This Regulation establishes new measures to prevent the presence of the Tomato brown rugose fruit virus (ToBRFV) on tomato and pepper plants in the EU. The act changes the status of ToBRFV from a quarantine pest to a regulated non-quarantine pest due to its wide spread within the EU territory. It sets specific requirements for seeds and plants for planting of tomatoes and peppers to prevent virus transmission.The Regulation amends several annexes of Implementing Regulation (EU) 2019/2072. The main changes include adding ToBRFV to the list of regulated non-quarantine pests with a zero tolerance threshold, establishing requirements for seeds and plants certification, and setting specific control frequencies for imports from different countries. The act also introduces exemptions for pepper varieties that are proven to be resistant to the virus.Key provisions include:
- Mandatory testing of seeds and plants, unless they originate from countries officially declared free from ToBRFV
- Special provisions for small seed lots from 30 or fewer mother plants
- Different control frequencies for imports: 20% for most countries, 50% for Israel, and 100% for China
- Requirements for phytosanitary certificates and plant passports
- Specific hygiene conditions for plant maintenance
