SCOTTISH SEED POTATO CLASSIFICATION SCHEME - SASA

18 ENFORCEMENTWhere an inspector has issued a statutory notice (as explained in section 17) butallows re-grading, the notice will remain in force until this has been carried out to theinspector’s satisfaction or arrangements have been made for the disposal of the lotother than as seed.Where a lot is moved as seed without inspection, prosecution may result.19 EXPORTS OF SEED POTATOES TO NON-EC COUNTRIESCertification of Scottish seed potatoes for export outside the EC is governed by thePlant Health (Export Certification) (Scotland) Order 2004. All seed potato growersand exporters should make themselves aware of its requirements.When seed potatoes are exported to non-EC countries or the Canary Islands, aPhytosanitary Certificate issued by the Area Office is required which states that theconsignment, or a representative sample, has been inspected and that the potatoesare believed to comply with the current plant health requirements of the importingcountry. Normally, a Phytosanitary Certificate will be issued before an exportconsignment is dispatched outside Scotland and will accompany the relatedconsignment. Dispatch of export consignments should be within 14 days of theofficial inspection. Consignments will be considered to be “dispatched” once theyhave arrived at the docks for loading onto a ship or at the airport for loading onto aplane, or, when they are transported to their final destination by road, once the truckhas left the farm or store. If the 14 day period has passed before the consignment isdispatched, a full re-inspection should be applied for and a replacementPhytosanitary Certificate will be issued.When preparing seed potato consignments for export to non-EC countries, accountmust be taken of how long the potatoes may be in store or in transit, whethermethods of packing used would be suitable for the type of transport and conditionslikely to be met during transit. Unless the requirements of an importing country arestricter, Basic seed must meet the minimum export standard at inspection as detailedin Appendix 5. Exporters may wish to consult with their local Area Office or with theExport Liaison Officer at SASA, before grading consignments, to determine whetherthe importing country requires additional tolerances than the minimum exportstandard to ensure that the consignment is prepared accordingly. Details of importrequirements and the application form for Phytosanitary Certificates can be found onthe Scottish Government website at www.scotland.gov.uk/potatoexports20 RESPONSIBILITYThe responsibility for compliance with the requirements for the marketing of seedpotatoes rests entirely with the seller. The Scottish Government or its officers cannotbe held responsible for any failure to seal and label containers correctly, to complywith the minimum dressing standards or an importing country’s conditions (whereapplicable), or to meet any other requirements.SPCS AdministrationOctober 201012