A competent authority may from time to time make such orders as the authority thinks expedient F3... for preventing the introduction of pests into Great Britain.

Where it appears to the competent authority that the landing in Great Britain of articles of any description (and in particular plants, trees or bushes or any part or produce thereof) is likely to introduce a pest into Great Britain, the orders may prohibit or regulate the landing of those articles, and may direct or authorise their destruction if landed (without prejudice to provisions of F1the Customs and Excise Management Act 1979imposing penalties or liability to forfeiture).

In subsection (2) above references to the landing of any article include references to its importation through the tunnel system as defined in the M1 Channel Tunnel Act 1987.