Commission Decision

of 26 June 2002

authorising derogations from certain provisions of Council Directive 2000/29/EC in respect of naturally or artificially dwarfed plants of Chamaecyparis Spach, Juniperus L. and Pinus L., originating in the Republic of Korea

(notified under document number C(2002) 2251)

(2002/499/EC)

THE COMMISSION OF THE EUROPEAN COMMUNITIES,

Having regard to the Treaty establishing the European Community,

Having regard to Council Directive 2000/29/EC of 8 May 2000 on protective measures against the introduction into the Community of organisms harmful to plants or plant products and against their spread within the Community1, as last amended by Commission Directive 2002/36/EC2, and in particular Article 15(1) thereof,

Having regard to the request made by the United Kingdom,

Whereas:

(1)

Under Directive 2000/29/EC, plants of Chamaecyparis Spach, Juniperus L. and Pinus L., other than fruits and seeds, originating in non-European countries, must not in principle be introduced into the Community. However, Directive 2000/29/EC permits derogations from this rule, provided that it is established that there is no risk of introduction of harmful organisms.

(2)

Following a mission of the Food and Veterinary Office of the Commission and exchange of information between the Commission and the Republic of Korea, the Commission has established that on the basis of available information there is no risk of spreading harmful organisms with the import of naturally or artificially dwarfed plants of Chamaecyparis Spach, Juniperus L. and Pinus L., provided that specific conditions are satisfied.

(3)

A derogation from certain provisions of Directive 2000/29/EC should therefore be authorised for a limited period, subject to specific conditions.

(4)

The authorisation pursuant to this Decision should be terminated if it is established that the specific conditions are not sufficient to prevent the introduction of harmful organisms or have not been complied with.

(5)

The measures provided for in this Decision are in accordance with the opinion of the Standing Committee on Plant Health,

HAS ADOPTED THIS DECISION: