2454 final report.pdf - Agra CEAS Consulting

Evaluation of the Community Plant Health Regime: Final Report
DG SANCO Evaluation Framework Contract Lot 3 (Food Chain)
The distinction between the various pests and coverage by the two sets of legislation is
graphically depicted below:
Figure 3-6: Positioning of RNQPs
Regulated pests
Quarantine
pests: zero
tolerance
within the EU
Regulated non -
quarantine pests
Quality
diseases &
pests
Source: FCEC
The phytosanitary measures for RNQPs should be technically justified as required by the IPPC
1997. The classification of a pest as a RNQP and any restrictions placed on the import of the
plant species with which it is associated should be justified by PRA (for which an international
standard exists, ISPM 21) 97 . It is also necessary to demonstrate that plants for planting, including
seeds, potted plants and bonsai are the main pathway for the pest and that the plants for planting
are the main source of infestation (transmission pathway) of the pest that results in an
economically unacceptable impact on the intended use of those plants. It is not necessary to
evaluate the probability of establishment, the long-term economic impact of a RNQP nor the
environmental effects, as RNQPs are organisms which are already present.
Following the publication of ISPM 16, the EU set up a Commission working group on
―Regulated Non-Quarantine Pests‖ in EC legislation with the aim of exchanging information on
this issue and to discuss elements related to the criteria that define RNQPs. A Commission paper
entitled ―Reflections on Community strategy for RNQPs‖ and a report to the Standing
Committee on Plant Health 98 have been the two main deliverables of this working group.
The WG Report identifies Directive 2000/29/EC as the legal basis to provide mechanisms for
control of RNQPs 99 and envisages three different scenarios to introduce and implement the
97 According to ISPM 21, the objectives of a PRA for RNQPs are, for a specified PRA area, to identify pests
associated with plants for planting, to evaluate their risk and, if appropriate, to identify risk management options to
achieve a tolerance level. ISPM 21 is only to be used for seeds and plants for planting, to define the acceptable
tolerance level, and this level should apply both for import requirements and domestic production.
98 Report of the Commission Working Group on ―RNQPs‖ in EC legislation, Brussels, 13 and 14 May 2004.
99 In particular: imports: Article 3(4): tolerances via comitology; intra-EU trade: Article 3(4) and Article 3(3) ;
inspection: Article 6 ; recognition of protected zones: if not the whole EC is relevant: Article 2.1(h); the use of plant
passports: Article 10.1 or 10.2.
Food Chain Evaluation Consortium 71