Explanatory note

These Regulations, which extend to Scotland only, amend the Plant Health Fees (Scotland) Regulations 1996 which prescribe fees in respect of inspections carried out for the purpose of conferring authority to issue plant passports under the Plant Health (Scotland) Order 2005 (which replaced the Plant Health (Great Britain) Order 1993) or the Plant Health (Phytophthora ramorum) (Scotland) Order 2004 (“the Orders”).

Under the Orders, certain listed plants, plant producers and other objects require a plant passport for movement within the European Community including any trade within the United Kingdom. Producers, traders and importers of such material may be authorised to issue plant passports by the Scottish Ministers. The initial authorisation process involves an inspection of premises and the listed plant material and includes a check on business records and further inspections may be carried out subsequent to the grant of authority to ensure compliance with relevant requirements.

The level of fees remains unchanged from the Plant Health Fees (Scotland) Amendment Regulations 2005 but these now apply also to authorisations under the Plant Health (Phytophthora ramorum) (Scotland) Order 2004.

No regulatory impact assessment has been carried out in respect of these Regulations as they have no impact on costs to business.