Enforcement, effectiveness, cost and benefits of the phytosanitary measures related to the Plant Passport system

This report is a technical analysis of the responses to the questionnaire regarding the phytosanitary measures related to the Plant Passport (PP) system under the new plant health legislation, as provided by several stakeholders. The questionnaire - sent in February 2021 - was answered by 177 respondents including National Plant Protection Organizations, certification Competent Authorities, operators, associations, and the general public, from 25 different EU Member States. This report includes an analysis carried out by DG SANTE of policy aspects of the experience gained from the extension of the plant passport system in the European Union, and a cost benefit analysis carried out by JRC. Results show the stakeholders’ views on the cost and benefits of the extension of the PP requirement to all movement of plants for planting within the territory of the European Union, as well as some other provisions aimed at strengthening the PP system. The results also include evaluation of other relevant policy aspects and alternatives as perceived by the stakeholders: the introduction of an electronic PP, the provisions of distance contracts, the changes related to Regulated Non-Quarantine Pests regarding the new PP requirements, and the implementation of the new rules on pre-export certificates. This report is drafted for the preparation of the report to the European Parliament and to the Council according to the legislative obligation of the Commission laid down in Article 79(6) of the Plant Health Regulation (EC 2016/2031).