The Plant Health (Wood and Bark) (Phytophthora ramorum) Order (Northern Ireland) 2003

Explanatory Note

(This note is not part of the Order.)

This Order implements Commission Decision 2002/757/EC of 19th September 2002 (O.J. No. L252, 20.9.2002, p. 37) in Northern Ireland in so far as it relates to wood and bark.

The Order prohibits the introduction and spread of the pest, Phytophthora ramorum, a fungus identified as causing Sudden Oak Death syndrome in species of oak in the USA and harm to other species of plants (Article 3).

It imposes landing controls on wood of four species of forest tree, Acer macrophyllum Pursh., Aesculus californica Nutt., Lithocarpus densiflorus (H & A) and Quercus L. Wood of this description which originates in the USA and is despatched to the EC after 12th April 2003 must be accompanied by a phytosanitary certificate issued in compliance with the various requirements of the Schedule (Article 4 and the Schedule). Imports of such material must be notified to an inspector at least three days before landing. The Order extends the ban in the principal Order on imports of isolated bark of Quercus to the other susceptible species.

There is provision (Article 8) for licensed importation, movement and keeping of the prohibited pest for research purposes.

Inspectors' enforcement powers are provided for in Article 9, and offences similar to those created in the principal Order are created. Offences are also created in respect of the spread of the pest and compliance with the key provisions of the Order (Article 10).

No regulatory impact assessment has been undertaken in respect of the measures in this Order.