Seizure and disposal of plant protection products

20.—(1) Where there has been a contravention, in relation to any plant protection product, of any prohibition, requirement or condition imposed by or under these Regulations or an equivalent provision, in relation to that plant protection product, any Northern Ireland Department shall have the power—

(a)to seize or dispose of the plant protection product or require the holder of any approval relating to that product, or any other person appearing to that Department to be the owner or the person in charge of that product, to dispose of it;

(b)to seize or dispose of anything treated with the product or require any person appearing to that Department to be the owner or the person in charge of anything so treated to dispose of it;

(c)to require the holder of any approval relating to that product, or any other person appearing to that Department to be the owner or the person in charge of the product, to take such remedial action as appears to that Department to be necessary as a result of the contravention including, where it appears to be necessary as a result of the contravention, recovery of the product from the market in Northern Ireland.

(2) If any plant protection product has been imported into Northern Ireland in contravention of these Regulations, the Department may, by notice in writing served on the person appearing to it to be the owner, the importer or the person in charge of the product, require that it shall be exported from Northern Ireland within such reasonable period as the Department may determine.

(3) Any person who contravenes or causes or permits any person to contravene any requirement imposed under this regulation shall be guilty of an offence.