NFU members who trade plants and plant materials with the EU should take note of an important upcoming requirement linked to the proposed UK–EU SPS (Sanitary and Phytosanitary) Agreement.
Growers are being asked to complete an EOI (Expression of Interest) form to help APHA make preparations: GOV.UK | EU Alignment – Plant Passport.
What’s changing?
Under the planned UK–EU SPS Agreement, EU Plant Passports are expected to replace UK Plant Passports for plant movements. As a result:
- Additional Growing Season Inspections may be required during 2026;
- these inspections will help businesses prepare for full EU Plant Passport requirements from 2027; and
- inspectors may need to spend more time on-site during 2026.
Importantly, Defra have confirmed there will be no charge for any additional inspection work carried out before the SPS Agreement is implemented.
What you need to do
To help APHA (Animal and Plant Health Agency) plan for these inspections, growers are being asked to complete an EOI form.
This form asks for details of any crops you grow that may fall under EU Plant Passport requirements.
It includes a list of plant species that may require inspection. If you grow any nursery stock, young plants, or propagation material, it is very likely you are in scope.
Your responses will support scheduling of inspections during 2026.
Submitting this information will help ensure that APHA inspections can be completed in time, supporting your continued ability to move plants once the new arrangements come into force.
The deadline is 30 June 2026.
Important note: This is an interim measure. As negotiations on the UK–EU SPS Agreement are still ongoing, the current requirements do not represent a final or confirmed regulatory position.
The NFU encourages all affected members to complete the form by the deadline to avoid disruption and ensure readiness for the new plant passport system. You do not need to submit an Expression of Interest if you do not grow any of the listed plants within the EOI.
Keep updated
Please contact the [email protected] mailbox to receive direct email notifications from APHA.
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