Explanatory note

This Order introduces specific measures for the control in England of infestations of Ips typographus (Heer) (the larger eight-toothed spruce bark beetle) which is a serious pest of conifer trees.

Article 3 makes provision for the Forestry Commissioners to demarcate an area of England (which may further be divided into an infested area and a controlled area) and to specify the susceptible material (see article 2(1)) to which the prohibitions on movement in article 4 are to apply in response to a confirmed finding of Ips typographus.

Article 4 prohibits, subject to certain exceptions, the movement of susceptible material within or out of a demarcated area, or an infested or controlled area, as described in a notice published under the Order, without the written authority of a plant health inspector.

Article 5 contains provisions relating to inspection and enforcement.

Article 6 makes it an offence to contravene a prohibition on the movement of susceptible material contained in Article 4(2). A person guilty of an offence under article 6 is liable on summary conviction to a fine.

An impact assessment has not been prepared for this instrument as no or no significant, impact on the private, voluntary or public sector is foreseen.