Advice on Import and Export

In the past, pests and diseases have been introduced to Europe and Germany time and again and caused great damage to our crops and wild plants.

The causal agent of the Dutch elm disease for instance has been introduced with infested timber from North America. Meanwhile, the fungi Ophiostoma ulmi and Ophiostoma novo-ulmi have killed nearly all elms in Europe.

To prevent such damage the European Union has adopted import prohibitions and restrictions on plants and plant products that can carry such organisms. Regulations have to be taken into account by travellers, companies and scientific institutions.

Legal Basis

Regulation (EU) 2016/2031 of the European Parliament of the Council of 26 October 2016 on protective measures against pests of plants

Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2019/2072 establishing uniform conditions for the implementation of Regulation (EU) 2016/2031 of the European Parliament and the Council, as regards protective measures against pests of plants

Further Information

European Helpdesk for Exporters and Importers

EU Plant Health & Biosecurity

Last update: 28 June, 2022