Explanatory Note
(This note is not part of the Regulations.)
These Regulations revoke and replace the Marketing of Ornamental Plant Material Regulations (Northern Ireland) 1995. The Regulations implement Council Directive 98/56/EC on the marketing of propagating material of ornamental plants (O.J. No. L.226, 13.8.98, p. 16); Commission Directive 1999/68/EC setting out additional provisions for lists of varieties of ornamental plants as kept by suppliers under Directive 98/56 (O.J. No. L.172, 8.7.99, p. 42); and Commission Directive 1999/66/EC setting out requirements as to the label or other document made out by the supplier pursuant to Council Directive 98/56 (O.J. No. L.164, 30.6.99, p. 76).
The Regulations come into operation on 31st December 1999. The Regulations set quality standards to be met by ornamental plant propagating material when marketed and prescribe conditions to be satisfied by suppliers. They introduce the following principal changes—
(1) The Regulations apply to the propagating material of all ornamental plants (regulations 2 and 3).
(2) Propagating material intended for use in the conservation of genetic diversity is exempted from the Regulations (regulation 3).
(3) The quality requirements for propagating material, including citrus material and flower bulbs, are modified (regulations 4, 5 and 6).
(4) The system of accreditation for those who market plant material is ended and a system of registration is introduced (regulations 1 and 7).
(5) Suppliers must notify the Department of the appearance on their premises of any plant pest which is listed in the Plant Health Order (Northern Ireland) 1993 (regulation 8).
(6) The information to appear in suppliers' documentation is modified with effect from 31st December 1999 (regulations 1 and 9 and the Schedule).
(7) Importers of propagating material from third countries are required to ensure that it is equivalent to material produced in accordance with Directive 98/56 and to notify the Department (regulation 12).