(This note is not part of the Regulations)
These Regulations which extend to Scotland only, come into force on 6th May 2005. They implement Article 13d of Council Directive 2000/29/EC, as last amended by Commission Directive 2005/15/EC (“the Directive”) which requires Member States to ensure the collection of fees to cover the costs occasioned by the documentary checks, identity checks and plant health checks of certain imports of plants, plant products and other objects from third countries provided for in Article 13a(1) of the Directive.
Except where reduced import inspection fees apply, an importer is required to pay the fee specified in Schedule 1 for plant health checks carried out in respect of each consignment of plants and plant products landed in Scotland from a third country (regulation 4(1) and (2) and Schedule 1).
Schedule 2 specifies reduced import inspection fees which apply, whether or not an inspection is in fact carried out, in respect of plant health checks of certain cut flowers and fruits originating in the countries specified in that Schedule (regulation 4(3)). An importer is required to pay the fee specified in Schedule 3 for documentary checks and identity checks (regulation 4(4)).
Different types of plants, plant products or other objects contained within the same consignment shall be treated as separate consignments and subject to separate fees (regulation 5).
An importer must provide certain information concerning the consignment at least 48 hours before it is landed in Scotland (regulation 6).
No Regulatory Impact Assessment has been prepared in respect of these Regulations.