Explanatory note

These Regulations amend The Forest Reproductive Material Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2002 (S.R.2002/404) (“the Principal Regulations”) in relation to Northern Ireland.

The amendments set out the revised requirements which apply in Northern Ireland in relation to forest reproductive material produced in countries outside the European Union and;

The Regulations implement in relation to Northern Ireland Council Decision 2008/971/EC on the equivalence of forest reproductive material produced in third countries (OJ No L 345, 23.12.2008, p83), as amended by Decision No. 1104/2012/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council (OJ No L 328, 28.11.2012, p1).

Regulation 3(1)(b) provides for the references to Council Decision 2008/971/EC in the Principal Regulations to read as references to that instrument as amended from time to time.

An impact assessment has not been produced for this instrument as no impact on business, or the private or voluntary sector is foreseen. The Explanatory Memorandum for this instrument is available alongside this instrument at www.legislation.gov.uk.