed to allow the trade of Ware Potatoes from GB to Northern Ireland and the EU to continue from the 1st January 2021 but with additional plant health controls in place:
(a). Ware potatoes moving from GB to NI will require to be pre-notified to DAERA Forest Service Plant Health using the online system TRACES NT. A Common Health Entry Document for Plant Products (CHED PP) must be completed on TRACES NT by the person responsible for the consignment at least 1 working day prior to arrival at the point of entry.
(b). Regulated Plants and Plant products, including ware potatoes moving from GB to NI will require a Phytosanitary Certificate (PC) issued by the GB competent authority. The original PC must accompany the consignment with a scanned copy (in colour) of the PC attached to the CHED PP on TRACES NT. Please ensure your supplier obtains a PC well in advance of the date of shipment.
(C) Wood packaging materials used in the importation, such as pallets, must comply with ISPM 15 (International Standards for Phytosanitary Measures No 15) guidelines. Essentially this means that wood should be heat treated to kill pests and diseases and each package stamped with an authentication mark as evidence.
Can I import ware potatoes from the rest of the EU following the end of the EU Exit Transition Period?
(a) Yes. Imports of potatoes from EU Member States can continue, but there are already additional requirements for those EU countries subject to emergency plant health measures, including Spain (other than the Balearic Islands), certain areas of Portugal and Poland.
(b). If you intend to bring in ware potatoes from these areas, you should contact DAERA Plant Health Inspection Branch at: planthealth.info@daera-ni.gov.uk
Can I import seed potatoes from GB following the end of the EU Exit Transition Period?
As things stand, there has not been a similar agreement between the UKG and EU to permit the movement and marketing of GB seed potatoes in NI and the EU. Seed potatoes from GB are as a result prohibited entry to NI from 1st January 2021. The UK government is continuing to work with the EU to resolve this issue.
Will I be able to sell ware potatoes to the Republic of Ireland and other EU countries following the end of the EU Exit Transition Period?
Yes. The EU has stated that following the end of the EU Exit Transition Period, NI will be treated on the same terms as an EU Member State and NI ware potatoes can continue to be marketed in the EU.
I would like to sell seed potatoes to the Republic of Ireland and to other EU Member States after EU Exit. Will this be permitted following the end of the EU Exit Transition Period?
The EU has stated that following the end of the EU Exit Transition Period, NI will be treated on the same terms as an EU Member State and NI certified basic seed potatoes will be eligible to be marketed in the EU and the Republic of Ireland as at present.