Explanatory note

These Regulations, which apply to Wales and come into force on 1 February 2006, give effect to Article 13d of Council Directive 2000/29/EC of 8 May 2000 (OJ No. L 169, 10.7.00, p.1), as last amended by Commission Directive 2005/15/EC of 28 February 2005 (OJ No. L 56, 2.3.2005, p.12), (“the Directive”), which requires member States to charge fees to cover the costs occasioned by the documentary checks, identity checks and plant health checks of certain imports of plants, plant products and other objects from third countries provided for in Article 13a(1) of the Directive.

An importer is required to pay the fee specified in Schedule 1 for plant health checks which are carried out, except where reduced import inspection fees apply (regulation 4(2) and (3)). Schedule 2 specifies reduced fees which apply, whether or not an inspection is in fact carried out, in respect of plant health checks of certain cut flowers and fruits originating in the countries specified in that Schedule (regulation 4(3)).

An importer is required to pay the fee specified in Schedule 3 for documentary checks and identity checks (regulation 4(4)).

A Regulatory Appraisal has been prepared for these Regulations. Copies can be obtained from the Department for Environment, Planning and Countryside, Welsh Assembly Government, Cathays Park, Cardiff CF10 3NQ.