Importing and exporting plants and plant products
Importing plants from countries outside the EU
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.
Arrangements for authorised traders moving food from GB to NI
An arrangement is in place which allows authorised traders such as supermarkets and their trusted suppliers to move some goods without the need for official certification.
If you’re moving plants or plant products from GB to NI, you do not need official certification, such as export health certificates, Phytosanitary Certificates or marketing standards certification.
Read detailed guidance for authorised traders.
What is a phytosanitary certificate?
A phytosanitary certificate 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. Find out how to get a phytosanitary certificate.
Any plants that are imported directly into Northern Ireland from outside of the EU may only enter via:
- Belfast City or International Airports
- Belfast Port or Warrenpoint Port
They must also comply with all relevant Plant Health legislation.
Read more about Import requirements for plants, plant produce and other objects.
Businesses or individuals wishing to import plants from countries outside of the EU must register with the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA). This is primarily to facilitate the inspection of plants imported from non-EU countries directly into Northern Ireland.
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 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 hours if arriving by air).
Different rules apply for importing potatoes or wood and bark products. Two steps should be completed to notify of relevant consignments:
- Ensure that a CHED-PP part 1 is completed on TRACES NT. This must be done by the person responsible for the consignment, usually the agent or occasionally the importer. You should upload a copy of the accompanying phytosanitary certificate where possible and ensure that all details entered on TRACES NT are correct (especially addresses and postcodes). This will facilitate smooth movement of all consignments. Read more about the TRACES NT system and a step-by-step guide on how to register and create a CHED PP.
- Email a completed Plant Health Release Certificate request form and any relevant documents to phhort@daera-ni.gov.uk
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.