Under Directive 2000/29/EC, oak (Quercus L.) logs with bark attached, originating in the United States of America, may, in principle, not be introduced into the Community because of the risk of introducing Ceratocystis fagacearum (Bretz) Hunt, the cause of oak wilt.

Experience has shown that in respect of the United States of America, the risk of spreading Ceratocystis fagacearum (Bretz) Hunt can be eliminated by applying certain measures.

One of these measures is fumigation. Certain Member States have requested that import of fumigated oak logs takes place only through specified ports where the appropriate handling and inspection facilities are available.

It is also possible to dispense with fumigation, as regards oak wood belonging to the white oak group, under certain technical conditions. Certain Member States have requested a further derogation to allow importations of white oak during certain months of the year. This second derogation should be limited to those parts of the Community where potential vectors of Ceratocystis fagacearum (Bretz) Hunt have little or no activity during the winter, i.e. to areas north of 45^o latitude.

The Commission will ensure that the United States of America makes available all technical information necessary to monitor the functioning of the protective measures required.

The Member States should therefore be granted a derogation, for a limited period of time, for the introduction of oak (Quercus L.) logs with bark from the United States of America.

The measures provided for in this Decision are in accordance with the opinion of the Standing Committee on Plant Health,