Here’s a review of three significant EU regulations:
1. Fruit Flies Control Measures
The regulation introduces comprehensive control measures against three fruit fly species (Bactrocera dorsalis, latifrons, and zonata). It mandates surveillance through statistical sampling and establishes 500m infested zones with 7km buffer zones around pest findings. The measures include male annihilation treatments, bait applications, and soil treatments. Movement restrictions apply to fruits and plants from infested areas, with specific requirements for disposal and trapping. Member States must implement contingency plans and use standardized reporting templates.
2. Chinese Sweetcorn Import Registration
The regulation requires mandatory registration of prepared or preserved sweetcorn kernel imports from China. It covers products preserved by vinegar/acetic acid or other methods (non-frozen) under specific CN and TARIC codes. The registration requirement applies for nine months and relates to products under CN codes ex 2001 90 30 and ex 2005 80 00. The measure is connected to dumping margins estimated at 95-105% and injury elimination levels of 110-120%.
3. UK Birch Trees Import Rules
The regulation removes Betula pendula and Betula pubescens from the UK from the EU’s high-risk plants list. It applies to all plants for planting of these birch species, regardless of their characteristics. While the regulation eases trade restrictions, standard import requirements under Regulation (EU) 2019/2072 remain in force. The measure applies to Great Britain but excludes Northern Ireland under the Windsor Framework.
Review of each of legal acts published today:
Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2025/311 of 14 February 2025 on measures to eradicate and to prevent the establishment and spread within the Union territory of fruit flies of the species Bactrocera dorsalis (Hendel), Bactrocera latifrons (Hendel) and Bactrocera zonata (Saunders)
This Regulation sets out measures to combat three species of fruit flies (Bactrocera dorsalis, Bactrocera latifrons and Bactrocera zonata) that pose a threat to agriculture in the EU. The act establishes detailed procedures for surveillance, eradication and prevention of spread of these pests within EU territory, with special focus on protecting fruit crops and preventing economic damage.
The structure of the act includes:
– General provisions on surveys and monitoring
– Rules for establishing demarcated areas where pests are found
– Specific eradication measures like male annihilation treatments, bait applications, soil treatments
– Movement restrictions for fruits, plants and soil from infested zones
– Detailed annexes listing host plants for each pest species and reporting templates
The main provisions include:
– Mandatory surveys with statistical sampling to detect pest presence
– Establishment of infested zones (500m radius) and buffer zones (7km) around findings
– Strict controls on movement of fruits and plants from infested areas
– Requirements for safe disposal of infested material
– Specific trapping protocols and treatment methods
– Detailed contingency planning requirements for Member States
– Comprehensive reporting obligations using standardized templates
The act represents a significant update of EU plant health measures, introducing more detailed and harmonized requirements for pest control compared to previous regulations. It will enter into force in March 2025, with some provisions applying from January 2026.
Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2025/309 of 14 February 2025 making imports of certain prepared or preserved sweetcorn in kernels originating in the People’s Republic of China subject to registration
The Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2025/309 establishes registration requirements for imports of prepared or preserved sweetcorn kernels from China. This measure is part of an anti-dumping investigation initiated following a complaint from European sweetcorn processors. The registration will allow potential retroactive collection of anti-dumping duties if the investigation confirms dumping practices.
Structure and main provisions:
1. Product scope: The regulation covers sweetcorn kernels prepared or preserved by vinegar/acetic acid or other methods, not frozen, classified under specific CN and TARIC codes.
2. Registration requirement: Customs authorities must register all imports of the specified products from China for nine months from the regulation’s entry into force.
3. Investigation parameters: The complaint estimates dumping margins of 95-105% and injury elimination levels of 110-120% for the period October 2023 to September 2024.
Key provisions for practical use:
– The registration applies to specific sweetcorn products from China under CN codes ex 2001 90 30 (TARIC 2001 90 30 10) and ex 2005 80 00 (TARIC 2005 80 00 10)
– Registration period is nine months
– The exact amount of potential duties is not determined at this stage
– The Commission may consider raw material distortions in determining final duties
– All data processing must comply with EU personal data protection regulations
Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2025/312 of 14 February 2025 amending Implementing Regulation (EU) 2018/2019 as regards certain plants for planting of Betula pendula and Betula pubescens, originating in the United Kingdom
This Commission Implementing Regulation amends existing rules regarding the import of certain birch trees (Betula pendula and Betula pubescens) from the United Kingdom into the European Union. The regulation removes these specific types of birch trees from the list of high-risk plants when they originate from the UK, based on scientific assessment that confirmed acceptable phytosanitary risk levels.
Structure and main provisions:
1. The regulation modifies Implementing Regulation (EU) 2018/2019 by removing UK-originated Betula pendula and Betula pubescens from the high-risk plants list.
2. The change follows a thorough assessment process that included:
– UK requests for export submitted in April 2023
– European Food Safety Authority scientific opinion from September 2024
– Evaluation of four specific pests: Entoleuca mammata, Meloidogyne fallax, Phytophthora ramorum, and Thaumetopoea processionea
3. The amendment applies to all plants for planting of these birch species from the UK, regardless of their size, age, or whether they are bare-rooted or in growing medium.
Key provisions for practical use:
– The regulation allows for easier trade of Betula pendula and Betula pubescens plants between the UK and EU
– Standard import requirements set out in Annex VII to Implementing Regulation (EU) 2019/2072 must still be complied with
– The regulation applies to Great Britain but explicitly excludes Northern Ireland due to the Windsor Framework
– The changes take effect three days after publication in the Official Journal of the European Union
