According to Defra, the new Plant Health Information Service, which has been developed in conjunction with the APHA and organisations such as the Horticultural Trades Association (HTA), is now open for general use. The system builds on existing data and guidance, says Defra and allows users to search on:

A plant species (Latin name, synonym, common name)
From a country
In a format (for example “Plant for Planting” or “Produce”)

The Horticultural Trades Association (HTA) welcomes the new Plant Health Information Service, which has been made live at a time when horticulture businesses are facing huge challenges with importing. The tool, developed in consultation with the HTA and sector businesses, is a more user-friendly system to navigate the guidance and make clearer the requirements for plants and plant products for businesses importing them.

Sally Cullimore, HTA Technical Policy Manager, commented: “This is a long-awaited and welcome improvement, which now needs to be fully resourced and maintained, with a plan for urgent expansion to include business and trade critical information, such as when and what additional declarations are required. We are keen to work collaboratively to shape this further so it works for our sector – the primary users of the tool.

“The urgency is clear, and we reiterate the asks the HTA has made for action to address the many communication and infrastructure issues which are causing friction at the border, thereby increasing costs and ultimately resulting in lost plants.”

The HTA encourages its members and their supply chains to familiarise themselves with the tool and give feedback on suggestions for further improvements.