1. business and industrial
2. agriculture and forestry
3. forestry

Invitation To Tender Appendix 6
FORESTRY COMMISSION - PLANT HEALTH INSPECTOR’S MANUAL (Revised November2010)
AGREEMENT NO: PH00/0/076
INDEX
1
Legislation & Statutory Powers
1.1
1.2
1.3
1.4
Plant Health Act 1967
Plant Health Directive (Council Directive 2000/29/EEC)
The Plant (Forestry) Order 2005
Limits to the powers of an inspector contracted to inspect imported
forestry material and dunnage
2
Timber Inspections
2.1
2.2
2.3
2.4
2.5
2.6
2.7
2.8
2.9
2.10.
2.11.
2.12.
2.13.
2.14
2.15
2.16.
2.17.
What to Look for and Assessing the Risk
A Quick Guide to Controlled Material
Dealing with Infringements
Remedial Action
Educating People
Issuing Certificates of Clearance
The Rule
Import Clearance Procedures
Charges - Introduction
Calculation of Charges
Importation of Normally Prohibited Material
Payment of Fees for Inspections
Who is Responsible for Payment
Collecting the Fees
Credit Account
Cash / Cheque
Maintaining Weekly Records of Inspections Performed
3
Pheromone Trap Inspections
3.1
3.2
3.3
3.4
3.5
A Guide
Trap Location
Siting the Traps
The Inspection
Finding an Insect
4
Protected Zone Plot Surveys
4.1
4.2
4.3
4.4
4.5
4.6
A Guide
Plot Location
Siting of the Plot
Plot Survey Method
The Inspection
Finding an Insect
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5
Registered Trader Inspections
5.1
5.2
5.3
5.4
5.5
5.6
Introduction
Who is to be Inspected
Interviewing the Designated Person (DP)
Inspections
After the Inspection
Inspection Charges
6
Plant Health Forms
6.1
6.2
6.3
6.4
6.5
PHF28 - Certificate of Clearance
PHF3 - Statutory Notice
A35 - Forestry Commission Receipt
Bank Giro Credit
PHF20 - Material for Identification
7
Health & Safety
7.1
7.2
7.3
Health and Safety Statement
Minimum Health & Safety Equipment Required
Other Plant Health Equipment
8
Miscellaneous Information
8.1
Amendments and Guidance Notes
9.
9.1
9.2
9.3
9.4
9.5
Wood Packaging Material and Dunnage (ISPM15)
Import requirements for wood and wood packaging material (including
dunnage) entering the European Community – ISPM15
Specific requirements of the European Community
Exceptions
WPM and Phytosanitary Certificates
Dunnage
10
Plant Health Regional Managers Section (only distributed to RMs)
11
Appendices
Plant Health Address List
Map - Plant Health Regional Management Areas
Guidance Notes (issued on an Ad hoc basis)
Forestry Commission Financial Accounting Week Numbers
List of Credit Account Numbers
List of Authorised Users
Insect Identification Plates (Quarantine Pests)
Insect Identification Plates (Indigenous species frequently mistaken for
Quarantine pests)
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1. Statutory Powers and Legislation
1.1
Plant Health Act 1967
The primary legislation under which plant health controls operate in Great Britain is the
Plant Health Act 1967. The Act established; the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and
Food for England, the Secretary of State for Scotland, the Secretary of State for Wales
and, in relation to forest trees and timber, the Forestry Commissioners as competent
authorities with the power to make orders to prevent the introduction into and spread of
pests in Great Britain.
These orders may prohibit or regulate imports, sales and
movements, may authorise the examination of timber, permit authorised inspectors to
take action or to impose requirements on others to take certain action.
The Act
provides penalties for offences against such orders.
1.2
Plant Health Directive (Council Directive 2000/29/EC)
The EC Plant Health Directive sets out a framework for common action across the
Community to prevent the introduction and spread of plant pests. Because of the large
number of amendments, which have been made since the Directive was adopted in
197[6][7], the text is quite complex but Inspectors need to be familiar with the detail of it.
1.3
The Plant Health (Forestry) Order 2005
The Order is made under the Act and it implements the EC Council Directive in Great
Britain.
1.4
Limits to the powers of an inspector contracted to inspect
imported forestry material and dunnage
A contract inspector has, on production of his authorisation document as provided by the
Forestry Commissioners, the authority to enter ports, wharves, other landing points and
premises for the purpose of inspecting forestry material and dunnage. The inspections
will determine whether the landing requirements set out in the Plant Health (Forestry)
Order 2005 as amended are being met.
On inspection of the material, if landing requirements have been met the contractor is
empowered to sign and issue a Certificate of Clearance to enable Customs clearance.
If, in the opinion of the contractor, the landing requirements have not been met, he is
empowered to issue a Notice to detain the material pending further instructions.
The contractor does not have the power to issue a Statutory Notice requiring remedial
treatment of the material except on the express authority of the Regional Manager,
Operations Manager, or Head of Plant Health Service.
If the contractor finds dunnage, which poses a plant health risk, he may seek the cooperation of the relevant party in dealing with the problem in an agreed manner, on a
voluntary basis. If a Statutory Notice is necessary, the contractor has the authority to
detain the material pending further investigation.
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Contractors must be specifically named and individually appointed by the Forestry
Commissioners. A contractor may not sub-contract his work except to another
specifically named and individually appointed person authorised for the purpose by the
Forestry Commissioners.
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2
Timber Inspections
Procedurally the Plant Health Service requires 3 days advanced notice of the arrival of
controlled bulk sawn timber consignments being landed in GB so that an inspection can
be planned and arranged. An inspection can include one or all of the following checks;
•
Documentary - plant health certificates must, without exception, be examined to
ensure that they are original, fully completed and valid. Phytosanitary certificates
(PCs) must be completed and signed by an authorised inspector, and carry a stamp
of the issuing authority. They must not be issued more than 14 days before the date
of export, and must be completed in English, or have a translation sheet attached.
Faxed or emailed copies may be accepted initially or in exceptional circumstances
eg in the event of a postal strike. In normal circumstances if the originals do not
appear within 3 days of landing the Plant Health Service will order an investigation by
the issuing authority. Discrepancies in certification must be reported to Regional
Managers.
Heat Treatment Certificates (issued by Canada and the USA only) can only be
issued by mills authorised to do so by Agriculture Canada and the United States
Department of Agriculture (USDA) respectively. The Plant Health Service, HQ has
an updated list of authorised mills (from the Canadian and USA Agriculture
authorities). Copies will be forwarded to inspectors to help identify which mills are
authorised to issue their certificates. Any queries must be reported to the Regional
Manager.
NB:
All phytosanitary certificates, reforwarding certificates or industry
certificates produced when a consignment of relevant material is landed in
Great Britain shall be officially stamped by inspectors showing the date of
entry of the consignment. This action endorses the certificate and prevents it
from being reused.
•
Identity
- the timber must meet the description given by the accompanying
documentation. Information on species, volume, numbers of packs, distinguishing
marks etc must be the same on the plant health certificates as on the commercial
documentation (eg ship’s manifest or shipping specification sheets). Again any
discrepancies must be reported to the Regional Manager.
Because of difficulty in knowing precisely what volume of timber can be loaded onto
a ship, it is often found that there is less shipped than has been certified. This need
not be queried unless significant – see calculation of charges section. However, if
more is landed than is detailed in the phytosanitary certificates then this warrants
investigation. The facts must be reported to the Regional Manager. To enable him
to decide what action is appropriate he will need a description of the volume of
material involved (m3/no. of packs/type) and whether the material meets the physical
landing requirements.
•
Physical full details of controlled timber species and their GB landing
requirements are provided in Plant Health Leaflet - ‘ Plant Health Guide for Importers
of Wood, Wood Products and Bark Originating in Countries Outside the European
Union. Inspectors should familiarise themselves with these landing requirements
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and any new measures which may be introduced for time to time and ensure
compliance with them during physical inspections. Plant Health Leaflet No 8 ‘Plant
Health and the Single Market’ provides details of plant health movement controls for
wood and bark for material being moved from one Member State to another.
Generally speaking GB as a Protected Zone requires conifer wood to be stripped of
bark or be kiln dried when it is imported from another Member State. If wood with
bark is kiln dried when it is imported it is also required to be accompanied with a
plant passport issued by the Registered Trader based in the exporting Member
State. Bark products from another Member State also have to be plant passported
and appropriately treated (pulverised, heat-treated, fumigated or composted) prior to
being landed in GB. Because of the free movement of goods between Member
States imports of wood and bark from other MS’s are not generally subjected to plant
health inspections when landed in GB. If however inspectors have concerns about
the risk posed by non-compliant EU material they should notify their Regional
Managers immediately.
Due to past experience of non compliance with the GB landing requirements imports of
bulk sawn timber from non European Union countries are usually always subjected to all
of the above inspection types.
2.1
What to Look For and Assessing the Risk
The potential risk of any material depends on many different factors. Generally the most
important are:
Bark
Insect grub holes, frass, insect exit holes, resin bleeding
Species of tree ie controlled or non controlled
country of origin (ie PWN country or source of bark beetles, wood borers, termites etc)
moisture content
Other factors to consider are:
the time of year (ie summer - beetle flight season)
the amount of material (ie potential infestation)
The first four factors mentioned above are all covered by legislation in the Plant Health
(Forestry) Order 2005. The best, easy reference guide to the legislation is included in
the Tables of the Plant Health Leaflet ‘PLANT HEALTH GUIDE for IMPORTERS of
WOOD, WOOD PRODUCTS AND BARK’). Should any sawn timber consignment or
dunnage inspected not meet any of the criteria listed in the tables, then action must be
taken to reduce the risk it poses to Great Britain’s forests.
The last two factors listed above cover areas where the Regional Manager can use their
discretion when deciding upon the appropriate remedial action. Depending on the
conditions that prevail at the time of the discovery, or the amount of material present, the
Regional Manager may suggest that the risk posed by the material is not great enough
to warrant the serving of any notices (though a written warning should be issued).
2.2
A Quick Guide to Controlled Material
An inspector needs to consider the following main areas when carrying out any Plant
Health inspection.
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For conifers from Kazakhstan, Russia and Turkey, in which certain non European
pests occur, the timber must be:
From an area known to be from Monochamus spp (non European), Pissodes spp (non
European, Scolytidae (non European) and specifically: Ips typographus, Ips amitinus, Ips
duplicatus or
Bark and grub hole (>3mm across) free, or
kiln-dried to below 20% moisture content, and marked ‘KD’ or
heat treated to a minimum of 560C at the core for at least 30 minutes and marked HT
For conifers from European Third Countries (including Albania, Belarus, Bosnia,
Bulgaria, Croatia, Georgia, Iceland, FYR Macedonia, Moldova, Norway, Ukraine,
Romania and Yugoslavia but does not include Kazakhstan, Russia and Turkey),
excluding wood which is bark free, the timber must be kiln dried to below 20% moisture content, and marked ‘KD’
NB: Wood of conifers from European Third Countries, which is bark free is NOT
subject to inspection or charge. Bark Free wood means – wood from which all bark
excluding the vascular cambium, ingrown bark around knots, and bark pockets between
rings of annual growth has been removed.
For conifers (except Thuja) from Canada, China, Japan, the republic of Korea,
Mexico, Taiwan or the USA ie potential sources of PWN, the timber must be:
heat treated to a core temperature of 56°C for 30 minutes (see Heat Treatment
Certificates)
For wood of Thuja plicata (Western Red Cedar) from Canada, China, Japan, the
republic of Korea, Mexico, Taiwan or the USA the timber must be:
bark-free or,
kiln dried to below 20% moisture content and be marked ‘KD’ or
heat treated to a minimum of 560C at the core for at least 30 minutes and marked HT
For wood of Conifers (all genera) from Third countries other than Russia,
Kazakhstan, Turkey, European Countries, Canada, China, the Republic of Korea,
Mexico, Taiwan or the USA the timber must be:
Bark and grub hole (>3mm across) free or
Kiln dried to below 20% moisture content and marked ‘KD’ or
heat treated to a minimum of 560C at the core for at least 30 minutes and marked HT
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The following hardwood species from various origins are subject to some
restrictions, they are as follows:
Maple (Acer sacharum)
Sweet Chestnut (Castanea)
Oak (Quercus L)
Plane (Platanus L)
Poplar (Populus L)
Ash (Franxinus L)
Mandshurin Walnut
(Juglans mandshurica)
Elm
“
(Ulmus davidiana & parvifolia)
Japanese Wingnut
“
(ptercarya rhoifolia)
from USA or Canada
from any third country
from USA
from USA and Armenia
from the American continent
from Canada, China, Japan, Mongolia, Republic of
Korea, Russia, Taiwan and USA
“
“
“
“
“
“
“
“
“
“
“
“
“
“
“
“
“
“
“
“
“
If in doubt !
Should inspectors be unsure of species of timber, then they should contact their
Regional Manager.
Further Reading
Further details can be found in the Forestry Chapter of the EC Vademecum of the
Phytosanitary Inspector which should, along with the following leaflets, be read in
conjunction with this Manual PHL 1
Plant Health Guide for Importers of Wood, Wood Products and bark
Originating in Countries Outside the European Union
PHL 2
Import Inspection Fees for Wood, Wood Products and Bark
PHL 5
Health and Safety at Work
PHL 7
Plant Health and the Single Market
PHL 8
Plant Health and the Single market – Guidance on the EC Plant Health
Controls for Registered Traders Trading in Forestry Material
PHL 10
Plant Health Inspections – Minimum facilities at Ports
PHL11
Plant Health Controls – The Use of Dunnage in British Ports
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2.3
Dealing with Infringements
Decision Making
If any timber consignments or dunnage inspected is found to be in breach of the
regulations then the inspector should inform the Regional Manager.
Only at the express request of the Regional Manager (or the Ops Manager) will an
inspector be able to issue a statutory notice.
Levels of Action
Depending on the factors surrounding any problem found, the type of action taken can
vary quite considerably. The main categories and a brief guide to the conditions in
which they might be taken are as follows:
a.
a verbal or written warning where the risk is negligible due to the time of year,
amount of bark, moisture content. This warning will make it clear that if these conditions
were to alter slightly this would increase risk, then future action could be taken.
b.
a verbal or written instruction to destroy any offending material voluntarily.
Only used when the amount of offending material is small.
c.
a STATUTORY NOTICE is served detaining the material pending further
investigation. This action is generally taken when the contractor is unable to make
contact with the Regional Manager to discuss a potential Problem.
d.
a STATUTORY NOTICE is served ordering treatment of the timber, by a method
such as heat treatment or burning so that the risk is removed. This action is normally
taken where the material is of a level of risk, which requires speedy action, or where the
amount of offending material is large.
e.
a STATUTORY NOTICE is served ordering re-export out of the European Union,
or preventing the material from landing. This action is normally taken when certain
parties remain persistent offenders, or where the risk posed by a one-off consignment is
too high to be allowed to land. NB The authority to re-export can only be granted by
Head of the Plant Health Service, HQ or the Operations Manager, HQ.
Plant Health Service, HQ via Regional Managers should be notified of all infringements
of our landing requirements so that they can be formally reported to the European and
Mediterranean Plant Protection Organisation (EPPO) in Brussels and an explanation for
the infringement sought from the exporting countries PPO.
Statutory Notices
The forms of statutory notice used for dealing with imports of controlled timber are:
PHF3 - STATUTORY NOTICE PROHIBITING THE LANDING OF RELEVANT
MATERIAL, OR SPECIFYING CONDITIONS TO BE MET IN RESPECT OF
RELEVANT MATERIAL WHICH HAS BEEN, OR IS LIKELY TO BE, LANDED IN
GREAT BRITAIN
PHF4 - STATUTORY NOTICE TO IMPORTER (OR OTHER PERSON IN CHARGE OF
MATERIAL) DETAILING SUSPECT EU MATERIAL/DUNNAGE PENDING FURTHER
INVESTIGATION
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The PHF 3
This notice is to order remedial treatment on any offending material. This notice can
only be issued by an inspector at the express instructions of the Regional Manager /
Operations Manager unless used to detain material pending further investigation
In accordance with Article 31 of the Plant Health (Forestry) Order 2005 one or more of
the following remedial actions can be included on a Notice served in cases of non
compliance –
(a)
(b)
(c)
(d)
(e)
(f)
Prohibit the landing of any tree pest or relevant material;
Specify the manner in which the landing is to be carried out and the precautions
which are to be taken during and subsequent to the landing;
Require any tree pest or relevant material to be treated, re-exported, destroyed
or otherwise disposed of in such manner and within such reasonable time as
may be specified in the notice;
Prohibit the removal of any tree pest or relevant material from premises specified
in the notice for such period as may be so specified and, where appropriate,
impose such other prohibitions as appear to the inspector to be necessary to
prevent the introduction or spread of any tree pest;
Require the removal of any tree pest or relevant material from premises specified
in the notice in such manner and within such reasonable time as may be so
specified;
Require the taking of such other steps, specified in the notice, as appear to the
inspector to be necessary to prevent the introduction or spread of any tree pest in
such a manner and within such reasonable time as may be specified in the notice
The notice should be issued to the person the inspector believes to have the most
control over the material, eg. the agent, importer etc.
Guidance on completion of the notice will be given at the time when the notice is to be
served.
The PHF4
This notice is to be used by an inspector in order to detain any offending material from
the EU. This is because this material is not subject to HM Customs control. The notice
should be issued to the person the inspector believes to have the most control over the
material, eg. the agent.
The inspector will complete Sections 1-3, before handing the notice to the relevant
person.
Section 4, which covers the release of the material, can only be completed by the
Regional Manager, or the inspector at the express instruction of the Regional Manager.
See Plant Health Forms - PHF3 / PHF4.
Notices can be issued in the form of official letters but it should be made clear to the
receiver that the letter should be regarded as an Statutory Notice issued in accordance
with the Plant Health (Forestry) Order 2005.
2.4
Remedial Action
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Once the decision has been made to order any action to eliminate the risk posed by any
material, then it is important that this action be carried out correctly.
This may involve an inspector monitoring the work being carried out, or returning after
the work to ensure that the risk has been successfully removed. This will not include
fumigation.
The Regional Manager will provide the inspector with instructions of the task, outlining
the role and responsibilities of the inspector.
2.5
Educating People
Where appropriate inspectors in their day to day duties should inform relevant parties of
Plant Health controls. Relevant contacts will include importers, agents, dock workers,
Customs Officers, Port Health Officers, Port Authority staff, Stevedores, foremen and
tally men etc.
2.6
Issuing Certificates of Clearance
The Certificate (PHF28)
This certificate is the method used to advise HM Revenue and Customs that the material
meets the landing requirements of Great Britain, and is free to be moved from the port of
entry. The certificate in use is the PHF28 form, which is used for consignments of
controlled material. The Forestry Commission, Plant Health Service, HQ will provide
serially numbered certificates, but it is the Inspectors responsibility to ensure they have
adequate supplies. Photocopies must not be used.
2.7
The Rules Governing the Issue of PHF28 Forms
The main rules governing the issue of these certificates are as follows:
The consignment must fully meet the landing requirements
The fees must be paid for by the importer/agent on receipt of the certificate
2.8
Import Clearance Procedures
The Regulations
An importer is defined as in the Plant Health (Forestry) Order 2005–
•
“ any person who (whether as owner, consignor or consignee, agent, broker or
otherwise) is in possession of or in any way entitled to the custody or control of the
tree pest or relevant material which is likely to be or has been landed in Great Britain
from a third country and any person by whose action the tree pest or relevant
material is likely to be or has been landed in Great Britain ”.
This is a deliberately broad definition so that there is always someone who can be held
responsible for a consignment of imported timber. They may be the ship’s captain, a
port authority representative, the importer, his agent etc, etc.
The importer (using the definition above) must provide the FC’s Plant Health Service
with a minimum of 3 days advance notice of the arrival of a shipment of controlled timber
(Article 6 of the Order).
This notification, except in the case of containerised timber,
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should be by means of an Inspection Request Form for the provision of a PHF 28
‘Clearance of Imported Controlled Timber’. The form must be specific and as accurate
as possible in order to facilitate the correct charging of customers etc. It is not sufficient
for example to say “a ship will arrive every 2 weeks with timber from Canada”.
Inspectors must expect as a minimum: an ETA date; the ship’s name; the port of
landing; the country of origin. Normally the notification should come from the importer or
his agent and should give specific details of the consignment, although this is not always
the most practical form of notification. For large ships carrying timber for many
importers, the notification can sensibly be provided by the shipping line or shipping
agent. The reason for this notification is so that inspectors can plan their working day
and so that they are aware of imminent arrivals of potentially high-risk material and can
react accordingly (e.g. pre-discharge inspection).
Certificates (either phytosanitary, mill or heat treatment certificates ie industry
certificates) issued for controlled timber must accompany the material to which they
apply (Article 7(1) of “the Order”). In the case of bulk shipments the certificates should
be sent in the ship’s ‘bag’. Importers/agents are then given a maximum of 3 days, from
the date of landing of the material (Article 9 (1) of the Order), in which to claim their
documents and present them to the Forestry Commission for inspection along with the
material. This is a legal obligation for the importer.
Three days was seen as sufficient time for the importer/agent to collect and organise his
certificates while keeping the risk of transmission of a pest or disease to a minimum. In
the case of a large ship which takes several days to unload, the time limit commences
when the ship docks since, although the ship may take more than 3 days to unload, 3
days is sufficient time to collect the documents from the ships bag. (This time limit is
different from the “Date of Landing” recorded on the PHF28 - see para. below).
Once the inspector has received notification that the material and documentation is
ready for inspection, he must aim to inspect the material on the day of notification, or the
next working day. This is a Service Standard aim, not a commitment. Progress against
this standard is monitored via PHF28 database input at HQ. It is important that the
inspector records the “date of landing” as the date when the consignment is landed on
the dock and is ready for inspection along with its documentation. Where this is not
obvious the inspector can take the date that the ship finished unloading (as long as this
is not after the date when the material was inspected). If the Charter standard is not
met as a result of the actions of the importer/agent, then the inspector must annotate this
fact on the Plant Health copy of the PHF28.
If the inspector fails to meet the Service Standard aim, having been given adequate
notice of the arrival of a shipment, the importer may be entitled to compensation. The
inspector must write a report detailing the reasons for failing to meet the Service
Standard aim. If this report is not submitted by the specified due date the inspector (if a
contractor) will be deemed to have accepted liability in those cases where an importer
claims compensation.
If it is decided that compensation is due from the inspector, the amount will be deducted
from any money owed to him as part of the contract for services agreement. The
Forestry Commission has the right to recover, as a Civil Debt, any losses or amounts
due to them arising from a breach of the inspector’s contract for services agreement.
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Implementation of the Regulations
On occasions the allowance of a 3-day period in which to gather and present documents
is abused. Instead of accompanying the material, phytosanitary documents are being
sent directly to the importer/agent, sometimes from a bank, which has been holding the
certificates as security. When the documents are sent this way and arrive within the 3day period we do not know whether they have accompanied the material or have been
sent separately to the importer/agent. Although documents sent separately do not meet
EC landing requirements we have accepted them in the past because we have received
them within the 3-day period after landing and there is no plant health risk.
However, a problem arises when material is landed unsold. Documents for this material
are not forwarded to an agent until the material is sold and the material may sit on a
dock posing a plant health risk for several months until the documents appear. In the
case of heat treated material, as there is no reliable physical check available to confirm
that heat treatment has been carried out, inspectors must rely on Heat Treatment
certificates as proof that the timber has been appropriately treated. For this reason it is
essential that documents are produced within 3 days of landing.
As a concession you may permit material to be unloaded and re-stowed if it has no
certificates but is stowed on top of material which has certificates. You may also accept
copies of documents provided the originals follow within 14 days. Any material, which
lands without the appropriate documentation must be refused landing permission.
Statutory Notices (PHF3s) must be served on both the Port Authority and the ship’s
Captain (both of whom satisfy the definition of “importer” in the Order).
There has been good reaction from agents regards our insistence on certificates being
produced at time of landing as this makes their job easier too. However, our ultimate
aim of getting the certificates to accompany all material is still being pursued. Inspectors
must make it clear to shipping agents and ships’ Captains that documents must
accompany material as it lands in GB and that our acceptance of copies is an interim
measure only while the message gets across.
Documents which are presented late for material which has landed days before must be
copied immediately to HQ so that the PPO in the country of export can be informed and
appropriate action taken. This material can be cleared from the dock if it meets our
landing requirements.
2.9
Charges - Introduction
On 1 April 1997 fees were introduced for the inspection of controlled wood and wood
products (but not for plants or Christmas trees, yet) arriving in Great Britain from a “third”
(non-EU) country and for the supervision of any remedial treatment required to ensure
compliance with GB landing requirements. The legislation covering the introduction of
fees is provided in The Plant Health (Fees) (Forestry) Regulations 2006 SI No. 2697 and
PH leaflet on Inspection Fees. The rates of fee are detailed in Schedules 1- 5 of the
Statutory Instrument.
Charges will apply to:
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a. inspections of all bulk timber imports of controlled material from countries outside
the EU which requires a Clearance Certificate (PHF28);
b. inspections of all containerised timber imports of controlled material from countries
outside the EU which requires a Clearance Certificate (PHF28), regardless of
whether the material is physically inspected;
c. supervision of remedial treatment to bring controlled material from countries outside
the EU up to GB landing requirements.
d. supervision of remedial treatment of controlled sawn timber material originating within
the EU. While we cannot impose a statutory charge for this work by analogy to the
criteria exercised in c. above RMs should make it clear on the PH 3 Notice that this
supervision work will result in the usual remedial treatment charge. This action
creates a contractual obligation with the person(s) receiving the notice making them
legally bound to pay the non - statutory charge.
e. supervision of remedial treatment of dunnage either from within the EU or from third
countries. While we cannot impose a statutory charge for this work by analogy to
the criteria exercised in c. above RMs should make it clear on the PH 3 Notice that
this supervision work will result in the usual remedial treatment charge. This action
creates a contractual obligation with the person(s) receiving the notice making them
legally bound to pay the non - statutory charge.
Charges will not apply to:
a. inspections of dunnage or wood packaging material either from within the EU or from
third countries;
b. inspections of material originating in the EU;
c. inspections of Christmas trees of under 3m in height originating outside the EU (NB:
these inspections and charges are performed/levied by the Agriculture Departments
on the FC’s behalf).
d. supervision of remedial treatment of used forestry machinery , with soil and plant
debris
on tracks/wheels etc. It is anticipated that this will be chargeable in the near future
A charge will continue to be made for an import permit for traders wishing to import
material which is normally prohibited into GB - for example, spruce ladder poles with
bark, or Christmas trees of more than 3m in height. These charges are administered by
HQ.
2.10
Calculation of Charges - Volumes
The Phytosanitary Certificate (or Mill and Industry Certificate) is the legal Plant Health
document and it must be used in the documentary inspection to be carried out for all
third country imports.
However, it is fairly common for the Phytosanitary Certificate to “over declare” the
volume of timber actually shipped. In those cases you must use the ship’s manifest to
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calculate the fee due (although Regional Managers may exercise their discretion for
practicality reasons).
Inspectors must annotate the Phytosanitary/Mill/Industry Certificate to indicate that the
manifest has been used to calculate the fee. This is essential to facilitate audit controls.
Where the difference is significant ie greater than 10% the importer should be asked for
an explanation (has the material been held back for a different vessel for example?). If
this is the case a fresh phytosanitary document will be required for the follow up
consignment.
In instances where the volume declared on the phytosanitary certificate(s) is less than
that declared on the ship’s manifest this indicates that part of the consignment has not
been inspected prior to export and is not accompanied by the required plant health
documentation. The PHS may therefore have difficulty in determining which part of the
consignment is not referred to in the phytosanitary documentation and therefore does
not meet our landing requirements. If this situation arises inspectors should not clear
the consignment and refer the matter to the Regional Manager for guidance and
investigation.
It may simply be that some phytosanitary certificates have been
temporarily mislaid hence the reason for holding the consignment until an explanation is
proffered
by
the
agent/importer.
(See
PH3
Forms
‘Reasons
for
Infringements/Interceptions section)
The Phytosanitary Certificate may declare material, which is not controlled and is not
therefore subject to inspection. If it is possible to differentiate between this material and
the controlled material from the certificate (e.g. by lot numbers), then the inspector may
inspect only the controlled element and calculate the fee from the inspected volume
only. If however, it is not possible to differentiate, the inspector must inspect and charge
for all of the material declared on the Phytosanitary Certificate.
2.11
Importation of Normally Prohibited Material
A PHF28 must not be used for clearing material, which is normally prohibited entry into
GB. This includes spruce ladder poles with bark, Christmas trees of more than 3m in
height and material for use in scientific experiments and it applies to both EC and nonEC material. For non-EC material, Customs must be given a copy of the import permit,
which is issued to the importer by Plant Health Service HQ. This will enable them to
clear the material.
There will be charges for inspecting this material and for supervising any remedial
treatment but these charges are not covered by the Regulations and they will be
administered by HQ. Details of quantities inspected (in the case of ladder poles with
bark, number of poles should be used instead of volume) and of remedial treatment
supervision must be sent to HQ.
2.12
Payment of Fees for Inspections
It is intended that the vast majority of payments will be made by a sales ledger credit
account. In order to set up a credit account, the importer/agent must first register with
the FC’s Plant Health Service as a ‘Registered Forestry Trader’. In accordance with EC
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law anyone producing, trading in, or importing controlled forestry material must be
registered with the Forestry Commission and issued a unique registration number. This
means that by now all timber importers and agents should be registered with the FC.
However, if inspectors come across an importer or agent who is not registered, they
should inform Edinburgh Office immediately so that an application form can be sent out
for completion.
If no credit account exists when the material is cleared then a standard proforma letter
provided by the Regional Manager should be issued and copied to Plant Health HQ.
The importer/agent who requires a credit account must complete an Application to Open
a Credit Account form and send it direct to the Credit Manager at FC HQ. Credit
Management will perform the necessary credit worthiness checks before opening the
account and issue the importer/agent with a unique Customer Number (different from the
registration number) which they must quote to the Plant Health Inspector at the time of
inspection.
A customer must settle his balance by the end of the month following the month in which
the inspection was carried out (30 days net) except where he has applied for, and been
given, a longer period of credit.
Payment can be by cheque made payable to “The Forestry Commission” and sent direct
to Credit Management Division at HQ via PO box number 17777 EH12 7ZE. The
customer must write his Customer Number and the serial numbers of PHF28s to which
the cheque relates on the back of the cheque or on invoice transaction report. BACS
and CHAPS payments are also acceptable (CHAPS costs £15 for each transaction and
is really only used for urgent payments ie when a credit limit has been exceeded).
A Customer who has exceeded his credit or has not settled his outstanding account
balance within the agreed period will not be given further credit until a payment is
received.
Finance will inform Regional Managers of defaulters so that they can
implement clearances on a cash up front basis.
2.13
Who is responsible for payment ?
The person or organisation who requests (via an ‘Inspection Request Form) an
inspection is responsible for paying the fee. This may be an agent, an importer or an
individual. Where payment is to be made via a credit account the agent may supply the
inspector with the Customer Number(s) of one or more of the importers on whose behalf
he is working. In these instances a separate PHF28 will be issued in respect of each
importer for invoicing.
2.14
Collecting the Fees
There are three forms of payment accepted for PHF28s:
Credit Account
Cheque
Cash (only in exceptional circumstances – to be actively discouraged by inspectors)
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2.15
Credit Account
A list of current credit account holders is provided by HQ (see Credit Accounts - List and
the Letters of Authorisation list). These lists will be regularly updated by Plant Health
Service HQ as and when necessary. Should any changes arise that require immediate
notification the inspector will be advised accordingly. Inspectors should ensure that;
1.
2.
The importer / agent has a credit limit and an account number
The agent is authorised to use the importer’s account number
If there are any problems in meeting these criteria the inspector should inform the
Regional Manager immediately.
2.16
Cash / Cheque
Cash payments should be actively discouraged by inspectors.
However, in
exceptional circumstances eg first clearance for a new customer who has probably not
registered as a Registered Forestry Trader, where cash is offered for payment, the
inspector must give the importer/agent a receipt for the cash. The cash must be
receipted on an official serially numbered Forestry Commission A35 form, provided by
Plant Health Service HQ. The serial number of the A35 form should be clearly annoted
on the PHF28 form.
Instructions on how to complete an A35 are provided in the forms section of this manual
- see Plant Health Forms - A35.
The importer will be given the top (white) copy, the green copy must be attached to the
Credit Managers copy of the PHF28 and sent to Plant Health Service HQ. The blue copy
to be retained in the book for audit purposes.
The inspector’s A35 book will be identified by the serial numbers, and the inspector must
present the book to the Regional Manager or other FC Officers for audit and
management review purposes when required.
The cash, when accepted, must be banked within 2 working days of receipt. The cash
should be banked at the most convenient branch of the HSBC in England and Wales
and the Bank of Scotland in Scotland.
Specially printed HSBC Bank Giro Credit forms will be provided by Plant Health Service
HQ.
Cheques should be sent to Plant Health Service HQ together with the A35 green copy
and Credit Managers PHF28.
A guide to the completion of the form is provided in Plant Health Forms - Bank Giro
Credit.
Once the cash / cheque has been accepted by the inspector, and it is for the correct
amount, then the Certificate of Clearance can be issued. The A35 receipt number
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should be annotated on the corresponding PHF28 Certificate of Clearance for crossreferencing.
2.17
Maintaining Weekly Records of Inspections Performed
Inspectors shall maintain brief records of the inspections that they perform in a simple
spreadsheet. The following details of inspections must be recorded weekly by the
inspector for submission to the Plant Health Service as supporting information for
monthly invoices –
Vessel name
Location
Date of Inspection
Country of Origin
Inspection Type
Hrs Travel
Hrs on Site
Volume Inspected (m3)
PHF28 No Issued
Problem Encountered
Other Notes
These records should also be summarised by inspection type as follows Summary of Plant Health Types (these codes may be subject to change)
Job Code 76TIMBER 076CHINA 94CONWPM 76DUNNGE 94ADUNGE 76PWNSUR 76LARLIC 76PFASUR 76PHALB 76RFTVIS 76EXPPHY 76PHYTOP 76PESTFU 76PZWORK 76APZWRK
94APZWRK 76PRTTRP Operational Description All work associated with controlled timber inspections ie documentary, identity and
physical plant health check, issuing of PHF28 Containerised stone WPM checks on material CN 2514, 2515,2516,6801,6802 from
China Inspections of all containerised consignment inspections other than controlled timber
and stone material from China involving CN Codes 2514, 2515, 2516, 6801 and 6802 Original contracted dunnage inspection work performed from April 2012 Additional dunnage checks (new work performed from 1 April 2014) Annual Scheduled Pine Wood Nematode Surveys in Woodlands Larch Phytophthora Processing and Movement Licensing work Pest Free Area Surveys (restricted to West of Scotland Surveys) Asian Longhorn Beetle Survey Work Registered Forestry Traders Visits Export Phytosanitary Certification Inspections Phytophthora Survey Work (very restricted as countries mainly do this work now) Pest Find Follow up work – investigating pest finds by the public Protected Zone Survey work in original contract from April 2012 Denny to Beauly Pylon line protected zone work or other PZ work not associated with
original contract or Defra funded 094 work
Additional Protected Zone Work from 1 April 2014 Pheromone Port Trapping Work 18
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76PTLTRP 076 PH OPM 94WOODCP 94PELLET 94FIREIM 94FIREPR 94PETTRD 94FURNIT 94BARKWD 76AUDITL 94BARKFR 076PHOTH 3
3.1
Pine Tree Lappet Moth Trapping Oak Processionary Moth (OPM Surveyors only) Woodchip inspections where PHF28’s are not required ie EU material Wood pellet inspections analysis for fungal pathogens Firewood import inspections where PHF28s are not required Firewood premises inspections Wooden Pet trade product inspections Wooden Furniture inspections Other Bark and wood products inspections in non regulated Chapt. 44 CN Codes Auditing phytophthora processing or harvesting sites for licence condition compliance European bark free declaration checks Plant Health OTHER (any other PH Work not allocated a job code) Pheromone Trap Inspections
A Guide
The pheromone traps are used to trap quarantine pests, its main function is to detect the
presence of a quarantine pests in a location.
3.2
Trap Location
The traps are to be located at premises where ‘high risk’ material eg low-grade dunnage
associated with the transportation of heavy metals machinery etc is likely or known to be
to be landed.
3.3
a.
b.
c.
•
•
•
Siting of the Traps
The locations must be agreed by the Regional Manager.
The location must comply with both the Forestry Commission’s and the inspector’s
H&S Risk Assessment for this activity.
The location must be in an effective position for catching beetles i.e. the trap
should be:
approximately 1.5 m above the ground
the trap must be positioned to allow air to flow through it
the trap must be placed upwind of the prevailing wind direction
Trap Baiting
During the beetle flight season, generally April – September each year the traps will be
baited with pheromone lure sachets, which will be replaced at eight weekly intervals or at
intervals prescribed by the Regional Manager.
3.4
The Inspection
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a.
b.
c.
3.5
Looking for identifiable Plant Health quarantine pests
Looking for evidence of any interference with the trap, deliberate or otherwise
Assessment of whether the site continues to be the correct one, given the
conditions at the port.
Finding an Insect
When insects are found that the inspector cannot identify they should be sent to
Entomology Branch, Forest Research, , Alice Holt Lodge, Wrecclesham, Farnham,
Surrey GU10 4LH. Additionally ALL suspected quarantine pests should be sent to the
Entomology Branch for quick identification.
All insect, bark and wood specimens should be sent in the sample bottles or bags
provided by Plant Health Service.
All samples should be accompanied with Plant Health form PH20.
A guide to the completion of the form is provided in Plant Health Forms - PH20
4
4.1
Protected Zone Surveys
A Guide
Protected Zone Surveys are used to detect the presence of a quarantine pest or to prove
their absence from Great Britain or certain areas of the country as with Ips typographus
and Dendroctonus micans respectively.
4.2
Plot Location
Traps are to be located at primarily spruce forest locations throughout Great Britain or in
forests / woods where a high risk of infestation is likely.
4.3
a.
b.
c.
4.4
a.
Siting of the Plots
Plots will be sited at the given map grid reference or as close as is reasonably
practical. The site must be agreed by the Regional Manager and Entomology, FRA.
The site must comply with both the Forestry Commission’s and the inspectors H&S
Risk Assessment for this activity.
The plot should be clear of any overhanging canopy and in the open i.e. a rack or a
ride in the forest or wood.
Plot Survey Method
The plot should consist of a minimum of 10 bait logs (these should be from a
vigorously growing spruce tree) per site and be approximately 1 metre long with a
minimum top diameter of 12 centimetres and a minimum bark thickness of 2.5 mm.
The bait logs should be placed on bearers and have air flow around them.
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b. 24 trees around the site must be numbered 1-24. These can be either in a cardinal
survey (6 trees in a cluster at each point of the compass), or a radial survey (24
randomly spaced trees in a radius of 25 metres of the plot centre). The preferred
method is the cardinal survey.
c. If dead trees are encountered as survey trees, they should only be included if they
are recently (less than 1 year) dead.
d. Plot logs should be felled and set up in March with a view to baiting in April. If a
spruce tree cannot be found on site one should be used from an alternative site.
This applies where there is a spruce stand available – if not pine may be used.
e. The Plots should be re-baited as and when the Regional Manager instructs but
generally every eight weeks throughout the beetle flight season i.e. April –
September.
4.5
The Inspection
a. The 24 standing trees should be inspected using binoculars, looking for general
b.
c.
•
•
•
4.6
crown symptoms such as crown death (thinning or browning of the foliage). The
presence of resin tubes or loose bark also needs investigating, as these are all
symptoms of bark beetle attack. As Dentroctonous micans only attacks standing
trees this is the only method used for the detection of this particular pest i.e. there is
no pheromone lure which attracts these beetles.
Plot logs. These should be checked every 6 - 8 weeks (when the logs are re-baited).
Logs should be checked for evidence of adult beetle entry, signified by bore dust
(which in the case of Ips typographus, is normally orange). Destructive sampling of
the logs should be carried out in September when advised by the Regional Manager
.
Sampling should be carried out as follows examine the logs for the presence of adult emergence holes (Circular, with a
diameter of between 1.5 and 3.0 mm) noting how many on a given log.
remove the bark from each log. If no attacks have taken place the bark will be
difficult to remove and it will be better to sample different parts of the log to detect
successful attack.
carefully examine the removed bark and the surface of the wood for the presence of
bark beetle galleries.
Finding an Insect
When insects, evidence of insect activity or symptoms of diseased timber are found that
the inspector are of a quarantine concern specimens should be sent to Forest Research
Shobdon, Leominster Hereford HR6 9PB for the attention of Mr N Fielding. However
ALL suspected quarantine pests should be sent for identification.
All samples should be sent in the sample bottles provided by Plant Health Service, if any
infested bark is found this should be sent, in the sample bags provided. All sample
bottles and bags should be labelled with the site, tree number and location.
All samples should be accompanied with Plant Health form PH20.
A guide to the completion of the form is provided in Plant Health Forms - PH20
The final destructive sample results should be completed on the Protected Zone Survey
Plot Report form. Guidance on the filling in of this form will be provided when required.
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5. Registered Traders Inspections
5.1 Introduction
Under article 6 of Council Directive 77/93/EEC, producers and traders of controlled
forestry material must be registered with the Forestry Commission in order to have the
authority to issue plant passports and be updated with Plant Health legislation. Importers
must also be registered (article 12.6) and article 6 applies where Plant Passports are
required. Passports accompany the material to indicate that the relevant controls for
that material have been followed and to facilitate trace-back of material to its source.
Registered Traders are subject to certain obligations under article 2 of Commission
Directive 92/90/EEC. Summarised, these obligations are:
a.
b.
c.
d.
e.
f.
to keep an up-to-date plan of the premises;
to keep records of passported material received, stored or dispatched for at
least a year;
to appoint a designated contact who is technically skilled in Plant Health
matters and who is available for liaison with Forestry Commission
inspectors;
to carry out physical plant health checks and to report infringements to an
inspector;
to ensure inspectors’ access to premises, records and controlled material;
to otherwise co-operate with the Forestry Commission.
Registered Traders must, by law, be inspected at least once annually (these are
currently suspended pending a review of their necessity except for exporters of
roundwood to Ireland and importers of bark or bark retaining material) to ensure that
they are meeting their obligations. Following an inspection the Registered Trader must
sign an Annual Declaration of Undertaking (PHF10) to indicate that he is willing and able
to continue to meet his obligations.
5.2 Who is to be inspected ?
Only those registered with status ‘R’ (registered to issue or receive plant passports)
need be inspected. There is a charge for a RFT’s premises inspection.
Registered Traders with status ‘R’ on the HQ database have been sent a questionnaire
asking them if they require to retain the authority to issue or receive plant passports. Of
the 760 or so who were sent the questionnaire, only about 90 have indicated that they
wish to keep their status as ‘R’. They will need to be inspected and charged for the
inspection. Each RM will be sent the addresses, registration numbers and designated
contacts of each of the Registered Traders in their region requiring an inspection
Those traders who have indicated that they wish to relinquish their authority to issue
plant passports, together with those who have not replied to the questionnaire, will have
been sent a letter telling them that their status has been changed and they are no longer
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able to issue or receive plant passports.
Registered Traders requiring inspections.
This exercise may throw up a few more
5.3 Inspections
The inspector must contact the Designated Person (DP) at least a week prior to the
inspection to arrange a convenient appointment to carry out the inspection. He must
make it clear what it is that he is coming to inspect so that the DP has the opportunity to
make himself and the company’s records available. The DP cannot delegate this
meeting to another colleague. The inspector must also send the DP a Health & Safety
questionnaire to be completed for the production premises. On arrival at the Registered
Trader’s premises, the inspector must present a Plant Health Risk Assessment for
“Inspection of Registered Traders” to the DP.
Using booklet PH8 ‘Plant Health and the Single Market’, the inspector must carry out an
inspection to satisfy himself that the Registered Trader is meeting his obligations. He
must check plant passports, delivery notes and invoices to ensure:
•
•
•
•
that the correct registration number is used;
that the correct Protected Zone code is used;
that all controlled material is properly identified;
(from inspection of invoices) that all controlled material has had a Plant
Passport issued where one is required.
He must record any error found. He must report any errors to the DP at the time of the
inspection and follow this up with confirmation in writing. He must seek confirmation from
the DP that appropriate steps will be taken to prevent these errors from happening again
and the inspector must satisfy himself as to the nature and suitability of these steps.
Where he is not satisfied, he must inform the DP that he will recommend to Plant Health
Service HQ that registration be suspended and that the suspension will remain in force
until such times as matters have been put right following a further (chargeable)
inspection.
If there is any controlled forestry material on site, the inspector must check it for plant
health risk. Any infringements must be dealt with in the usual way and Plant Health
Service, HQ must be informed immediately. Such findings must be reported to the DP
and treated as a failure to meet the obligations.
One of the key elements of the registration and Plant Passport regime is the ability of the
DP to ensure that all of the obligations are being met. It is essential that he can
demonstrate this to the inspector during the inspection and the inspector must be
satisfied that the DP is conversant with the Plant Health rules which apply to him and to
the material he trades in. While he may delegate some of the day to day work to others,
the DP cannot delegate meeting the inspector. Inspectors should be ready to question
whether the most appropriate person has been appointed as the DP and to accept or
request a change. Any new DP must complete and sign a new Declaration of
Undertaking before approval is given and a second, chargeable, inspection will be
required. This must be carried out within one month of the date of signature of the
Undertaking.
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5.4 Interviewing the RP
The inspector must satisfy himself that the DP is aware of his responsibilities. In order to
do this he may ask a selection of the questions from Section 6 of the Operational
Guidelines for Plant Health Work or he may ask him questions based on the handout
‘EU Controlled Material - what the “Designated Person” should look for’ .
The DP must be aware that he has a legal responsibility to report any infringements to
the Plant Health Service immediately.
The DP must have a deputy who can stand in for him if he is absent but the DP must
meet the inspector during inspections.
All registered traders were sent booklet PHL8 “Plant Health and the Single Market” when
they registered. It is the responsibility of the DP to know the whereabouts of this booklet
and to be familiar with its contents.
If the inspector is not satisfied that the DP is fully competent in his responsibilities, he
must explain the responsibilities to the DP and if he feels it necessary, he must arrange
a follow-up inspection. This will incur an inspection charge.
5.5 After the Inspection
If the inspector is satisfied that the Registered Trader meets his legal obligations he
must get the DP to complete an Annual Declaration of Undertaking (PHF10) and to sign
PHF8 to agree the inspector’s assessment and accept the charge. He must send this
form, together with a completed PHF8 form to Plant Health HQ so that the data can be
entered onto the database of Registered Traders.
He should invite the Registered Trader to take a copy of the PHF8 if he wishes (if there
are no copying facilities the inspector may post a copy later).
If the inspector is not satisfied that the Registered Trader meets his legal obligations, but
that the failure is of a minor nature and easily put right, he may give a warning, followed
up in writing, and arrange a follow-up inspection within a month. He must warn the
Registered Trader that he risks having his registration suspended which would result in
his not being able to trade in controlled EU material. More serious failures must be
referred to the Operations Manager.
If the inspector feels there has been a serious infringement of the law he must not say
anything that might jeopardise legal proceedings. He must say that an offence may have
been committed and that the facts will be reported and then he must leave the premises
and report his findings to Plant Health HQ immediately.
5.6 Inspection Charges
Each inspection is subject to a charge, as set out in the Plant Health (Fees)(Forestry)
Regulations 1999, as amended. The current fee is £37 for the first hour, including travel
time to and from the place of inspection, and office time. For the purpose of calculating
the fee to be charged for each visit, it will be assumed that each inspection will incur 1
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hour’s travel and office time in total and therefore an initial charge of £37 will apply in all
cases. Inspectors must record their time of arrival, or agreed appointment time
(whichever is the later), and their departure time on form PHF8. This will attract a charge
of £9.25 per 15 minutes or part thereof thereafter.
Where an agreed appointment is not kept, and the inspector is not given prior notice and
arrives at the premises, a charge of £37 will apply and a PHF8, suitably annotated in
Section 6, must be completed and copied to the DP.
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6
6.1
Plant Health Forms
PHF28 - Certificate of Clearance
These are the instructions for completing the form.
Plant Health Contract Region
The Region in which the timber entered Great Britain eg Scotland, NE&NW, E Eng or
SE&SW
Tel Contact
This should be a telephone number where the inspector can be contacted during the
working day, or a message can be left by any person with an enquiry.
1.
Importer/Agent Name and Address Section
Full name of Importer/Agent and the address they use for correspondence with Plant
Health Service.
Customer No
Forestry Commission Credit Customer Account No only to be used when the customer is
paying using their credit facility. When importer/agent is using another party’s account
no, authorisation must have been provided to the Forestry Commission (see list of
authorised account users in the Credit Accounts section). If not then leave blank.
Customer Name
Complete only if the importer/agent is using another party’s account no, then use this
field to record the full name of that party.
A letter of Authority should have been
received by Plant Health which authorises the use of the credit account number. If not
then leave blank.
Customer Ref.
Enter if the customer provides their own reference number/code for the application for
the PHF28. If not then leave blank.
2
Landing Section
Port of Landing
The port where the timber entered Great Britain eg Tilbury, Rosyth, Liverpool, Cardiff etc
Name of Vessel
In the case of containers/trailers, the name of the vessel conveying the container/trailer.
If this is not known then leave the field blank.
Three Days Advance Notice Given?
This field is used to monitor how much notice importers and agents are giving us prior to
the arrival of a shipment. By law they must give us at least 3 days advance notice.
If 3 days’ notice is given then enter ‘Y’. If not then enter ‘N’.
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Container Number(s)
Enter container / lorry / trailer numbers here.
Declared Date of Discharge
In the case where a ship takes several days to unload, the date of completion of
unloading should be entered here.
Customs Entry Number
If this information is available enter here. If not then leave blank.
3
Certification Section
The options to delete as appropriate, are PC, RPC, or IC.
These are as follows:
PC - Phytosanitary Certificate
RPC - Re-forwarded Phytosanitary Certificate
Industry Certificate e.g. Mill Certificate or Heat Treatment Certificate
4
The Consignment/Charges Section
Country of origin/export
Enter country or countries of origin
Description of consignment
Enter the following details if known.
Species eg Picea, Quercus etc
Number of packs
Quantity declared
The consignment’s volume must be declared to the nearest cubic metre (rounded up). If
several volumes are entered they must be added together and the total rounded up to
the nearest cubic metre.
Amount due
The amount charged must be calculated using the total quantity declared multiplied by
the current rate.
If the charge calculated is below the current minimum charge, then the minimum charge
must be levied.
Method of payment
Tick the appropriate box i.e. either Account, Cheque or Cash. Annotate the A35 receipt
number on the PHF if payment is made by the latter two methods.
Charges agreed by importer/agent
Where possible, the agent/importer should sign and date the certificate to agree the
charge.
Inspection Request Form
Enter name of company which completed and issued form as appropriate.
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5.
Forestry Commission Inspection Section
Goods
Inspected/Documentary Check Only/Released for Inspection at Approved Premises
Delete as appropriate.
Signed
Must be the signature of the inspector who performed the inspection.
Name of Inspector
The name of the inspector who performed the inspection.
Date
The date that the PHF28 is issued.
Forestry Commission Stamp
All PHF28s issued must be stamped with the official Forestry Commission ink stamp
PHF28 Copies
HM Customs Copy (must completed in neat, legible and clear handwriting)
These copies should be supplied to the agent/importer eitherby email or fax for onward transmission to HMRC* (the majority of occassions)
to be left at an agreed location for onward transmission to HMRC*
*NB: With HMRC’s Centralisation of Entry Point Units (EPUs) at their National Clearance
Hub (NCH), Customs House, Furness Quay, Salford, Manchester M50 3ZZ in 2006/07
the provision of copy PHF28’s to Customs with became the responsibility of
Agents/Importers. FC Plant Health Inspectors are not responsible for the transmission
of copy PHF28 forms to HMRC.
In the event that the HMRC copy is emailed or faxed to the agent/importer the original
paper copy should be attached to the original phytosanitary certificates and forwarded to
the Regional Manager along with the Plant Health copy (see below)
Credit Manager’s Copy (for Sales Ledger Invoicing)
The Credit Manager’s copy must be posted direct to Plant Health Service, Forestry
Commission, 231 Corstorphine Road Edinburgh EH12 7AT.
NB These copies must be sent on the Friday of each week for prompt invoicing
purposes.
This is a performance indicator for each inspector which will be
monitored by the PHS.
Plant Health Copy
The Plant Health copy must be attached to the appropriate phytosanitary certificates.
The Plant Health copies must reach the Regional Manager by no later than the 8th day of
the month, following the month of issue.
Phytosanitary certificates must be neatly
28
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stapled at the back of the PHF28 form before they are forwarded to the Regional
Manager for review.
Importer’s/Agents Copy
In the event that the Importer/Agent receives an emailed or faxed copy of the HMRC
copy (see above) this copy is generally not required by agent / importer. However, if the
Importer/Agent does not receive a faxed or emailed copy of the HMRC copy then the
Importer/Agent copy can either be delivered-by hand
-left at an agreed location
In the event that the HMRC copy is emailed or faxed to the agent/importer (making the
Importer/Agent copy redundant) the original paper copy of the Importer’s copy should be
attached to the original phytosanitary certificates and forwarded to the Regional
Manager along with the Plant Health copy (see above)
Cancelled Forms
In the event of a completed PHF28 form being cancelled all four copies should be clearly
marked ‘CANCELLED’ and the reason for the cancellation should be annotated on the
form. All four copies should be stapled together and returned to Plant Health, HQ for
audit review purposes.
6.2
PHF3 - Statutory Notice
These are the instructions for completing the form.
Reference
The reference should be made up of the following:
UK/PH
the inspector’s initials
the date of the issue of the notice
For example if David Smith was to issue a notice on 10 April 2000, the reference would
be:
UK/PH/DS/10042000
In the event that more than one notice may be served at the same location on the same
date, then subsequent notices should have a suffix letter starting with a. Therefore the
second notice would be:
UK/PH/DS/10042000a
Section 1 - About the Importer
Name - The name of the company responsible for the cargo.
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Address - The address used should be the one where the ‘designated contact’ is
based.
Designated contact - The person to whom the notice will be handed.
Tel No and Fax No - These should be for the address at which the designated contact
is based.
Section 2 - About the Material
Type of Commodity
Delete as applicable, if not on the list then the inspector must specify.
Botanical Name
i.e. the Latin name, if the species is not known then the inspector must write ‘NOT
KNOWN’.
Phytosanitary/Industry Certificate No
This is the serial number of the certificate. If there is no certificate, in the case of
dunnage for example, then the inspector must write ‘NOT APPLICABLE’.
Country of Origin
If the origin is not known then the inspector must write ‘NOT KNOWN’
Means of Entry
The choices are: Ship, Rail, Air or ‘NOT KNOWN’.
Vessel/Flight, Container, Trailer or Vehicle Number
If the mode of transport is known then the choices are: Ship’s name, flight number,
container or trailer number, or vehicle registration number. Otherwise the inspector must
write ‘NOT KNOWN’.
Distinguishing Marks
These should be marks, which will allow the person being served with the notice to be
able to identify the material.
Marks such as the timber marks or packaging can be used. Where these marks are not
available or it is difficult to distinguish between the material which is subject to the notice
and that which is not, the inspector can add his own marks to the material and place a
brief description in this box. For example, ‘All material marked with two red crosses’.
Quantity (Volume, Number of Packs/Pieces/Mass
Where the volume is known then this should be used, otherwise use the number of
packs or pieces. If this is difficult to establish then the inspector must put some form of
estimate down and must mark it as such.
Date of Landing/Arrival
If the date is not known then the inspector must write ‘NOT KNOWN’.
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Port of Arrival and Present Location of Material
Self explanatory.
Section 3 - Reason for Interception and/or Detention
Its landing in Great Britain is prohibited
Should be ticked where the timber itself is (or suspected of) being in breach of Great
Britain landing requirements.
There is no phytosanitary documentation
Where controlled timber (or suspected controlled timber) does not have an
accompanying certificate.
The Phytosanitary/Industry Certificate is invalid
Examples of this include:
a.
The certificate was issued more than 14 days prior to shipment
b.
For heat treatment certificates, the mill number quoted on the certificate is not on
the Approved Mill List as copied to Plant Health HQ.
It has not been stripped of bark /is not bark-free/is not squared to remove entirely
the rounded surface
This should be ticked when timber with a landing requirement of being bark free is
landed with bark on, and has not been kiln-dried.
It is suspected of being infested with a quarantine pest
Should be ticked when there is evidence of, or indeed a pest has been found. This will
be used to highlight the fact that any action taken must be prompt to prevent the pest
spreading.
It has not been subject to a specified treatment eg stripped of bark, heat
treatment, kiln drying etc
Should be ticked when timber is marked as kiln-dried but following measurements being
taken is found to have not. Or another example is coniferous timber from North America
not receiving any heat treatment prior to shipping.
Section 4 - Measures to be Taken
Re-exported and not landed anywhere in the European Community
This action is to be used on cargoes which pose an immediate and major risk to Great
Britain forests, also can be used in action against persistent offenders with whom lesser
actions have not brought about any improvements.
Destroyed in a manner agreed with me by __/__/__ (date)
Self explanatory, the usual method is by burning.
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The date is important, the greater the risk the sooner it must be done.
Held in the location described in Section 2 pending further inspection and/or
sampling
This action is for occasions where the inspector is not certain of the risk posed by the
material. Therefore the material can be held at that location until the Regional Manager
can arrive to confirm the situation or until any tests needed can be carried out.
Fumigated in accordance with a Forestry Commission approved specification, to
be completed by __/__/__Date
Self explanatory. The date is important, the greater the risk the sooner it must be done.
Treated in the following manner
This section can be used to amplify any of the above measures.
Section 5 - Forestry Commission Declaration
Signed
Usually the Regional Manager will sign a notice, however if the authority has been
delegated to the inspector they should add ‘as directed by …..’ after their own signature.
Name
The inspector’s name should be written in block capitals.
Date
The date of issue.
Address
This address is meant for any future correspondence between the importer and Plant
Health Service therefore the address given should be the Regional Managers address.
Tel No
This should be the Regional Managers telephone number, and should be a number
where contact can be made during normal working hours, or a message can be left by
the inspector.
Fax No
This should be the Regional Managers number.
Further Instructions
The notice should be served in person on the named individual on the notice, a copy
may be faxed with the original delivered or posted afterwards.
All notices issued must be stamped with the Forestry Commission stamp in the box on
the bottom right-hand corner of the back page and a copy of the document forwarded to
the Regional Manager.
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6.3
A35 - Forestry Commission Sub Accountant Receipt
As stated in Section 1, the form A35 is to be used when giving an importer a receipt for
payment made by cash or cheque.
These instructions identify the information which is required for completion.
Cost centre
The Cost Centre number for Plant Health service is 076.
Purchaser
The purchaser is the importer/agent who has made the payment.
Description
Within this section the inspector must put the following information for each certificate of
clearance issued against the payment:
state the serial number of the PHF28 certificate
Quantity
This is the volume of timber for each certificate in cubic metres.
Price
This is the unit amount per cubic metre charged for the inspection. These are statutory
charges which are zero rated for VAT i.e. VAT is NOT applicable.
Amount
This is the amount charged.
The total box is the sum of the charges levied.
Signed
The inspector must sign this section.
Date
The date the certificate was issued and payment received.
Cancelled Forms
In the event of a receipt being cancelled all three copies should remain in the book
marked ‘Cancelled’ and the reason for cancellation annotated on the form.
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6.4
Bank Giro Credit
As stated in Section 1, all payments received by cash or cheque must be banked into
the correct account.
These instructions identify the type of information required so that any queries may be
dealt with in the future.
Week No
The Forestry Commission Week number and the Plant Health location number 076
should be entered along side the signature box. A list of week numbers is provided with
miscellaneous Information.
Ensure that the bank giro counterfoil is completed and stamped by the bank.
PHF28 numbers
Bank giro plus A35 (green copy) are attached to Credit Manager’s copy of the PHF28
and sent to Plant Health Service HQ.
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6.5
PH20
These are the instructions for completing PH20 forms.
Ref. number
Should be 076 followed by inspectors initials followed by the date of find.
i.e. an insect found by Dave Smith on the 1st of April 2000 would be :076/DS/01042000
Part 1.1
The Accompanying Specimen(s) is/are Forwarded for Identification
Name
The name of the relevant Regional Manager
Address
The address of the relevant Regional Manager
Attention of:
Tick (9) Entomology for insects and Pathology for diseases / fungi
Tick (9) either Pheromone trap, PZ survey plot or landed material as appropriate and go
to section indicated.
Part 1.2
Source of Specimen(s)
a.
Location
Location insect found i.e. Hull dock
Trap No
If trap numbers are allocated put this number here
Specimen(s) live YES/NO 1
Delete as appropriate
b.
Survey Plot Site Number
Enter allocated survey plot site number
Specimen(s) live YES/NO 2
Delete as appropriate
Part 1.3
only)
Details of Specimen(s) Submitted for Identification (landed material
a.
Country and port of origin
Enter as appropriate
b.
Host material
Tick (9) if known, if not known include a piece of the host material with sample
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c.
Type of host material
Tick (9) appropriate box
d.
If bark present, condition
Decide condition of bark and tick box
e.
Disease symptoms
Tick (9) appropriate box if other is ticked please comment in part 1.5
f.
Pest stages present
Tick (9) appropriate box
Part 1.4
Import Details (landed material only)
Date of entry
Enter date on which the material was landed in Great Britain
Port of entry
Enter port in which the material was landed in Great Britain
Customs entry No
Enter customs entry number, contact H&M Customs / importing agent for this
information
Volume of consignment
Enter total volume of consignment landed in Great Britain
Quantity affected
Estimate the quantity of affected material in cubic metres
Present location
Current location of affected material
Ship / Truck / Flight
Enter entry method into Great Britain
Marks / Ref. No
Enter any identifying marks or reference numbers that identify the material
Form PH2 or PH4 issued ?
Delete as appropriate
Form PH3 issued?
Delete as appropriate
Part 1.5
Inspectors Additional Remarks*
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Enter any additional remarks relevant to the affected material and any other disease
symptoms.
The form should then be signed, dated and sent to the Forest Research Agency,
Entomology Branch at Alice Holt Lodge Wrecclesham Farnham Surrey GU10 4LH.
Additional information
The Regional Manager should be informed of the infringement and will decide if further
action is required.
The reverse of the PH20 will be completed by Forest Research Agency and returned to
the Regional Manager, the inspector will then be notified of the results.
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7
Health and Safety
7.1
Plant Health Safety Statement
Inspections must be carried out using the equipment specified by Plant Health Service.
The Inspector must provide and maintain this equipment. The Regional Manager will ask
for a demonstration of the equipment to satisfy themselves that it is in good working
order and that the Inspector is using it correctly.
7.2
Minimum
Employees)
a.
b.
c.
d.
e.
Health
and
Safety
Equipment
(Required
by
Direct
Safety Helmet to BS………….
Safety Boots to BS……….
Hi visibility waistcoat or jacket
Personal First Aid Kit
Vehicle First Aid Kit
NB a, b, and c should be worn at all times when carrying out Plant Health duties
7.3
Other Equipment Required
a.
Hand held Knife or 25mm Chisel (Authority letter to carry
knives, etc. required from FC)
b.
Hand held wood saw
c.
Torch
d.
Digital Camera
e.
Mobile Phone
f.
Moisture meter
g.
Hand or field lens (at least x 8 magnification)
h.
Personal Computer and MS Office software (or equivalent
compatible software), email facilities and internet access
i.
Portable drill for taking wood core samples from timber for PWN
analysis
j.
Peeling spade
k.
GPS Device
l.
Bags, plastic tubular containers and labels for samples
m.
Recording forms
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n.
Secateurs
o.
Chill box for keeping samples
p.
Biosecurity equipment for cleaning and disinfecting footwear and
equipment on site
q.
Approved disinfectant (e.g. Cleankill Sanitising Spray)
r.
Appropriate PPE for working conditions.
s.
Office Stationery
8
Miscellaneous Information
8.1
Amendments and Guidance Notes
For time to time amendments will be made to up date the contents of this manual and
inspectors are required to ensure that it is amended immediately after receipt of the
amendment. Additionally the most current practice should be implemented as soon as
practicable after receipt of the amendments.
Guidance notes will be issued to complement information contained in the Manual and
similarly the practice advocated through these should be implemented as soon as
practicable.
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Appendix 6
9.
Wood Packaging Material and Dunnage (ISPM15)
9.1 Import requirements for wood and wood packaging material (including
dunnage) entering the European Community – ISPM15
On the 1st March 2005 measures were enforced by the European Union and its Member
states for wood packaging material (coniferous and non-coniferous raw wood) used for
the import of objects of all kinds from all countries, with the exception of Switzerland. In
particular the relevant provisions of the Plant Health Directive 200/89/EC on wood
packaging material were aligned with provisions of the FAO International Standard for
Phytosanitary Measures No. 15 (SPM15) on Guidelines for regulating wood packaging
material in international trade. ISPM15 was adopted in 2002 and an increasing number
of countries are putting in place import requirements in line with this phytosanitary
standard. The measures of the European Community are to practically eliminate the risk
for most quarantine pests such as Asian Longhorn Beetle and Pine Wood Nematode
and significantly reduce the risk from a number of other pests that may be associated
with that material.
The new rules, which are set out in Commission Directive 2004/102/EC, have been
incorporated into our national legislation.
9.2 Specific requirements of the European Community
From the 1st March 2005 wood packaging material (such as packing cases, cases,
boxes, crates, drums and similar packings, palllets, box pallets and other load boards,
pallet collars) can only be imported into the European Community if they meet the
following requirements.
The wood packaging material shall:
• be made from debarked round wood* and
• be subject to one of the approved measures as specified in ISPM15, notably;
•
•
•
•
heat treatment of the wood packaging material that achieves a minimum temperature
of 56 degrees Celsius for a minimum of 30 continuous minutes throughout the, or
Dielectric heating to achieve a minimum temperature of 60oC for 1 continuous
minute throughout the entire profile of the wood (including its core) or,
the wood packaging material should be fumigated with Methyl bromide in alignment
with requirements described in Annex 1 of ISPM15 and
display a mark with;
the two-letter ISO country code, a code identifying the producer and the code
identifying the approved measure applied to the wood packaging material as
specified in Annex II of ISPM15.
•
Use of debarked wood –
Irrespective of the type of treatment applied, wood packaging material must be made of
debarked wood. For this standard, any number of visually separate and clearly distinct
small pieces of bark may remain if they are:
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- less than 3 cm in width (regardless of the length) or
- greater than 3 cm in width, with the total surface area of an individual piece of bark less
than 50 square cm.
ISPM15 Sample Mark
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9.3 Exceptions
It is important to note that these requirements do not apply to raw wood of 6mm thickness or
less, and wood packaging material constructed entirely from processed wood produced by
glue, heat and pressure, or a combination thereof eg plywood, oriented strand board, particle
board etc. Additionally the requirements do not apply to wood packaging material, which is
simply being moved from one EU Member State to another.
9.4
Dunnage
Loose wood used to wedge or support non-wood cargo (also referred to as dunnage), shall
meet the aforementioned ISPM15 requirements for wood packaging material For clarity bearers, stickers and spacers, which are of the same type and quality (ie treatment) as the
timber cargo and they form part of a timber pack they do not need to be treated and marked
to ISPM15 standards. This is because they are certified as meeting our landing requirements
via the phytosanitary, industry or mill certificate which accompanies the pack of timber.
42
Certificate of Clearance
ct.ForestryCOmmiSSion
To: HMRC
Contact tel. no:
1. Importer/agent name and address
Serialno:
Customer credit no:
[if applicable]
Customer registration no:
DDDDDD
Customer ref:
[if required)
2. Landing
Port of landing:
Name of vessel:
Customs entry no:
Declared date of discharge:
Three days advance notice given D
(V/N)
Container nos:
..
3. Certification
';.
Serial No(s): PC/RPC/IC
[delete asappropnate]
New USA Hardwood Certificate used D
.
(V/N)
Country of Origin/Export:
4. The Consignment/Charges
Descriptionof consignment(species.
distinguishingmarks,lot nos.,no.of packsetc)
Breakdownof inspectionCharge
Qty
(rn')
(other than bulk)(Up to 30rn'
+ (for eachadd.30 m3 or part
Bulkshipments < 100m3
> 100m3
f
PlantHealthCheck
Method of Payment(tick one)
7.20
7.20
7.20
14.40
31.20
0.25
< 100rn'
(for eachadd.m') > 100m3
Shavi~s/chips/bark< 25000kg
eachad . 1000 kgor partthereof
up to maximumcharge
31.20
0.49
98.00
ReducedFrequencyInspections<100rn'
Maple from - Canada
23.40
Account:D
Cheque: D
Charge
(£)
7.20
DocumentaryCheck(GB)
Identity Check
Rate No.
(£)
Cash: D
Totals:
Charges agreed by Importer/agent
Signature:
5. Forestry Commission Inspection
Name:
Date:
Inspection request form received from:
Goods: Inspected at Point of Entry/Approved Premises (delete asappropriate). The goods and/or documents described above have been Inspected by me and
found to meet the conditions required under The Plant Health (Forestry)Order 2005 to my satisfaction.
Signed:
Name of Inspector:
Date:
Thiscertificate must be lodged at the same time as the other documents required under the Customs and ExciseManagement Act Failure to do so will result in a
delay In obtaining Customs Clearanceand releaseof the goods. Any unauthonsed alteration given In thrs Certificate will render It Invalid.
THE PLANT HEALTH (FORESTRY)
ORDER 2005
STATUTORY NOTICE TO FORESTRY TRADER (OR OTHER PERSON IN CHARGE OF MATERIAL) DETAINING
SUSPECT EU MATERIAL/DUNNAGE OR PROHIBITING THE LANDING OF RELEVANT MATERIAL, OR SPECIFYING
CONDITIONS TO BE MET IN RESPECT OF RELEVANT MATERIAL WHCH HAS BEEN, OR IS LIKELY TO BE, LANDED
IN GREAT BRITAIN
Note:
This is a Statutory Notice served in accordance with the provisions of the Plant Health (Forestry) Order (hereinafter “the Order)
following an inspection of the material described in Section 2. Statutory Notices may be served on a forestry trader in charge of the
material or the premises in which the material is located. For the purposes of the Order, a forestry trader is defined an importer of relevant
material, a producer of relevant material, or a person in charge of premises used for the storage or, aggregation or dispatch of
consignments of relevant material, “Relevant material” is defined as any tree, wood, isolated bark, soil or growing medium..
Please quote this reference in any communications with us:
Section 1 - About the Forestry Trader (see note above)
Designated contact:
Name:
Tel. No:
Address:
Email:
Fax No:
Section 2 – About the Material
Type of commodity: Logs/sawn wood/wood chips/bark/wood packaging material/loose dunnage/other (specify):Distinguishing marks:
Botanical name
Plant Passport (where appropriate):
EU Country of origin (and export, if different)
Quantity (volume, number of packs/pieces/mass):
Means of conveyance: ship/air/rail//vehicle
Date of landing/arrival:
Vessel/flight, container, trailer or vehicle number
Present location of material:
Section 3 – Reason for interception and/or Detention
The material described in Section 2 is subject to Notice because:Its landing in Great Britain is prohibited
It has not been stripped of bark/is not bark- free
/ is not squared to remove entirely the rounded surface
There is no plant passport/rReplacement
It is suspected of being infested with a quarantine pest
Plant Passport
The Plant Passport/Replacement Plant Passport
Is invlaid
It has not been subject to a specified treatment
eg heat treatment, kiln drying etc
and I accordingly require you to carry out the measures specified in Section 4
S
Section 4 – Measures to be taken
The material or goods described in Section 2 must: -
-
be returned to the consigning EU Member State
-
be destroyed in a manner agreed with me by
-
be held in the location described in Section 2 pending further inspection and/or sampling
-
be treated in the following manner:
/
/
(date)
at (location):
by
/
/
(date)
Section 5 – Forestry Commission Declaration
I have inspected the material described in Section 2 of this notice including, where appropriate, any plant passports which have been
presented to me.
It is my opinion that the relevant material does not comply with the conditions set out in the Plant Health (Forestry) Order 2005 (the
“Order”) for the reasons shown in Section 3.
In accordance with the provisions of Article 31 of the Order, I therefore require the measures set out in Section 4 to be taken by or on
behalf of the person named in Section 1, by the date shown, against the said measure, where appropriate.
Without prejudice to the other provisions of Article 43 of the Order, I have to notify you that it is an offence, under Article 43.1(b) of the
Order to contravene or fail to comply with any provision or condition imposed by this Notice punishable, on summary conviction, by a
fine of up to £5,000.
This notice is without prejudice to Paragraph 46 of Schedule 3 to Regulation 68 of The Environmental Permitting (England and Wales)
Regulations 2007 and Regulation 17 of the Waste Management Licensing Regulations 1994, as amended by the Waste Management
Licensing Amendment (Scotland) Regulations 2003
You should contact me in the first instance :
- if you wish advice on how to comply with the conditions of this Notice or,
- if you know or believe that any of the information given in Sections 1 and 2 is incorrect or,
- if you have any questions about plant health controls generally.
Alternatively, you may call the main Plant Health Service enquiry number Tel: 0131 314 6414 for advice.
Signed:
Name:
Date:
Address: Forestry Commission
Plant Health Service
Silvan House
231 Corstorphine Road
Edinburgh
EH12 7AT
Tel No:
Forestry Commission
Authorised Stamp
Form PH4 (Revised 1/09)
Fax No:
THE PLANT HEALTH (FORESTRY)
ORDER 2005
STATUTORY NOTICE PROHIBITING THE LANDING OF RELEVANT MATERIAL, OR SPECIFYING CONDITIONS TO BE
MET IN RESPECT OF RELEVANT MATERIAL WHCH HAS BEEN, OR IS LIKELY TO BE, LANDED IN GREAT BRITAIN
Note:
This is a Statutory Notice served in accordance with the provisions of the above Order following an inspection of the material
described in Section 2. Statutory Notices may be served on an importer or any other person in charge of the material or the premises in
which the material is located. For the purposes of the Order, an importer is defined as any person who, (whether as owner, consignor or
consignee, agent, broker or otherwise) is in possession of or in any way entitled to custody or control of the tree pest or relevant material
which is likely to be or has been landed in Great Britain from a non-EC country. ‘Relevant material’ is defined as any material to which the
Order applies.
Please quote this reference in any communications with us:
Section 1 - About the Importer (see note above)
Designated contact:
Name:
Tel. No:
Fax No:
Address:
E-Mail:
Section 2 – About the Material
Type of commodity: Logs/sawn wood/wood chips/bark/packing material/loose dunnage/other (specify):Distinguishing marks:
Botanical name
Phytosanitary/Industry Certificate No:
Country of origin (and export, if different
Quantity (volume, number of packs/pieces/mass):
Means of shipment:ship/air/rail
Date of landing/arrival:
Vessel/flight, container, trailer or vehicle number
Port of arrival and present location of material:
Section 3 – Reason for interception and/or Detention
The material described in Section 2 is subject to Notice because:Its landing in Great Britain is prohibited
It has not been stripped of bark/is not bark-free
/is not squared to remove entirely the rounded surface
There is no phytosanitary/industry certificate
It is suspected of being infested with a quarantine pest
The Phytosanitary/Industry certificate is invalid
It has not been subject to a specified treatment
eg heat treatment, kiln drying etc
and I accordingly require you to carry out the measures specified in Section 4
S
Section 4 – Measures to be taken
The material or goods described in Section 2 must: -
-
be re-exported and not landed anywhere in the European Community
-
be destroyed in a manner agreed with me by
-
be held in the location described in Section 2 pending further inspection and/or sampling
-
be landed/removed from premises
-
be treated in the following manner:
/
/
(date)
at (location):
by
/
/
(date)
Section 5 – Forestry Commission Declaration
I have inspected the material described in Section 2 of this notice including, where appropriate, any plant health certificates which have
been presented to me.
It is my opinion that the relevant material does not comply with the conditions set out in the Plant Health (Forestry) Order 2005 and that
it presents a risk of introducing or spreading forest tree pests for the reasons shown in Section 3.
In accordance with the provisions of Article 31 of the Order, I therefore require the measures set out in Section 4 to be taken by or on
behalf of the person named in Section 1, by the date shown against the said measure, where appropriate.
Without prejudice to the other provisions of Article 43 of the Order, I have to notify you that it is an offence, under Article 43.1(b) of the
order to contravene or fail to comply with any provision or condition imposed by this Notice punishable, on summary conviction, by a
fine of up to £5,000.
This notice is without prejudice to Paragraph 46 of Schedule 3 to Regulation 68 of The Environmental Permitting (England and Wales)
Regulations 2007 and Regulation 17 of the Waste Management Licensing Regulations 1994, as amended by the Waste Management
Licensing Amendment (Scotland) Regulations 2003
I have forwarded a copy of this Notice to HM Revenue & Customs.
If you wish advice on how to comply with the conditions of this Notice, or if you know or believe that any of the information given in
Sections 1 and 2 is incorrect, or if you have any questions about plant health controls generally, you should contact me in the first
instance. Alternatively, you may call Plant Health on 0131 314 6414.
Signed:
Address:
Name:
Date:
Tel No:
Forestry Commission
Form PH3 (Revised 6/08)
Fax No:
RFT Inspection Form
INSPECTION OF REGISTERED TRADERS WHO ARE ISSUING OR RECEIVING PLANT PASSPORTS
1. Address of Registered Trader
Reg.No:UK/FC
Designated Person
2. The Plant Passport may either consist of 2 parts – that which is attached to the goods, their packaging,
or the vehicle carrying them (can be a label) and the accompanying document (may be incorporated into
existing invoices, delivery notes etc) or may carry all of the information on the label. Does the plant passport
have the following details:
Y/N
a.
the registered trader’s registration number?
b.
a unique serial number?
c.
the botanical name of the consignment?
d.
the quantity of material in cubic metres?
e.
f.
the Protected Zone code of the member State(s) to which the material is being consigned?
g.
if not in GB, the country of origin?
if appropriate, the Replacement passport code?
Is the Registered Trader - Issuing plant passports? / Receiving plant passports? / Both?
(Circle one of the above)
3. Inspection procedure – it is the responsibility of the registered Trader to inspect material referred to in
Annex V of Directive 2000/29/EC prior to its movement within the EU. Is the “Designated Person”
competent in carrying out the relevant inspections?
Y/N
4. Records/Site Plan – the Registered Trader must keep an up to date plan of the site (including production
sites) and detailed records (for at least 12 months) of all plant passports issued or received by him which can
be used to trace back a consignment to its origin.
a. Are these records/plans available?
Y/N
b. Are they accurate?
5.
Additional Details
6.
Inspection Details
Arrival/Appointment time:……………Departure time: ………………..Hours travelling………………
Inspected by………………………… Signed…………………………………………….
Date…………………………………..
Signature of Designated Person…………………………………………………………………
PHF8 December 2006
1
| RFT Inspection Form
| Plant Health Service |
December 2006
Import inspection fees for wood,
wood products and bark
Controlled material inspection fees
for imports from non-EC countries
Plant Health Guide
© Crown Copyright 2014
You may re-use this information (not including logos or material identified as being the copyright of a third party)
free of charge in any format or medium, under the terms of the Open Government Licence. To view this licence,
visit: www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/doc/open-government-licence or write to the Information Policy Team at
The National Archives, Kew, London TW9 4DU, or e-mail: psi@nationalarchives.gsi.gov.uk.
This publication is also available on our website at: www.forestry.gov.uk/publications
First published in 2001 by the Forestry Commission, Silvan House, 231 Corstorphine Road, Edinburgh EH12 7AT.
This 4th edition published in 2014.
ISBN: 978-0-85538-856-0
Forestry Commission (2014).
Import inspection fees for wood, wood products and bark: controlled material inspection fees for imports from non-EC countries.
Forestry Commission Plant Health Guide. Forestry Commission, Edinburgh.
Keywords: fees; imports; inspection; plant health; regulation.
FCPH002/FC-GB(ECD)/0K-WWW/JUL14
Enquiries relating to this publication should be addressed to:
Forestry Commission
Silvan House
231 Corstorphine Road
Edinburgh EH12 7AT
T: 0300 067 5000
E: publications@forestry.gsi.gov.uk
In Northern Ireland, to:
Forest Service
Department of Agriculture and Rural Development
Dundonald House
Upper Newtownards Road
Ballymiscaw
Belfast BT4 3SB
T: 02890 524480
E: customer.forestservice@dardni.gov.uk
The Forestry Commission will consider all requests to make the content
of publications available in alternative formats. Please send any such
requests to diversity@forestry.gsi.gov.uk or call 0300 067 5046.
Introduction
The imports of wood, wood products and bark from certain tree species and origins are
controlled materials which are subject to chargeable import inspection. This Guide explains
which imports of wood, wood products and bark are subject to inspection fees, how much
the fees are, and how they may be paid.* It does not explain the landing requirements in
place to prevent the introduction of forest tree pests; this is covered in a separate Forestry
Commission Plant health Guide, Importing wood, wood products and bark. Copies can be
obtained free of charge from the Forestry Commission Plant health team or downloaded
from www.forestry.gov.uk/planthealth. Further details are on page 8.
Which imports must be inspected
Imports of wood, wood products and bark of the species and origins referred to below must
be declared to the Forestry Commission for inspection. Table 1 sets out the principal materials
subject to control and their combined nomenclature (CN) codes. The Plant health guide
Importing wood, wood products and bark gives more detailed information on the import
requirements, which are also set out in Schedule 4 Part A of the Plant Health (Forestry) Order
2005, as amended.
Controlled species and their origins are:
•All conifers (Coniferales), e.g. European redwood and whitewood, maritime pine, spruce, pine, fir (SPF), western red cedar,
originating in third countries (except wood which originates in a European third country and which is bark free).
Maple (Acer saccharum) (otherwise known as hard maple, sugar maple, rock maple) originating in the USA or Canada.
Sweet chestnut (Castanea) originating in any third country (except wood which is
bark free).
Oak (Quercus) originating in the USA.
Plane (Platanus) originating in any third country.
Poplar/aspen (Populus) originating in countries of the American continent.
Ash (Fraxinus): originating in Canada, China, Japan, Mongolia, Rep. of Korea, Russia, Taiwan and USA.
Mandshurin walnut: ( Juglans mandshurica) originating in Canada, China, Japan,
Mongolia, Rep. of Korea, Russia, Taiwan and USA.
David elm (Ulmus davidiana): originating in Canada, China, Japan, Mongolia,
Rep. of Korea, Russia, Taiwan and USA.
Chinese or lace bark elm (Ulmus parvifolia): originating in Canada, China, Japan, Mongolia, Rep. of Korea, Russia, Taiwan
and USA;
Japanese wing nut (Ptercarya rhoifolia) originating in Canada, China, Japan, Mongolia, Republic of Korea, Russia, Taiwan
and USA.
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Additionally, prefabricated buildings comprised of wood derived from any of the species mentioned above, and originating
in any of the relevant countries, are also subject to chargeable inspection.
*This guide is not an authoritative statement of the law. It should be read in conjunction with the Plant
Health (Fees) (Forestry) Regulations 2006 (as amended).
1
Table 1 HM Customs combined nomenclature codes for materials subject to control.
CN code
Material
4401 10 00
Fuel wood, in logs, in billets, in twigs, in faggots or in similar forms (includes isolated bark).
4401 21 00
Coniferous wood, in chips or particles.
4401 22 00
Non-coniferous wood, in chips or particles.
4401 30 40
Sawdust not agglomerated in logs, briquettes or similar forms.
4401 30 80 (ex)
Other wood waste and scrap, not agglomerated in logs, briquettes, pellets or similar forms.
4403 10 00
Wood in the rough, treated with paint, stains, creosote or other preservatives, whether or not stripped of bark or
sapwood, or roughly squared.
4403 20
Coniferous wood in the rough, other than treated with paint, stains, creosote or other preservatives, whether
or not stripped of bark or sapwood, or roughly squared.
4403 91
Oak wood (Quercus spp.) in the rough, other than treated with paint, stains, creosote or other preservatives,
whether or not stripped of bark or sapwood, or roughly squared.
4403 99
Non-coniferous wood (other than tropical wood specified in subheading note 1 to Chapter 44 or other tropical
wood, oak (Quercus spp.) or beech (Fagus spp.)), in the rough, whether or not stripped of bark or sapwood, or
roughly squared, not treated with paint, stains, creosote or other preservatives.
4404 (ex)
Split poles; piles, pickets and stakes of wood, pointed but not sawn lengthwise.
4406
Railway or tramway sleepers (cross-ties) of wood.
4407 10
Coniferous wood, sawn or chipped lengthwise, sliced or peeled, whether or not planed, sanded or end-jointed,
of a thickness exceeding 6 mm.
4407 91
Oak wood (Quercus spp.), sawn or chipped lengthwise, sliced or peeled, whether or not planed, sanded
or endjointed, of a thickness exceeding 6 mm.
4407 93
Maple wood (Acer saccharum and Acer macrophyllum) planed, sanded, end jointed, whether or not planed
or sanded, other wood.
4407 99 (ex)
Non-coniferous wood (other than tropical wood specified in subheading note 1 to Chapter 44 or other tropical
wood, oak (Quercus spp.) or beech (Fagus spp.), sawn or chipped lengthwise, sliced or peeled, whether or not
planed, sanded or end-jointed, of a thickness exceeding 6 mm.
4415
Packing cases, boxes, crates, drums and similar packings, of wood; cable-drums of wood; pallets, box pallets and
other load boards, of wood; pallet collars of wood.
4416 00 00
Casks, barrels, vats, tubs and other coopers’ products and parts thereof, of wood, including staves.
9406 00 20
Prefabricated buildings of wood.
2
What are the fees and how are
they calculated?
Inspection fees include separate charges for documentary, identity and plant health checks.
This separation is necessary because in certain circumstances where an agreement has been
reached with the authorities in another member state, the documentary check may be carried
out and charged for there (the first point of entry into the Community) while the identity and
plant health checks may be carried out and charged for in GB. Equally, it may be that only the
documentary check will be performed and charged for in GB where the consignment is going
to another member state and will be inspected there. The definitions of documentary, identity
and plant health checks are:
Documentary check
A check that the consignment or lot is accompanied by the required phytosanitary certificate
or alternative document and that these are properly completed.
Identity check
It shall be verified that the consignment presented for introduction into the EU meets the
description given in the accompanying document. Therefore, the description of the
consignment, i.e. the species, volume etc., as set out in the certificates described in Procedures
for Documentary Checks shall be compared with the accompanying commercial paperwork
and, where practicable, with the material itself.
Plant health check
A check on the whole consignment, or on one or more representative samples (including the
packaging and, where appropriate, the transport vehicles, or the wood packaging material) to
ensure that it complies with the requirements laid down in the Plant Health (Forestry) Order
2005.
Documentary checks
For a documentary check the fee is £7.20 per consignment. Where there is more than one
certificate in a single consignment, only one charge is made. This arrangement is being kept
under review.
Identity checks
For identity checks, other than for bulk shipments, the fee is £7.20 where the consignment is a
load of up to one container, railway wagon or truck. A load is defined as 30 m3 of controlled
material. A further fee of £7.20 is payable for each additional 30 m3 (or part thereof), per
container, wagon or truck in the consignment. Fees for bulk shipments are:
•£7.20 for consignments less than 100 m
•£14.40 for consignments of 100 m or more.
3
3
3
Plant health checks
The EU Plant Health Directive requires that all consignments of controlled wood, wood
products and bark be physically inspected. Where goods are not subjected to reduced levels of
physical inspection the plant health check fees are:
•£31.20 per consignment up to and including 100 m
•£0.25 for each additional m
3
3
Goods can be subjected to reduced levels of physical inspection which are set by the European
Commission and are based on risk i.e. on a random sample of consignments rather than each
one. The Forestry Commission currently applies a reduced frequency of inspection regime to
wood of maple (Acer saccharum) which is imported from Canada and the plant health check
fees are:
Maple imports from Canada
•£23.40 per consignment up to and including 100 m
•£0.20 for each additional m or part thereof
3
3
A summary of all the inspection fees is provided in Table 2.
Table 2 Inspection fees.
Type of check
Quantity
Documentary checks
Per consignment
7.20
Identity checks
For each load of up to 30 m3 forming part
of the consignment contained in one truck,
railway wagon, or comparable container
Per consignment
7.20
Identity checks
For bulk loads
Less than 100 m3
7.20
100 m3 or more
14.40
Plant health checks
Per consignment of wood (Other than in the
form of shavings, chips or sawdust).
Up to 100 m3
31.20
Each additional m3 or part thereof
0.25
Reduced Frequency of Inspection
PlantHealth checks
Acer saccharum (hard maple, sugar maple or
rock maple.
Up to 100 m3 originating in Canada
23.40
Plant health checks
Per consignment of isolated bark and wood in
the form of shavings, chips or sawdust
Up to 25 000 kg
For each additional m3 or part thereof
originating in Canada
Each additional 1000 kg or part thereof
Maximum price
4
Fee (£)
0.20
31.20
0.49
98.00
Inspections performed at a place
other than point of entry
It is possible for plant health checks of controlled material to be carried out at a place other
than the point of entry, or at a place close by.
Forestry Commission inspectors can only agree to perform inspections of controlled material at
sites inland where importers have had their premises approved by the Forestry Commission and
Her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs to permit plant health inspections to be carried out at a
place other than at the point of entry. Enquiries about approving premises for inland inspection
should, in the first instance, be routed via a plant health regional manager (see page 8).
Where inspections are permitted at ‘approved places of inspection’ a fee of £30 (based on an
average 1.5 hours additional travel required to perform an inland inspection) is payable in
addition to the fees detailed in Table 2. This charge is being kept under review.
Who is responsible for payment?
Unless special arrangements have been made for payment (see page 6), the person or
organisation notifying us of the need for an inspection, or presenting the phytosanitary
certificate(s) to us, will be held responsible for the payment of fees.
How should the fee be paid?
The fee may be paid by cheque, credit/debit card or cash, and, under special arrangements, by
credit account (see Applying for a credit account on page 6). The payment must be received by
the Forestry Commission before a Certificate of Clearance (PHF28) can be issued, and this is
needed before goods can be cleared through Customs and removed from the port of entry. It
is only possible to pay the fee by cash or cheque (which must be supported by a bank
guarantee card and made payable to ‘Forestry Commission’) where an inspector visits your
office as part of the inspection. He/she will not make a special visit to collect payment.
Cheques can be posted to the Forestry Commission Plant Health Service (see page 8), although
three days clearance from the date of receipt is required for cheques not supported by a bank
guarantee card. All cheques and cash payments will be receipted. Credit/debit card payments
should be made by telephoning the Forestry Commission Credit Management branch on
0300 067 5086. The unique serial number of the Certificate of Clearance or invoice that the
payment is being made against should be quoted.
When a payment is being made against a Certificate of Clearance, a transaction reference
number will be issued which will be sent to the inspector detailed on the Certificate by Credit
Management branch. The inspector will then add the transaction reference number to the
Certificate of Clearance to advise the Plant Health Service that payment has been made.
5
Importers must, by law, give an inspector at least three days advance notice of the arrival of all
goods which are subject to inspection. Unless a credit account has been opened, it is
recommended that a cheque for the fee is sent at the same time as this advance notice is given.
You should speak to a regional manager if you wish to use this procedure and he will advise on
the amount of fee due. This will ensure that any delay in issuing a Certificate of Clearance after
an inspection (while waiting for funds to clear) is kept to a minimum. A copy of the
phytosanitary or industry certificate and commercial documentation may be used for the
purpose of advance calculation and payment of the inspection fee. The copy certificate must
accompany the payment with sufficient information to enable identification of the inspection it
relates to.
By law, you must give the inspector the original phytosanitary certificates within three days of
the goods being landed. Except in exceptional circumstances, the Forestry Commission will not
be able to complete its inspection and clear goods until the certificates are provided. An
example of an exceptional circumstance is a postal strike. If circumstances change, and the
goods will not be ready for inspection at the time originally notified, you must let the Forestry
Commission know, otherwise a charge may be made for an abortive visit.
What are the special arrangements
for payment?
Most importers use a Customs clearance agent with whom the Forestry Commission has
arranged a credit facility (see Applying for a credit account, below). You may wish to arrange
for your agent to calculate and make payment on your behalf. Normal practice will be for the
agent to collect the fee from you and remit it to us in the month following the inspection. The
agent may charge for this service and you should seek details from them. However, where you
wish to carry out all of the plant health clearance work, and you intend to import on a regular
basis, you may apply to us for a credit agreement yourself.
Applying for a credit account
It is Forestry Commission policy to offer credit to those customers who request it, subject to
credit worthiness being established. Customers granted credit are required to pay for goods
before the end of the month following the month in which the PHF28 Certificate of Clearance
was issued.
An assessment of credit worthiness will be carried out to establish the maximum level of risk
before any formal offer of a credit facility is made to a customer. Credit will then be offered up
to, but not exceeding, this level. The amount of credit offered will also reflect the level of
trading. Responsibility for carrying out assessments of credit worthiness, and the subsequent
offering of credit facilities, lies with the Forestry Commission Credit Manager. A customer
seeking credit from the Forestry Commission for the first time should obtain a credit
application form (see page 8), which will then be assessed.
6
•Where the level of credit is likely to be £10 000 or less, customers will be asked to supply a
bank reference, credit agency report and a local background report.
•Where the level of credit is likely to be £10 000 or more, customers will be asked to supply
the above mentioned documents plus company accounts – which shall be not more than 12
months old.
From time to time applications for credit are received from newly-formed businesses, which do
not have a trading record of sufficient length upon which to base a reliable assessment of risk.
Provided a satisfactory bank reference and local background report have been obtained, a
credit facility of up to £2500 may be offered without security. There will be a requirement for
any credit offered above this level to be secured against a bank guarantee.
For existing credit customers a fresh assessment of risk will be carried out routinely, at least
every 12 months, or when the customer requests a higher credit limit. These routine reassessments of risk will take account of payment performance, bank references (where
necessary) and company accounts (where credit limit is > £10k).
Where customers are deemed not to meet the requirements, credit limits will be reviewed and
possibly reduced.
In the event of bankruptcy, those importers operating a credit account directly with the Forestry
Commission will be liable for any debts. Similarly, where an agent is authorised by an importer
to act on their behalf, the importer will be held liable for the debts. However, where an agent
operates a credit account directly with the Forestry Commission in their own right, they will be
held liable for any debts as a result of bankruptcy.
What if volume declared is wrong?
It is a statutory requirement that phytosanitary certificates accurately describe the volume of
material to which they relate. Sometimes certificates declare types of wood which are not
subject to inspection. Where it is possible to identify from the certificate the volume and
identity/lot numbers of such material, the Forestry Commission will not demand a fee for that
part of the consignment. However, if it is not possible to segregate uncontrolled goods, the
Forestry Commission will need to inspect the whole consignment and will charge accordingly.
It is your responsibility to ensure that certificates are accurate and you are advised to make the
requirements known as part of your contract with your supplier.
7
What if goods do not pass inspection?
Because the work has been carried out the fee will still be payable. An inspector will serve a
statutory notice telling you what needs to be done, and the date it must be done by. Any
remedial work, which may involve destruction, re-export or treatment, must be carried out to
the specification and satisfaction of the Forestry Commission, and under its surveillance. The
Forestry Commission will charge for this additional monitoring work. In certain instances, for
example where the work required has not been carried out by the due date, the Forestry
Commission may do the work itself, or contract another person to do it and charge
accordingly. Where treatment of the material is appropriate, a Certificate of Clearance will not
be issued until the Forestry Commission is satisfied that the material has been treated to the
required specification and poses no further risk to plant health.
What is the charge for remedial work?
Due to the variable factors involved (for example, the size of consignment, the volume affected,
and the type of remedial treatment required) the charge is time based. For the first hour,
including travelling and office time, the charge is £37. For each 15 minutes or part thereof
thereafter, the charge is £9.25. Should office time be required after a site visit, this time will be
chargeable at the £9.25 rate. The Forestry Commission will aim to keep this cost to a minimum
by remaining on site only long enough to ensure that treatment is being carried out properly
and to its specification. However, it will be necessary to inspect the material on completion of
the treatment to ensure that it has been effective. The visits will, insofar as is possible, be
planned to coincide with the notified timing of treatment. It will be important, therefore, to
ensure that the Forestry Commission is kept informed of any changes to agreed arrangements.
The fee for this monitoring work becomes due on completion of the remedial work and must
be paid before a Certificate of Clearance is issued. Alternatively, you will be issued with an
invoice which you may pay through your credit account, if you have one, or by cash or
cheque.
8
Further reading and useful sources of
information
Our commitment
Under its Service Standard, the Forestry Commission aims to carry out inspections either on
the day that it is notified that the goods have been landed, are ready for inspection, and the
documentation is available, or the next working day. If for any reason the Forestry Commission
is unable to meet this aim you will be contacted by telephone and informed of the reason why
and given a revised time for carrying out the inspection. If your goods do not meet the landing
requirements the Forestry Commission will offer to meet you on site to explain what is wrong
and to try to agree with you what action should be taken. If you have a complaint, the
inspector will explain to you how you can pursue it.
For information and advice on plant health matters in Great Britain, or to obtain a copy of the
Service Standard leaflet, visit: www.forestry.gov.uk/planthealth or contact the Forestry
Commission Plant Health team:
Ian Brownlee
Operations Manager
0300 067 5034
07831 159014
ian.brownlee@forestry.gsi.gov.uk
Ian Murgatroyd
Regional Manager (North)
01698 222480
07767 251379
ian.murgatroyd@forestry.gsi.gov.uk
Steve Mears
Regional Manager (South)
01507 328275
07831 204324
steve.mears@forestry.gsi.gov.uk
For plant health matters in Northern Ireland, visit:
www.forestserviceni.gov.uk or contact:
9
Forest Service
Department of Agriculture and Rural Development
Dundonald House
Upper Newtownards Road
Ballymiscaw
Belfast BT4 3SB
02890 524116
grants.forestservice@dardni.gov.uk
For an application form to open a credit account, contact the Credit Manager at:
Forestry Commission
Silvan House
231 Corstorphine Road,
Edinburgh EH12 7AT
0300 067 5086
credit.management@forestry.gsi.gov.uk
Send cheques, payable to the ‘Forestry Commission’ to the Plant Health Service at the above
address. To make a credit/debit card payment, telephone 0300 067 5086.
Plant health publications
Plant health Guides
•Importing wood, wood products and bark (FCPH001)
•Import inspection fees for wood, wood products and bark (FCPH002)
•Export certification (FCPH003)
•The United Kingdom Wood Packaging Material Marking Programme (FCPH004)
•Plant health and the single market (FCPH007)
•Plant health and the single market: guidance on EC plant health controls for registered
forestry traders (FCPH008)
Plant health notes
•Minimum facilities at ports (FCPH110)
•The use of dunnage in British ports (FCPH111)
Other publications
For information on all Forestry Commission publications, visit: www.forestry.gov.uk/
publications
Digital (pdf) versions of many titles, including this one, are available to view and download.
10
11
Silvan House
231 Corstorphine Road
Edinburgh
EH12 7AT
www.forestry.gov.uk
Plant Health Guide
Importing wood, wood
products and bark
Requirements for landing controlled
material into Great Britain
Plant Health Guide
Importing wood, wood products
and bark
Requirements for landing controlled material
into Great Britain
Forestry Commission: Edinburgh
© Crown Copyright 2007
First published in 2007 by the Forestry Commission,
231 Corstorphine Road, Edinburgh EH12 7AT.
Applications for reproduction of any part of this booklet should be addressed to:
HMSO, Licensing Division, St Clements House, 2–16 Colegate, Norwich NR3 1BQ.
ISBN 978-0-85538-722-8
FCPH001/FC-GB(ECD)/AWN-1K/MAR07
Enquiries relating to this publication should be addressed to:
Forestry Commission
Plant Health
231 Corstorphine Road
Edinburgh EH12 7AT
T: 0131 314 6414
F: 0131 314 6148
E: plant.health@forestry.gsi.gov.uk
Enquiries relating to imports in Northern Ireland should be addressed to:
Department of Agriculture and Rural Development
Forest Service
Dundonald House
Upper Newtownards Road
Belfast BT4 3SB
T: 02890 524116
F: 02890 524380
E: grants.forestservice@dardni.gov.uk
Contents
Introduction
1
Summary of key areas
1
Why there are plant health controls
5
Scope
5
Prohibited wood, wood products, bark and pests
6
Import of prohibited material under licence
6
Wood packaging material entering the European Union
6
Import of controlled wood, wood products and bark
7
Plant health inspection procedures
9
Documentary, identity and plant health checks
10
Measures to prevent the introduction of tree pests
12
Un-identified genera
13
Contracts
13
Offences
13
Penalties
13
Sources of information
14
Plant health guidance
17
Appendices
I. Tree pests which shall not be landed in or spread within Great Britain
2. Prohibitions on the landing in and movement within Great Britain of
infected relevant material
3. Relevant material which may not be landed in Great Britain
4. Controlled landing and movement of relevant material in Great Britain
5. Glossary
18
19
21
22
32
Introduction
The purpose of this guide is to highlight the import regulations which apply to the
landing of wood, wood products and bark from countries outside the European
Union (EU). It does not cover the regulations dealing with the movement of wood,
wood products and bark within the EU, other than for goods of third country origin
destined for Great Britain but which first enter the EU in another member state.
Summary of key areas
Controlled genera and species
Not all tree species are subject to quarantine controls. Only those which are known to
host harmful pests or diseases are subject to special requirements or, where the risk is
too great and no effective treatment is known, prohibition. Some species are only
controlled where they originate in certain countries where quarantine pests are
known to occur. Those genera and species currently controlled are:
• All conifers (Coniferae) e.g. European redwood and whitewood, maritime pine,
spruce, pine, fir (SPF), western red cedar; originating in third countries (except
wood which originates in a European third country and which is bark-free).
• Maple (Acer saccharum) (otherwise known as hard maple, sugar maple, rock
maple) originating in the USA or Canada.
• Sweet chestnut (Castanea) originating in any third country (except wood which is
bark-free).
• Oak (Quercus) originating in the USA.
• Plane (Platanus) originating in the USA or Armenia.
• Poplar/Aspen (Populus) originating in countries of the American continent.
The specific landing requirements for controlled wood products are detailed in
Appendix 4 (Tables A4.1–8) and the descriptions of the controlled material in terms of
HM Customs and Revenue commodity codes are provided below.
While every care has been taken to ensure accuracy, this guide should not be regarded as a definitive
statement of the law and it should be read together with the statutory instruments on plant health which
are available from the Office of Public Sector Information and can be viewed at www.opsi.gov.uk .
1
Table 1: HM Customs Combined Nomenclature Codes for materials subject to control.
Customs
code
4401 10 00
Fuel wood, in logs, in billets, in twigs, in faggots or in similar forms (includes
isolated bark).
4401 21 00
Coniferous wood, in chips or particles.
4401 22 00
Non-coniferous wood, in chips or particles.
4401 30 10
Sawdust.
4401 30 90 (ex)
Other wood waste and scrap, not agglomerated in logs, briquettes, pellets or
similar forms.
4403 10 00
Wood in the rough, treated with paint, stains, creosote or other preservatives,
not stripped of bark or sapwood, or roughly squared.
4403 20
4403 91
4403 99
4404 (ex)
Coniferous wood in the rough, other than treated with paint, stains, creosote
or other preservatives, whether or not stripped of bark or sapwood, or
roughly squared.
Oak wood (Quercus spp.) in the rough, other than treated with paint, stains,
creosote or other preservatives, whether or not stripped of bark of sapwood,
or roughly squared.
Non-coniferous wood (other than tropical wood specified in subheading note
1 to Chapter 44 or other tropical wood, oak (Quercus spp.) or maple (Acer
spp.), in the rough, whether or not stripped of bark or sapwood, or roughly
squared, not treated with paint, stains, creosote or other preservatives.
Split poles; piles, pickets and stakes of wood, pointed but not sawn
lengthwise.
4406
Railway or tramway sleepers (cross-ties) of wood.
4407 10
Coniferous wood, sawn or chipped lengthwise, sliced or peeled, whether or
not planed, sanded or end-jointed, of a thickness exceeding 6 mm.
4407 91
Oak wood (Quercus spp.), sawn or chipped lengthwise, sliced or peeled,
whether or not planed, sanded or end-jointed, of a thickness exceeding 6 mm.
4407 93
4407 99 (ex)
4415
2
Commodity
Maple wood (Acer spp.), planed, sanded; end-jointed, whether or not planed
or sanded, other sanded, other wood.
Non-coniferous wood (other than tropical wood specified in subheading note
1 to Chapter 44 or other tropical wood, oak (Quercus spp.) or maple (Acer
spp.), sawn or chipped lengthwise, sliced or peeled, whether or not planed,
sanded or end-jointed, of a thickness exceeding 6 mm.
Packing cases, boxes, crates, drums and similar packings, of wood; cabledrums of wood; pallets, box pallets and other load boards of wood; pallet
collars of wood.
4416 00 00
Casks, barrels, vats, tubs and other coopers’ products and parts thereof of
wood, including staves.
9406 00 20
Prefabricated buildings of wood.
Note: Maple wood, now in CN4407 93 for customs purposes, is still subject to control in the same way as
when it was covered by Ex 4407 99.
What do importers of controlled materials need to be aware of?
Unless you are using an agent who is already registered to handle import formalities
with Her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs (HMRC), the first thing you or your agent
must do is to register with the Forestry Commission (FC) – see page 7. Once
registered you must give the FC advance notice of landing – see the section ‘Import
of controlled wood, wood products and bark’, page 7.
Is any material prohibited?
Yes. See Appendices 1–3 for full details.
Can prohibited material be imported in special circumstances?
Yes, prohibited material can be imported under licence if it is for trial or scientific
purposes. Full details are given in Section 4.
What material is controlled and what are the landing
requirements?
A summary of the requirements for controlled material is shown in Appendix 4
(Tables A4.1–8). If the item you intend to import is not listed there or in the list of non
controlled items below then telephone one of the contact numbers listed on page 14.
What are the inspection costs and how can I pay?
Further information is given in Plant health guide Import inspection fees for wood,
wood products and bark. Charges are reviewed on an annual basis and are subject to
change. The charges consist of three elements: a documentary check, an identity
check, and a plant health check. If remedial action is required because of noncompliance additional charges will be incurred. Importers are liable for the cost of all
remedial work including the destruction of any material. Payment options include
credit account, credit/debit card, cheque and, exceptionally, cash.
What documentation must I have?
You must be in possession of either an industry or mill certificate, where permitted, or
more usually a phytosanitary certificate. Where the material was first imported into
the EU at another point of entry and the mandatory documentary check was carried
out there, but not the identity and plant health check, you will need a Plant Health
Movement document. Further details on these are on page 11.
3
Are all wood products controlled?
The products listed in Table 2 are indicative of those which are not controlled (but any
wood contained in the packaging, including dunnage, must comply with the
requirements – see the section ‘Wood packaging material entering the EU’, page 6).
Further information on customs nomenclature (CN) codes can be obtained from
HMRC or viewed at www.uktradeinfo.com/codes/classguides/wood.pdf.
Table 2: HM Customs combined nomenclature codes for materials not subject to control.
CN code
CN 0604
Cones for decorative purposes
CN 4402
Wood charcoal
CN 4405
Wood wool, wood flour
CN 4408
Veneer sheets and sheets for plywood (not exceeding 6 mm in thickness)
CN 4409
Wood tongued and grooved, rebated, chamfered or moulded
CN 4410
Particle board and similar boards of wood
CN 4411
Fibreboard (of wood)
CN 4412
Plywood, veneered panels and similar wood
CN 4413
Densified wood
CN 4414
Wooden frames for paintings, mirrors or similar objects
CN 4417
Tools, tool handles, broom handles of wood
Builders joinery and carpentry of wood (for example, doors, windows,
stairs, door or window frames, shingles and shakes)
Tableware and kitchenware of wood
Wood marquetry and inlaid wood (for example, ornamental carvings,
statuettes, caskets or cases for jewellery or cutlery)
Other manufactured articles of wood (including animal housing
coat hangers, oars, coffins, theatrical scenery, fencing panels)
Non controlled genera e.g. birch, beech and all tropical hardwoods
CN 4418
CN 4419
CN 4420
CN4421
Various
4
Product
Why there are plant health controls
Throughout the world in accordance with the revised International Plant Protection
Convention of 1997 (which became effective on 2 October 2005), there are controls
to prevent the spread of economically and environmentally damaging pests and
diseases. These controls are prescribed in the European Union by Council Directive
2000/29/EC and are implemented in Great Britain by The Plant Health (Forestry) Order
2005 *(the ‘Order’), as amended – the principal instrument for managing the import
of trees, wood, wood products and bark. While the Forestry Commission is ultimately
responsible for ensuring the rules are enforced, its success depends on the full cooperation of importers and suppliers alike, as well as others involved in the transit of
goods in international trade. This guide summarises the legal requirements.
Scope
This guide sets out the requirements which have to be met when importing
controlled material from non-EU countries into Great Britain or into the EU via Great
Britain. The EU member states are: Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Cyprus, Czech Republic,
Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Latvia,
Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, the Netherlands, Poland, Portugal (including Madeira
and the Azores), Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden and the United Kingdom.
For the purpose of plant health controls, under the agreement between the
European Community and the Swiss Confederation on Trade in Agricultural Products,
Switzerland is treated in the same way as the member states and not as a third
country. Separate but similar arrangements apply in Northern Ireland, the Channel
Islands and the Isle of Man (see page 15 for contact details).
This guide does not cover the movement of wood, wood products and bark of EU
origin within the EU, some of which require a plant passport. For further details refer
to Part 3 of the Order or contact the Forestry Commission Plant Health Service for
advice (see page 14 for contact details).
It is important that you read all parts of this guide before attempting to import any
wood, wood products or bark. The requirements it describes may change at short
notice, so if you are in doubt, or wish to check the current restrictions, contact the
Forestry Commission Plant Health Service.
*The Order can be purchased from TSO or viewed on-line at www.opsi.gov.uk/legislation/index.htm.
An unofficial consolidation of the Order is available on-line at www.forestry.gov.uk/planthealth.
5
Prohibited pests, wood, wood products and bark
The prohibited pests, wood, wood products and bark are:
• Tree pests listed in Schedule 1 of the Order, or those that are not normally present
in Great Britain and which are likely to be harmful to forests and woodlands in this
country (see Appendix 1).
• Relevant material from specified countries, as listed in Schedules 2 and 3 of the
Order (see Appendices 2 and 3).
• For certain relevant material, Great Britain is classified as a protected zone and as
such material from outside Great Britain may not be landed or moved within the
country if it does not meet the prescribed landing requirements or it is carrying or
infected with tree pests. (see Appendix 2 Table A2.2).
Import of prohibited material under licence
Prohibited material can be imported, moved or kept under the authority of the
Forestry Commissioners if it is to be used for trial, scientific purposes or for work on
varietal selections. The relevant licensing measures are laid down in the Order and
provide for the granting of licences subject to detailed quarantine and containment
conditions. Applications incur a fee and must be made in advance of import. Material
that is imported without a licence is liable to be re-exported or destroyed. Further
details can be obtained from the Forestry Commission Plant Health Service.
Wood packaging material entering the European Union
There are measures in EU member states for solid wood packaging material (see Table
8) used for the importation of objects of all kinds from all countries, with the exception
of Switzerland. The relevant provisions of the EU Plant Health Directive are based on the
FAO International Standard for Phytosanitary Measures No. 15 (ISPM15) guidelines for
regulating wood packaging material in international trade. Wood packaging material
which is subject to these measures include packing cases, cases, boxes, crates, drums
and similar packings, pallets, box pallets and other load boards, and pallet collars.
6
Wood packaging material not actually in use but imported as a consignment must
meet the same rules that apply to sawn wood of the same genera or species (see
Tables 1–5 for details). Where it is not possible to identify the genera or species, the
material will be regarded as controlled. Bearers, stickers and spacers which form part
of a timber pack (i.e. the timber pack is the cargo), and are integrated into timber
packs, do not need to be treated and marked to ISPM15 standards. This is because
they are certified as meeting landing requirements via the phytosanitary industry or
mill certificate which accompanies the pack of timber.
Import of controlled wood, wood products and bark
Statutory requirements
As an importer you or your appointed agent must be registered with the Forestry
Commission as a forestry trader. You or your agent must:
• meet certain requirements with regard to controlling the movement of consignments and keeping records before being authorised to handle imported material;
• have your premises inspected by an inspector to ascertain if it meets the standards
required covering places of inspection e.g. storage areas separated from other
accommodation and destruction facilities, if required, for any non-compliant material.
Registered forestry trader application packs can be obtained by contacting the
Forestry Commission Plant Health Service (see page 14). There is no charge for registering.
However, if an inspector needs to visit your premises as part of the registration process,
the visit will be subject to a fee under the Plant Health (Fees) (Forestry) Regulations 2006.
As an importer you or your appointed agent must give advance notification of landing.
Relevant material may not be landed unless advance notice is given to an inspector at
least four working hours for air cargo and three working days for any other case.
Notification of landing is a statutory requirement and failure to comply may result in a
fine and will almost certainly result in a delay in clearing your consignment. A Notice
of Landing must be completed – see the form given in Schedule 12 of the Order.
Presentation of import documents
Except in the case of material imported by post, an importer must present to an inspector,
within three days of landing of the material, the relevant import documentation detailed
in items 1–3 below. These conditions must be satisfied by consignments covered by
phytosanitary certificates and phytosanitary certificates for re-export or industry certificates:
• Each consignment must be accompanied by either a phytosanitary certificate or a
phytosanitary certificate and a phytosanitary certificate for re-export (see point 2
below) or an industry or mill certificate (see point 3 below).
7
• The Customs document relating to each consignment of relevant material must
include a statement that it contains produce of phytosanitary relevance, the
reference number of the phytosanitary certificate, phytosanitary certificate for reexport or the industry certificate and the registration number of the importer.
Note: on satisfactory completion of the plant health inspection, which must be
carried out before Customs formalities, the inspector will issue a Certificate of
Clearance (Form PHF28), addressed to HMRC, which includes details of the
importer’s registration number and confirms that the plant health inspection has
been completed.
• Certificate(s) must be fixed to the outside of the package for postal consignments.
1. Phytosanitary certificates
These certificates state that controlled material:
•
•
•
•
has been officially inspected in the country of origin (or country of dispatch)
complies with statutory requirements for entry into the EU
is free from quarantine pests and disease
is substantially free from other harmful organisms.
In addition, the phytosanitary certificate must describe the material to which it relates
giving the species (scientific names), description (marks or lot numbers) and quantity
of the material in terms of volume. It must also, where appropriate, state in the
additional declaration section which of the alternative requirements (e.g. heat treatment, kiln-drying) has been met by reference to the relevant requirements in Annex
IV Parts A and B of the Plant Health Directive. Details of these requirements are set
out in Schedule 4 of the Order and are summarised in Appendix 4 (Tables A4.1–8).
2. Phytosanitary certificates for re-export
These are required if, after a phytosanitary certificate has been issued in the country
of origin, the consignment is stored, re-packed or split up in another third country
before being exported to the EU.
3. Industry and mill certificates
8
Under arrangements agreed between the EU and the plant protection
organisations in Canada and the United States, derogations allowing for the use of
industry and mill certificates instead of phytosanitary certificates for kiln-dried and
heat treated material have been adopted. These are covered under Commission
Decisions 93/359/EEC, 93/360/EEC, 93/365/EEC, 93/422/EEC and 93/423/EEC.
Plant health inspection procedures
Places of inspection – point of entry
Plant health checks are made at approved points of entry into Great Britain. A list of
approved points of entry can be viewed at www.forestry.gov.uk/planthealth. To gain
approved status, a port or airport authority must provide certain minimum conditions
necessary to ensure that inspections can be carried out efficiently and safely and, in the
event that it becomes necessary, that relevant material can also be treated or destroyed.
There are many approved points of entry and many have unique port systems for
making controlled material available for inspection. There are also a number of factors
that may cause delays e.g. in the case of containerised material, it takes time for port
operators to bring material forward for inspection, open the container doors, conduct
fumigant gas checks etc. Key points to note are:
• port operators will charge for these services
• inspectors will not perform inspections unless it is safe to do so. This means that
fumigant gas checks will be required for all containerised consignments.
Approved places of inspection
Plant Health legislation provides for approved traders to gain FC and HMRC clearance
at inland inspection premises instead of at a point of entry.
Under the ‘Approved Place of Inspection’ system a place of destination of relevant
material may become an approved place of inspection. To facilitate this, the FC and
HMRC have agreed the use of two Customs procedures: enhanced remote transit
shed (ERTS) and local clearance procedure (LCP) – a form of Customs freight
simplified procedures. To be eligible a site must be approved by both HMRC as a
‘temporary storage area’, and by the FC as being adequate for carrying out plant
health inspections both efficiently and safely.
Eligibility for Approved premises status depends on the ability of the applicant to meet
certain minimum standards set independently by HMRC and FC. The FC requires a
safe working environment for inspectors with adequate lighting and space to look at
every piece of material if required. In the absence of gas checking facilities supported
by trained operators for containerised material, the inspector is likely to insist that
containers be devanned at the importer’s risk and cost. Key points to note are:
9
• Eligible sites must conform with HMRC’s definition of ‘temporary storage area’.
There will be a cost associated with becoming approved as a ‘temporary storage
area’ and you should discuss the implications of this directly with HMRC.
• Eligible sites must meet FC plant health requirements.
• Approved places of inspection will be subject to an annual review by the FC. This
will be chargeable at the rate set out in the Plant Health (Fees) (Forestry)
Regulations.
• Approval may be withdrawn if the FC no longer considers the place as being
suitable for the purpose for which approval was given.
Further details about the Approved places of inspection system can be obtained by
contacting the FC at the addresses provided on page 14.
Inspection times
Plant health inspectors normally operate Monday–Friday, 9am–5pm. Inspections can
occasionally be arranged at evenings or at weekends but sufficient prior notice (see
page 7 for statutory requirements) must be given and the Plant Health Inspector who
will carry out the examination must give his agreement (some inspections cannot be
conducted properly except in daylight conditions). Our objective is to undertake
inspection of goods either on the day we are notified that they are ready for
examination, or on the next working day. You should aim to provide as much notice
as possible if you wish your goods to be cleared quickly. Customs clearance cannot
be given until satisfactorily completion of the plant health inspection.
Documentary, identity and plant health checks
The definitions of documentary, identity and plant health checks are as provided in
Article 13a (1)(b)(i), (ii) and (iii) of the Plant Health Directive. These articles provide that
the inspections will determine whether:
10
• The consignment or lot is accompanied by the required certificates, alternative
documents or marks, and that these are properly completed (documentary check).
• In its entirety or on one or more representative samples, the consignment or lot
consists of or contains the wood, wood products or other objects, as declared on
the required documents (identity check).
• In its entirety or on one or more representative samples, including the packaging
and, where appropriate, the transport vehicles, the consignment or lot or their
wood packaging material comply with the requirements laid down in the Plant
Health Directive (plant health check).
All imports of materials shown in Appendix 4 Tables A4.1–7 must be inspected and
cleared by a Plant Health Inspector. These inspections are entirely independent of any
physical checks HMRC might undertake.
Documentary checks at point of entry
Phytosanitary document
The inspector will examine the relevant document to ensure it complies with the
regulations (see the section ‘Presentation of import documents’, page 7). Once the
inspector is satisfied that the material complies with the landing requirements he/she
will stamp the phytosanitary or other certificate and transfer the relevant information
to the Certificate of Clearance (Form PHF28).
Plant health movement document
Subject to agreement between EU member states it is possible for consignments to
be subjected to a documentary check, only in the member state of first entry into the
EU, with the identity and physical checks being carried out in the member state of
destination. This must be arranged in advance and both the customs and plant
health authorities in both member states must agree this arrangement, either on a
case by case basis or on general terms (e.g. for one kind of commodity, or a named
importer). The person responsible for the consignment in the member state of first
entry into the EU must complete a plant health movement document in the form set
out in Schedule 13 Part B of the Order in accordance with Commission Directive
2004/103/EC. Prior to inspection of the relevant material when it arrives in Great
Britain, you must be in receipt of a Plant Health Movement document otherwise you
will be unable to move that material within Great Britain or, where applicable, from
Great Britain to any other place within the EU. The document must be completed
either in typescript or block capitals (an example can be found in Schedule 13 Part B
of the Order).
Identity checks
All imports of wood and wood products must meet certain identification requirements.
The material must agree with the description given in the documentation
accompanying it (e.g. phytosanitary certificate or officially approved industry
certificate, ship’s manifest or shipping specification sheets) so that it cannot be
confused with any other material. For example, lot or Bill of Lading numbers on the
packs must be listed on the phytosanitary or industry certificate.
11
Plant health checks
The inspector will carry out an inspection of a representative sample of the
consignment to ensure that it complies with the appropriate special requirements, for
example, that, if necessary, it is bark-free or has been treated in some way (e.g. kilndried). If the wood has been kiln-dried or heat-treated, then it must be clearly marked
with ‘KD’ or ‘HT’ or another internationally recognised mark. For further details on
which material must be marked (see Appendix 4 Tables A4.1– 8).
Certificate of clearance (PHF28)
On satisfactory completion of the inspection, the inspector will issue you with a
certificate of clearance (Form PHF28), which you must present to HMRC together with
the normal customs entry declaration. You must also declare that the consignment
contains produce of phytosanitary relevance.
Measures to prevent the introduction of tree pests
Actions which may be required by an inspector
If an inspector has reasonable grounds to believe that any tree pest or relevant
material is likely to have been landed in Great Britain in contravention of the Order,
he/she may serve Notice on you.
Actions which an inspector may order or take
If an inspector has reasonable grounds for suspecting that the landing requirements
have not been met or where there is a risk of introducing a tree pest or disease,
he/she may require you to take remedial action. This may take the following form:
• prohibition on the landing of the consignment
• re-export of the consignment
• specification of the manner by which the landing is carried out and the
precautions to be taken after the landing of the consignment
• prohibition on the removal of the material from the premises
• destruction of the consignment by burning
• in exceptional circumstances he/she may order treatment of the material by a
prescribed manner so that the landing requirements are met.
12
The inspector may also take samples from the material for analysis in the Forest
Research laboratory. Where this is considered necessary, a Statutory Notice will be
served prohibiting the removal of the consignment while tests are completed.
Wherever practicable, the inspector will discuss with you the nature of the action to
be taken before Notice is served. All costs incurred in complying with the Statutory
Notice will be the responsibility of the person on whom Statutory Notice was served.
Where an importer or anyone else served with a Statutory Notice fails to carry out the
required action within the time set, the Forestry Commission will arrange for the work
to be carried out and will then seek to recover all reasonable costs incurred as a civil
debt. It is an offence to contravene or fail to comply with a provision or condition of a
Statutory Notice served. For further information concerning failure to comply with a
Statutory Notice see Part 6 of the Order.
Un-identified genera
Any wood, including wood packaging material or dunnage, of unidentified genera
will be subject to control at the discretion of an inspector.
Contracts
To avoid difficulties, delays or financial loss caused by breach of the landing
requirements, importers or their agents are strongly advised to include in their
contract a clause requiring suppliers to ensure that the landing requirements are met
and binding them to meet any costs incurred as a result of any failure to do so.
Offences
A person can be guilty of a range of offences under the Order e.g. making false
statements to procure a phytosanitary certificate. The full range of offences can be
found in Part 9 of the Order or contact either the Forestry Commission Plant Health
Service in Edinburgh or the Plant Health Regional Manager for your area for details.
Penalties
If you are found guilty of an offence under the Order your shall be liable on summary
conviction of a fine not exceeding level 5 (£5000) on the standard scale. HMRC may also
instigate proceedings for breaches of the Customs and Excise Management Act 1979.
13
Sources of information
For information and advice on forestry plant health matters in Great Britain, or to
obtain a copy of the Charter Standard leaflet, visit: www.forestry.gov.uk/planthealth or
contact one of the members of the Forestry Commission Plant Health Service:
Ian Brownlee
Operations Manager
Forestry Commission
Silvan House
231 Corstorphine road
Edinburgh EH12 7AT
T: 0131 314 6480
M: 07831 159014
E: ian.brownlee@forestry.gsi.gov.uk
Stewart Snape
Regional Manager (North)
Edinburgh
T: 0131 314 6103
M: 07810 690670
E: stewart.snape@forestry.gsi.gov.uk
Steve Mears
Regional Manager (South)
Louth
T: 01507 328275
M: 07831 204324
E: steve.mears@forestry.gsi.gov.uk
Enquiries about the import of forest reproductive materials under the Forest
Reproductive Materials Regulations should be addressed to:
Forestry Commission
Forest Reproductive Material Officer
Silvan House
231 Corstorphine Road
Edinburgh
EH12 7AT
T: 0131 314 6175
E: frm@forestry.gsi.gov.uk
www.forestry.gov.uk/frm
14
For information and advice on plant health in Northern Ireland, visit:
www.forestserviceni.gov.uk or contact:
Department of Agriculture and Rural Development/Forest Service
Private Woodlands and Plant Health
Upper Newtonards Road
Belfast BT4 3SB
T: 02890 524480
E: grants.forestservice@dardni.gov.uk
www.forestserviceni.gov.uk
Other useful contacts
Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra)
Plant Health Service Delivery Unit
Foss House
Kings Pool
1–2 Peasholme Green
York YO1 7PX
T: 01904 45 5174
E: planthealth.info@defra.gsi.gov.uk
www.defra.gov.uk
Scottish Executive for the Environment and Rural Affairs Department (SEERAD)
Horticulture and Marketing Unit
Pentland House
47 Robbs Loan
Edinburgh EH14 1TY
T: 0131 244 6305
E: hort.marketing@scotland.gsi.gov.uk
www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/Agriculture/plant
Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry
Forestry and Amenity Office
Hope Road
St John’s
Isle of Man IM4 3AS
T: 01624 801263
E: daff@gov.im
www.gov.im/daff
15
States of Guernsey
Agriculture and Farming
Commerce and Employment Department
PO Box 459
Raymond Falla House
Long Rue
St Martin’s
Guernsey GY1 6AF
T: 01481 234567
E: nigel.clark@commerce.gov.gg
www.gov.gg
Department of Agriculture and Fisheries
States of Jersey
PO Box 327
Howard Davis Farm
Trinity
Jersey JE4 8UF
T: 01534 705590
E: jerseyagriculture@gov.je
www.gov.je
Office of Public Sector Information (formerly The Stationery Office)
Admiralty Arch
North Side
The mall
London SW1A 2WH
T: 01603 723011 (General enquiries)
www.opsi.gov.uk
Enquiries about import duty rates, vat rates or any other taxes due, e.g. anti-dumping
taxes and preferential duty rates should be directed to:
Her Majesty’s Revenue & Customs
Tel: 0845 010 9000 (National Advice Service within the UK)
Tel: +44 208 929 0152 (National Advice Service outside the UK)
16
Tariff classification enquiries about customs CN codes should be addressed to
HMRC’s Classification Helpline on 01702 366 077 ( for classification advice only).
www.uktradeinfo.com/codes/classguides/wood.pdf.
Enquiries about restrictions and prohibitions on imports of plant species which are
considered endangered (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species –
CITES legislation) should be addressed to
Defra
Wildlife Licensing and Registration Service
Zone 1/17
Temple Quay House
2 The Square
Temple Quay
Bristol BS1 6EB
T: 0117 372 8691 / 8168
E: wildlife.licensing@defra.gsi.gov.uk
www.defra.gov.uk/wildlife-countryside/gwd/cites/index.htm
www.ukcites.gov.uk
Plant health publications
Plant health guides:
•
•
•
•
•
•
FCPH001
FCPH002
FCPH003
FCPH004
FCPH007
FCPH008
Importing wood, wood products and bark
Import inspection fees for wood, wood products and bark
Export certification
The United Kingdom Wood Packaging Material Marking Programme
Plant health and the single market
Plant health and the single market: guidance on EC plant health controls
for registered forestry traders
• FCPH009 Dendroctonus micans: a guide for forest managers on control techniques
Plant health notes:
• FCPH110 Minimum facilities at ports
• FCPH111 The use of dunnage in British ports
For information on all Forestry Commission publications, visit: www.forestry.gov.uk/publications
Digital (pdf ) versions of many titles, including this one, are available to view and download.
17
Appendix 1
Tree pests which shall not be landed in or spread within Great Britain.
Table A1: Scientific and common names of tree pests which shall not be landed in or spread
within Great Britain.
Genus/species
Common name
Insects, mites and nematodes
Acleris spp. (Non-European)
E.g. blackheaded budworm
Anoplophora glabripennis (Motschulsky)
Asian longhorn beetle
Arrhenodes minutus (Drury)
Oak timberworm
Choristoneura spp. (non-European)
Western spruce budworm
Monochamus spp. (non-European)
Sawyer beetles
Pseudopityophthorus minutissimus (Zimmerman)
Oak bark beetle
Pseudopityophthorus pruinosus (Eichhoff )
Oak bark beetle
Scaphoideus luteolus (Van Duzee)
White-banded elm leaf hopper
Xiphinema americanum Cobb sensu lato
American dagger nematode
(non-European)
Xiphinema californicum Lamberti and Bleve-Zacheo American dagger nematode
Fungi
Ceratocystis fagacearum (Bretz) Hunt
Cause of oak wilt
Chrysomyxa arctostaphyli Dietal
Cause of spruce witches broom rust
Cronartium spp. (non-European)
Cause of conifer rust
Endocronartium spp. (non-European)
Cause of conifer rust
Guignardia laricina (Sawada) Yamamoto and Ito
Cause of shoot blight of larch
Inonotus weirii (Murrill) Kotlaba and Pouzar
Cause of poria root rot
Melampsora farlowii (Arthur) Davis
Cause of hemlock rust
Melampsora medusae Thüman
Cause of poplar rust
Mycosphaerella larici-leptolepis Ito et al.
Cause of needle cast of larch
Mycosphaerella populorum G.E. Thompson
Cause of poplar canker
Viruses and virus-like organisms
Elm phloem necrosis mycoplasm
Parasitic plants
18
Arceuthobium spp. (non-European)
Dwarf mistletoe
Appendix 2
Prohibitions on the landing in and movement within Great Britain of infected relevant material.
Table A2.1: Relevant material which may not be landed in or moved within Great
Britain if that material is carrying or infected with tree pests.
Description of relevant material
Tree pest
Trees, other than fruit or seeds, of Juniperus L.
originating in any country outside Europe.
Aschistonyx eppoi Inouye
Trees, other than fruit or seeds, of Abies Mill., Cedrus
Trew, Larix Mill., Picea A Dietr., Pinus L., Pseudotsuga
Carr. or Tsuga Carr., or wood of conifers (Coniferales),
originating in any country outside Europe.
Bursaphelenchus xylophilus
(Steiner and Bührer) Nickle et al.
Pine wood nematode
Trees, other than fruit or seeds, of Juniperus L.
originating in any country outside Europe.
Oligonychus perditus
Pritchard and Baker.
Trees, other than fruit or seeds, of conifers
(Coniferales), wood of conifers retaining any bark, or
isolated bark of conifers, in any case originating in any
country outside Europe.
Trees, other than fruit or seeds, of conifers
(Coniferales) over 3 m in height; wood of conifers
retaining any bark; or isolated bark of conifers, in any
case originating in any country outside Europe.
Trees, other than fruit or seeds, of Pinus L. or wood or
isolated bark of Pinus L.
Pissodes spp.
(non-European)
Weevils
Scolytidae spp.
(non-European)
Bark beetles
Atropellis spp.
Cause of atropellis canker
of pine
Trees, other than fruit or seeds, of Acer saccharum
Ceratocystis virescens
Marsh.; or wood of Acer saccharum Marsh., including
(Davidson) Moreau.
wood which has not kept its natural round surface, in
Cause of sapstreak of maple
any case originating in the USA or Canada.
Trees, other than fruit or seeds, of Pinus L. or wood of
Pinus L.
Cercoseptoria pini-densiflorae
(Hori and Nambu) Deighton.
Cause of needle blight of pine
Trees, other than fruit or seeds, of Pinus L.
Scirrhia acicola (Dearn.)
Siggers. Cause of brown spot
needle blight of pine
Trees, other than seeds, of Platanus L. intended for
planting; or wood of Platanus L. including wood
which has not kept its natural round surface.
Ceratocystis fimbriata f. sp.
platani Walter.
Cause of canker stain of plane
Cryphonectria parasitica
Trees, other than seeds, of Castanea Mill. or Quercus L.
(Murrill) Barr.
intended for planting.
Cause of sweet chestnut blight
Trees, other than seeds, of Pinus L. intended for
planting.
Scirrhia pini Funk and Parker.
Cause of needle blight of pine
19
Table A2.2: Relevant material which may not be landed in or moved within Great Britain
(as a protected zone) if that material is carrying or infected with tree pests.
Description of relevant material
Tree pest
Ips amitinus (Eichoff )
Trees, other than fruit or seeds, of Abies Mill., Larix Mill.,
Smaller Eight-toothed Spruce
Picea A Dietr, or Pinus L. over 3 metres in height; wood
Bark Beetle
of conifers (Coniferales) retaining any bark; or isolated
Ips duplicatus (Sahlberg)
bark of conifers.
Northern spruce bark beetle
Trees, other than fruit or seeds, of Abies Mill., Larix Mill.,
Ips typographus (Heer)
Picea A. Dietr, Pinus L. or Pseudotsuga Carr., over 3
Larger eight-toothed spruce
metres in height; wood of conifers (Coniferales)
bark beetle
retaining any bark; or isolated bark of conifers
Wood, other than wood which is bark-free, of
Castanea Mill. or isolated bark of Castanea Mill.
20
Cryphonectria parasitica
(Murrill) Barr
Cause of sweet chestnut
blight
Appendix 3
Table A3: Relevant material which may not be landed in Great Britain if that material
originates in certain third countries.
Description of relevant material
Countries of origin
Trees, other than fruit or seeds, of Abies
Mill., Cedrus Trew, Chamaecyparis Spach,
Juniperus L, Larix Mill., Picea A Dietr., Pinus
L., Pseudotsuga Carr. or Tsuga Carr.
Any country outside Europe.
Trees with leaves, other than fruit or
seeds, of Castanea Mill. or Quercus L.
Any country outside Europe.
Trees with leaves, other than fruit or seeds,
Any country in North America.
of Populus L.
Isolated bark of Castanea Mill.
Any third country other than Switzerland.
Isolated bark of Quercus L, other than
Quercus suber L.
Any country in North America.
Isolated bark of Acer saccharum Marsh.
Any country in North America.
Isolated bark of Populus L.
Any country in the American continent.
Soil or growing medium, which consists
in whole or in part of soil or solid organic Belarus, Moldova, Russia, Turkey, Ukraine,
substances such as parts of plants, humus any country outside Europe, other than
Egypt, Israel, Libya, Morocco or Tunisia.
including peat or bark, other than that
composed entirely of peat.
21
Appendix 4
Controlled landing and movement of relevant material in Great Britain.
Tables A4.1: Conifers*.
Species/commodity
Country of origin
1. Wood of conifers
Canada, China, Japan, the
Republic of Korea, Mexico,
Taiwan, or USA.
except Thuja L. (western red cedar) other than in the form of chips, particles,
sawdust, shavings, wood waste and scrap obtained in whole or part from these
conifers, wood packaging material, dunnage, wood of Libocedrus decurrens Torr
where there is evidence that the wood has been processed or manufactured for
pencils using heat treatment to achieve a minimum temperature of 82ºC for a 7–8
day period but including wood which has not kept its natural round surface.
other than in the form of chips, particles, sawdust, shavings, wood waste and scrap,
wood packaging material and dunnage.
Canada, China, Japan, the
Republic of Korea, Mexico,
Taiwan, or USA.
3. Wood of conifers (all genera)
Russia, Kazakhstan, or Turkey
2. Wood of Thuja L (western red cedar)
other than in the form of chips, particles, sawdust, shavings, wood waste and scrap
obtained in whole or in part from these conifers, wood packaging material or
dunnage, but including that which has not kept its natural round surface.
Third countries other than:
other than in the form of chips, particles, sawdust, shavings, wood waste and scrap, - - Russia, Kazakhstan or Turkey
- European Countries
wood packaging material or dunnage but including that which has not kept its
- Canada, China, Japan, the
natural round surface
Republic of Korea, Mexico,
Taiwan or the USA
4. Wood of Conifers (All genera)
European Third Countries
other than in the form of ; chips, particles, sawdust, shavings, wood waste and scrap, (including Albania, Belarus,
Bosnia, Croatia, Georgia, Iceland,
wood packaging material and dunnage but including that which has not kept its
FYR Macedonia, Moldova,
natural round surface
Norway, Ukraine, Yugoslavia but
does not include Kazakhstan,
Russia and Turkey).
5. Wood of Conifers (All genera)
22
*Material typically in Customs Tariff CN Codes 4401 10 00, 4403 10 00, 4403 20, 4404, 4406, 4407 10, 4415, 9406 00 20.
Special requirements
The wood shall be accompanied by an official statement that it has undergone an appropriate heat treatment to
achieve a minimum core temperature of 56ºC for at least 30 minutes and there shall be evidence thereof by a mark
’HT’ put on the wood or on any wrapping in accordance with current usage and on the phytosanitary certificate,
phytosanitary certificate for re-export or approved industry certificate.
The wood shall be accompanied by an official statement that it:
(a) is bark-free or
(b) has undergone kiln-drying to below 20% moisture content, expressed as a percentage of dry matter achieved
through an appropriate time/temperature schedule. There shall be evidence thereof by a mark ‘Kiln dried’ or ‘KD’ or
another internationally recognised mark, put on the wood or on any wrapping in accordance with current usage or
(c) has undergone an appropriate heat treatment to achieve a minimum core temperature of 56ºC for at least 30 minutes.
There shall be evidence thereof by a mark ‘HT’ put on the wood or on any wrapping in accordance with current
usage and on the phytosanitary certificate, phytosanitary certificate for re-export, or approved industry certificate.
The wood shall be accompanied by an official statement that it:
(a) originates in areas known to be free from Monochamus spp. (non-European), Pissodes spp. (non European),
Scolytidae (non-European) and specifically Ips typographus, Ips amitinus, Ips duplicatus; or
(b) is bark-free and free from grub holes >3 mm across; or
(c) has undergone kiln-drying to below 20% moisture content, expressed as a percentage of dry matter achieved
through an appropriate time/temperature schedule. There shall be evidence thereof by a mark ‘Kiln Dried’ or ‘KD’ or
another internationally recognised mark, put on the wood or on any wrapping in accordance with current usage; or
(d) has undergone an appropriate heat treatment to achieve a minimum core temperature of 56ºC for at least 30
minutes. There shall be evidence thereof by a mark ‘HT’ put on the wood or on any wrapping in accordance with
current usage and on certificates.
The wood shall be accompanied with an official statement that it:
(a) is bark-free and free from grub holes which are larger than >3 mm across and which are caused by the genus
Monochamus spp. (non European); or
(b) has undergone kiln-drying to below 20% moisture content, expressed as a percentage of dry matter achieved
through an appropriate time/temperature schedule. There shall be evidence thereof by a mark ‘Kiln Dried’ or ‘KD’ or
another internationally recognised mark, put on the wood or on any wrapping in accordance with current usage; or
(c) has undergone an appropriate heat treatment to achieve a minimum core temperature of 56ºC for at least 30
minutes. There shall be evidence thereof by a mark ‘HT’ put on the wood or on any wrapping in accordance with
current usage and on the phytosanitary certificate or phytosanitary certificate for re-export.
No special requirements for bark-free wood i.e. wood from which all bark excluding the vascular cambium, ingrown
bark around knots and bark pockets between rings of annual growth has been removed.
For wood which is not bark-free: the wood shall be accompanied by an official statement that it has undergone kilndrying to below 20% moisture content, expressed as a percentage of dry matter achieved through an appropriate
time/temperature schedule. There shall be evidence thereof by a mark ‘Kiln Dried’ or ‘KD’ or another internationally
recognised mark, put on the wood or on any wrapping in accordance with current usage and on the phytosanitary
certificate or phytosanitary certificate for re-export.
23
Table A4.2: Maple (Acer saccharum L.)*.
Species/commodity
Country of origin
Wood other than in the form of:
USA or Canada
• wood intended for the production of veneer sheets;
• chips, particles, sawdust, shavings, wood waste and scrap.
Wood intended for the production of veneer sheets
USA or Canada
*Material typically in Customs Tariff CN Codes 4401 10 00, 4403 10 00, 4403 99, 4404, 4406, 4407 93, 4415, 9406 0020.
Table A4.3: Oak (Quercus L. )*.
Species/commodity
Country of origin
Wood other than in the form of:
USA
• chips, particles, sawdust, shavings, wood waste and scrap
• casks, barrels, vats, tubs and other coopers’ products and parts thereof of wood
including staves where there is documented evidence that the wood has been
produced or manufactured using heat treatment to achieve a minimum
temperature of 176ºC for 20 minutes, but including wood which has not kept its
natural round surface.
*Material typically in Customs Tariff CN Codes 4401 10 00, 4403 10 00, 4403 91, 4404, 4406, 4407 91, 4415, 4416 00 00,
9406 00 20.
Table A4.4: Plane (Platanus L. )*.
Species/commodity
Country of origin
Wood of Platanus spp. other than in the form of:
USA or Armenia
• chips, particles, sawdust, shavings, wood waste or scrap, but including wood
which has not kept its natural round surface.
*Material typically in Customs Tariff CN Codes 4401 10 00, 4403 10 00, 4403 99, 4404, 4406, 4407 99, 4415, 9406 00 20.
24
Special requirements
The wood shall be accompanied by an official statement that it has undergone kiln-drying to below 20% moisture
content, expressed as a percentage of dry matter achieved through an appropriate time/temperature schedule. There
shall be evidence thereof by a mark ‘kiln dried’ or ‘KD’ or another internationally recognised mark, put on the wood or
on any wrapping in accordance with current usage.
The wood shall be accompanied by an official statement that originates in areas known to be free from Ceratocystis
virescens (Davidson) Moreau and is intended for the production of veneer sheets.
Special requirements
The wood shall be accompanied by an official statement that it:
(a) is squared so as to remove entirely the rounded surface, or
(b) is bark-free and the water content is less than 20% expressed as a percentage of the dry matter, or
(c) is bark free and has been disinfected by an appropriate hot-air or hot water treatment, or
(d) if sawn, with or without residual bark attached, has undergone kiln-drying to below 20% moisture content,
expressed as a percentage of dry matter achieved through an appropriate time/temperature schedule. There shall
be evidence thereof by a mark ‘Kiln Dried’ or ‘KD’ or another internationally recognised mark, put on the wood or on
any wrapping in accordance with current usage.
Special requirements
The wood shall be accompanied by an official statement that it has undergone kiln-drying to below 20% moisture
content, expressed as a percentage of dry matter, achieved through an appropriate time/temperature schedule, and
there shall be evidence of that kiln-drying by a mark ‘kiln-dried’ or ‘KD’ or another internationally recognised mark, put
on the wood or on any wrapping in accordance with current usage.
25
Table A4.5: Poplar (Populus L.)*.
Species/commodity
Country of origin
Wood of Populus spp. other than in the form of:
Any country of the American
continent
• chips, particles, sawdust, shavings, wood waste or scrap, but including wood
which has not kept its natural round surface.
*Material typically in Customs Tariff CN Codes 4401 10 00, 4401 30 90, 4403 99, 4404, 4406, 4407 99, 4415, 9406 00 20.
Table A4.6: Sweet chestnut (Castanea Mill. )*.
Species/commodity
Country of origin
Wood of Castanea spp. other than in the form of:
Any third country
• chips, particles, sawdust, shavings, wood waste or scrap, but including wood
which has not kept its natural round surface.
*Material typically in Customs Tariff CN Codes 4401 10 00, 4403 10 00, 4403 99, 4404, 4406, 4407 99, 4415, 9406 00 20.
26
Special requirements
The wood shall be accompanied by an official statement that it:
(a) is bark-free; or
(b) has undergone kiln-drying to below 20% moisture content, expressed as a percentage of dry matter, achieved
through an appropriate time/temperature schedule, and there shall be evidence of that kiln-drying by a mark ‘ kilndried’ or ‘KD’ or another internationally recognised mark, put on the wood or on any wrapping in accordance with
current usage
Special requirements
The wood:
(a) shall be bark-free; or
(b) shall be accompanied by an official statement that it:
• originates in an area or areas known to be free from Cryphonectrica parasitica (Murril.) Barr, or
• has undergone kiln drying to below 20% moisture content, expressed as a percentage of dry matter, achieved
through an appropriate time/temperature schedule, and there shall be evidence of that kiln-drying by a mark
‘kiln-dried’ or ‘KD’ or another internationally recognised mark, put on the wood or on any wrapping in accordance
with current usage
27
Table A4.7: Wood chips, wood waste, scrap, etc.
Species/commodity
Country of origin
Coniferales (except Thuja)
Canada, China, Japan, the
Republic of Korea, Mexico,
Taiwan or the USA
Coniferales (except Thuja)
Russia, Kazakhstan or Turkey or
Non European countries other
than Canada, China, Japan, the
Republic of Korea, Mexico,
Taiwan or the USA
Coniferales (all genera)
European Third Countries
(including Albania, Belarus,
Bosnia, Croatia, Georgia, Iceland,
FYR Macedonia, Moldova,
Norway, Ukraine, Yugoslavia but
does not include Kazakhstan,
Russia and Turkey)
Thuja L.
Canada, China, Japan, the
Republic of Korea, Mexico,
Taiwan or the USA
Acer saccharum Marsh.
USA or Canada
Platanus L.
USA or Armenia
Populus L.
Any country of the American
continent
Quercus L.
USA
Castanea Mill.
Any third country
28
*Material typically in Customs Tariff CN Codes 4401 10 20, 4401 21 00, 4401 22 00, 4401 30 10 4401 30 90.
Special requirements
The wood shall be accompanied by an official statement that it has undergone an appropriate heat treatment to
achieve a minimum core temperature of 56ºC for at least 30 minutes, the latter to be indicated on the phytosanitary
certificate or phytosanitary certificate for re-export.
The wood shall be accompanied by an official statement that it:
(a) originates in an area or areas known to be free from Monochamus spp (non European), Pissodes spp (non
European) and Scolytidae spp (non European) and Ips typographus, Ips amitinus, Ips duplicatus and that area shall
be mentioned in the phytosanitary certificate or phytosanitary certificate for re-export under the rubric ‘place of
origin’; or
(b) has been produced from debarked round wood; or
(c) has undergone kiln-drying to below 20% moisture content, expressed as a percentage of dry matter, achieved
through an appropriate time temperature schedule; or
(d) has undergone an appropriate heat treatment to achieve a minimum core temperature of 56ºC for at least 30
minutes, the latter to be indicated on the phytosanitary certificate or phytosanitary certificate for re-export.
No special requirements for bark-free wood, i.e. wood from which all bark excluding the vascular cambium, ingrown
bark around knots and bark pockets between rings of annual growth has been removed.
For wood which is not bark-free: the wood shall be accompanied by an official statement that it has undergone kilndrying to below 20% moisture content, expressed as a percentage of dry matter achieved through an appropriate
time/temperature schedule. There shall be evidence thereof by a mark ‘Kiln Dried’ or ‘KD’ or another internationally
recognised mark, put on the wood or on any wrapping in accordance with current usage and on the phytosanitary
certificate or phytosanitary certificate for re-export.
The wood shall be accompanied by an official statement that it:
(a) has been produced from debarked round wood; or
(b) has undergone kiln drying to below 20% moisture content, expressed as a percentage of dry matter, achieved
through an appropriate time/temperature schedule; or
(c) has undergone an appropriate heat treatment to achieve a minimum core temperature of 56ºC for at least 30
minutes, the latter to be indicated on the phytosanitary certificate or re-export certificate
The wood shall be accompanied by an official statement that it:
(a) has been produced from debarked round wood; or
(b) has undergone kiln-drying to below 20% moisture content, expressed as a percentage of dry matter achieved
though an appropriate time/temperature schedule; or
(c) has undergone an appropriate heat treatment to achieve a minimum core temperature of 56°C for at least 30
minutes, the latter to be indicated on the phytosanitary certificate or phytosanitary certificate for re-export.
The wood shall be accompanied by an official statement that it:
(d) has undergone kiln-drying to below 20% moisture content, expressed as a percentage of dry matter achieved
though an appropriate time/temperature schedule; or
(e) has undergone an appropriate heat treatment to achieve a minimum core temperature of 56ºC for at least 30
minutes, the latter to be indicated on the phytosanitary certificate or phytosanitary certificate for re-export.
The wood:
(a) shall be bark-free; or
(b) shall be accompanied by an official statement that it:
(i) originates in an area or areas known to be free from Cryphonectrica parasitica (Murril.) Barr, or
(ii) has undergone kiln drying to below 20% moisture content, expressed as a percentage of dry matter, achieved
through an appropriate time/temperature schedule, the latter to be indicated on the phytosanitary certificate
or phytosanitary certificate for re-export.
29
New Import Controls for wood, wood products and bark to guard against the threat from Emerald Ash Borer (W.e.f. 1 April 2009)
Ash (Fraxinus L)
Species/Commodity
Wood of Ash (Fraxinus L)., other than in the form of
— chips, obtained in whole or part from these trees,
Country of Origin
Canada, China, Japan, Mongolia, Republic of Korea,
Russia, Taiwan and USA
— wood packaging material, in the form of packing cases,
boxes, crates, drums and similar packings, pallets, box
pallets and other load boards, pallet collars, actually in use
in the transport of objects of all kinds,
Special Requirements
Official statement that the wood:
(a)
originates in an area established by the national plant
protection organisation in the country of export as being
free from Agrilus planipennis Fairmaire in accordance with
the relevant International Standards for Phytosanitary
Measures; or
(b) is squared so as to remove entirely the round surface.
— wood used to wedge or support non-wood cargo, but
including wood which has not kept its natural round surface
Material typically in Customs Tariff CN Codes 4401 10 00, 4403 10 00, 4403 99, 4404, 4406, 4407 95, 4407 99, 4415, 9406 00 20
Mandshurin Walnut (Juglans mandshurica)
Species/Commodity
Wood of Mandshurin Walnut (Juglans mandshurica )., other
than in the form of
Country of Origin
Canada, China, Japan, Mongolia, Republic of Korea,
Russia, Taiwan and USA
Special Requirements
Official statement that the wood:
(b)
originates in an area established by the national plant
protection organisation in the country of export as being
free from Agrilus planipennis Fairmaire in accordance with
the relevant International Standards for Phytosanitary
Measures; or
(b)
is squared so as to remove entirely the round surface.
— chips, obtained in whole or part from these trees,
— wood packaging material, in the form of packing cases,
boxes, crates, drums and similar packings, pallets, box
pallets and other load boards, pallet collars, actually in use
in the transport of objects of all kinds,
— wood used to wedge or support non-wood cargo, but
including wood which has not kept its natural round surface
Material typically in Customs Tariff CN Codes 4401 10 00, 4403 10 00, 4403 99, 4404, 4406, 4407 99, 4415, 9406 00 20
1
Elm (Ulmus spp)
Species/Commodity
Wood of David Elm (Ulmus davidiana) other than in the
form of
Country of Origin
Canada, China, Japan, Mongolia, Republic of Korea,
Russia, Taiwan and USA
Special Requirements
Official statement that the wood:
(c)
— chips, obtained in whole or part from these trees,
— wood packaging material, in the form of packing cases,
boxes, crates, drums and similar packings, pallets, box
pallets and other load boards, pallet collars, actually in use
in the transport of objects of all kinds,
originates in an area established by the national plant
protection organisation in the country of export as being
free from Agrilus planipennis Fairmaire in accordance with
the relevant International Standards for Phytosanitary
Measures; or
(b) is squared so as to remove entirely the round surface.
— wood used to wedge or support non-wood cargo, but
including wood which has not kept its natural round surface
Wood of Chinese or Lace Bark Elm (Ulmus parvifolia) other
than in the form of
Canada, China, Japan, Mongolia, Republic of Korea,
Russia, Taiwan and USA
Official statement that the wood:
(d)
— chips, obtained in whole or part from these trees,
— wood packaging material, in the form of packing cases,
boxes, crates, drums and similar packings, pallets, box
pallets and other load boards, pallet collars, actually in use
in the transport of objects of all kinds,
originates in an area established by the national plant
protection organisation in the country of export as being
free from Agrilus planipennis Fairmaire in accordance with
the relevant International Standards for Phytosanitary
Measures; or
(b) is squared so as to remove entirely the round surface.
— wood used to wedge or support non-wood cargo, but
including wood which has not kept its natural round surface
Material typically in Customs Tariff CN Codes 4401 10 00, 4403 10 00, 4403 99, 4404, 4406, 4407 99, 4415, 9406 00 20
Japanese Wing Nut (Ptercarya rhoifolia)
Species/Commodity
Wood of Japanese Wing Nut (ptercarya rhoifolia) other than in
the form of
Country of Origin
Canada, China, Japan, Mongolia, Republic of Korea,
Russia, Taiwan and USA
Special Requirements
Official statement that the wood:
(e)
originates in an area established by the national plant
protection organisation in the country of export as being
free from Agrilus planipennis Fairmaire in accordance with
the relevant International Standards for Phytosanitary
Measures; or
(b)
is squared so as to remove entirely the round surface.
— chips, obtained in whole or part from these trees,
— wood packaging material, in the form of packing cases,
boxes, crates, drums and similar packings, pallets, box
pallets and other load boards, pallet collars, actually in use
in the transport of objects of all kinds,
— wood used to wedge or support non-wood cargo, but
including wood which has not kept its natural round surface
Material typically in Customs Tariff CN Codes 4401 10 00, 4403 10 00, 4403 99, 4404, 4406, 4407 99, 4415, 9406 00 20
2
Wood Chips
Species/Commodity
Wood in the form of chips obtained in whole or part from Ash
(Fraxinus L)., Manchurin Walnut (Juglans mandshurica)., David
Elm (Ulmus davidiana )., Chinese or Lace Bark Elm (Ulmus
parvifolia ). and Japanese Wing Nut (Pterocarya rhoifolia ).
Country of Origin
Canada, China, Japan, Mongolia, Republic of Korea,
Russia, Taiwan and USA
Special Requirements
Official statement that the wood:
(a) originates in an area established by the national plant
protection organisation in the country of export as being free
from Agrilus planipennis in accordance with the relevant
International Standards for Phytosanitary Measures; or
(b) has been processed into pieces of not more than 2.5 cm
thickness and width.
Material typically in Customs Tariff CN Codes 4401 10 20, 4401 21 00, 4401 22 00, 4401 30 80
Isolated bark
Species/Commodity
Isolated bark of Ash (Fraxinus L)., Manchurin Walnut (Juglans
mandshurica)., David Elm (Ulmus davidiana )., Chinese or Lace
Bark Elm (Ulmus parvifolia ). and Japanese Wing Nut
(Pterocarya rhoifolia ).
Country of Origin
Canada, China, Japan, Mongolia, Republic of Korea,
Russia, Taiwan and USA
Special Requirements
Official statement that the isolated bark:
(a) originates in an area established by the national plant
protection organisation in the country of export as being free
from Agrilus planipennis in accordance with the relevant
International Standards for Phytosanitary Measures; or
(b) has been processed into pieces of not more than 2.5 cm
thickness and width.’
Material typically in Customs Tariff CN Codes 4401 30 80 and other relevant CN Codes
Forestry Commission
Plant Health Service
EDINBURGH
February 2009
3
Table A4.8: Isolated bark*.
Species/commodity
Country of origin
Isolated bark of all conifers (Coniferales)
All third countries
*Material typically in Customs Tariff CN Code 4401 30 90 and other relevant CN Codes.
N.B. Bark of the following species, originating in the countries shown, is prohibited:
•
•
•
•
Sweet chestnut (Castanea Mill.) – Any third country other than Switzerland;
Oak (Quercus L.) other than Quercus suber L. – Any country in North America;
Maple (Acer saccharum) – Any country in North America;
Poplar (Populus L. ) – Any country in the American continent.
Table A4.9: Wood packaging material and dunnage actually in use in the transport of
objects of any kind.
Species/commodity
Country of origin
Wood packaging material other than in the form of:
Any third country except
Switzerland
• raw wood of 6 mm thickness or less;
• wood that has undergone a manufacturing process involving glue, heat or
pressure or a combination thereof.
Dunnage, including that which has not kept its natural round,
surface, other than in the form of:
• raw wood of 6mm thickness or less; or
• wood that has undergone a manufacturing process involving glue, heat or
pressure or a combination thereof.
30
Any third country except
Switzerland
Special requirements
The isolated bark shall be accompanied by an official statement that it has undergone an appropriate heat treatment
to achieve the minimum temperature of 56ºC for at least 30 minutes, the latter to be indicated on the phytosanitary
certificate or phytosanitary certificate for re-export.
Special requirements
The wood packaging material shall:
a) be subject to one of the approved measures specified in Annex I to ISPM No 15; and
b) display a mark which shall contain as specified in Annex II to ISPM No 15:
i) the two-letter ISO country code
ii) a code identifying the producer
iii) the code identifying the approved measure to which the wood packaging material has been subject in
accordance with para. (a)
iv) the IPPC logo
N.B. The EU has agreed to further suspend its requirement that wood packaging material, including dunnage, be
made from debarked wood until 1 January 2009.
The dunnage shall:
(i) be subject to one of the approved measures specified in Annex I to ISPM No. 15; and
(ii) display a mark which shall contain as specified in Annex II to ISPM No. 15 at least:
(a) the two letter ISO country code;
(b) the code identifying the producer; and
(c) the code identifying the approved measure in to which the dunnage has been subject in accordance with
paragraph (i); or shall until 31 December 2007, be made from bark-free wood that is free from pests and signs
of live pests.
31
Appendix 5
Glossary
American continent: North and South America.
Bark-free wood: wood from which all bark, excluding the cambium, ingrown bark
around knots and bark pockets between rings of annual growth, has been removed.
Consignment: any relevant material being covered by a single document required by
Customs or Plant Health legislation. A consignment can be made up of several lots.
Controlled: any relevant material which must be accompanied with a phytosanitary
certificate (or approved alternative) and which is subject to a plant health inspection.
Dunnage: loose wood used, or intended for use, to wedge or support cargo, but
which does not necessarily remain associated with it.
European Union: the territories of the member States including the Isle of Man and
the Channel Islands but excluding the Canary Islands, Cueta, Melilla and the French
Overseas Departments.
European Third Countries: include Albania, Belarus, Bosnia, Croatia, Georgia, Iceland,
FYR Macedonia, Moldova, Norway, Ukraine, Yugoslavia but does not include
Kazakhstan, Russia and Turkey.
Importer: in relation to any tree pest or relevant material at any time between
landing from a third country and the time when they are discharged by an inspector,
includes any owner or other person for the time being possessed of or beneficially
interested in the tree pest or relevant material.
Inspector: any person authorised by the Commissioners to be an inspector for the
purposes of the Plant Health (Forestry) Order 2005.
North America: the geographical area comprising Canada, Mexico and the USA.
Point of entry: the place where plants, plant products or other objects are brought
for the first time into the customs territory of the EU or GB.
Protected zone: where the import and movement from another territory of harmful
organisms or pests is prohibited as they are not endemic to GB although conditions
here may be favourable to their establishment.
Relevant material: any tree, wood, isolated bark, soil or growing medium subject to
regulation under the Plant Health (Forestry) Order 2005.
Third country: a country or territory which is not part of the European Union.
Wood packaging material: includes packing cases, crates, boxes, cable drums, load
boards, spacers, stickers, bearers and pallets etc associated with all commodities.
32
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