Importing and exporting plants and plant products

The importation of particular plants and plant products from certain third countries (countries outside of the European Union) is prohibited.

In general, all plants and some categories of plant produce that are permitted to enter Northern Ireland from third countries must be accompanied by a phytosanitary certificate.

This confirms that the plants or plant produce to which it relates have been officially inspected in the country of origin (or country of dispatch), comply with statutory requirements for entry into the UK and are free from quarantine pests and diseases.

Any plants that are imported directly into Northern Ireland from outside of the EU may only enter via Belfast Port, Larne Port or Warrenpoint Port and must comply with all relevant Plant Health legislation.

Read more about New Plant Health Regulation.

Businesses or individuals wishing to import plants from countries outside of the EU must register with DAERA as a Professional Operator or update their existing registration to include their new activity as an importer. To register, you should use the forms available on the Registration as Professional Operator and application to become Registered Authorised Professional Operator page or contact Plant Health Inspection Branch directly.

At importation, DAERA Plant Health Inspectors carry out documentary and identity checks on plants and controlled plant products from non EU countries. There is a charge for these inspections. Documentary checks are always charged, while additional identity checks and plant health inspections are completed at set frequencies according to Commission Regulation (EU) 2022/2389 and may be charged at reduced inspection fees depending on the category of plant material and the country of origin.

Imports of plants and controlled plant products must be notified to DAERA no less than one working day in advance of arrival (four working hrs if arriving by air). Different rules apply for importing potatoes or wood and bark products. Notification must be given by completing a CHED-PP part 1 on TRACES.NT.

This must be done by the person responsible for the consignment, which should be the importer or an agent with an NI or EU address. You should upload a scanned colour copy of the accompanying phytosanitary certificate (including all attached pages) and ensure that all details entered on TRACES NT are correct. You should also include the registration number of the vehicle carrying the goods and/or the container number, as applicable. This will facilitate smooth movement of all consignments.

Read more information about the TRACES NT system.

See guidance notes for registering on TRACES NT and creating a CHED PP

A Certificate of Conformity is required for certain fruit and vegetable produce which is subject to a 'Specific Marketing Standard' (SMS) before it is released from the port.