Postpone entry date plant passport for Xylella March 31, 2016

The entry date to obligate a plant passport for approximately 30 plant species is postponed to 31 March 2016. As a result of outbreaks of the bacterial disease Xylella fastidiosa the European Commission requires the use of a plant passport within the EU for approximately 30 plant species. This obligation would take effect on February 1, 2016. Because more time is needed for the introduction, the Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority (NVWA) decided to postpone the introduction in the Netherlands to 31 March 2016. Other EU countries are informed about this decision. The date of introduction can be different per country or even regions per country. Information about this can be given by the responsible authorities in this country.