The UK authorities have definitively decided to postpone the imposition of stricter phytosanitary requirements for the import of cut flowers, fruits and vegetables. According to the final version of the Border Targeting Operating Model (TOM), published by UK ministry DEFRA on 29 August, the phytosanitary inspections of five varieties of cut flowers exported from the European Union to the UK, originally due 31 October 2023, won’t become mandatory until 31 January 2024.
By 31 January, exporters must provide cut flowers – which the British say fall into the 'medium-risk' category – with a phytosanitary certificate. The 'medium-risk’ category includes chrysanthemums, dianthuses (carnation and centipede), orchids, gypsophilas and solidagos, confirms Tim Rozendaal, strategic advisor and project manager at VGB. As a result, exporters must inspect these cut flowers or have them inspected.
Earlier, UK media wrote about a possible postponement of the UK's phytosanitary requirements. The TOM also makes it clear that, as of 30 April 2024, the British will be performing document checks for medium-risk animal products, plants and plant products, including cut flowers, alongside physical checks. They will not be checking all shipments however: imports will be checked based on a risk profile, and high-risk products will undergo random inspections.