Explanatory note

This Order places certain notification requirements upon persons importing potatoes from Germany which have been grown after 2000. It requires importers bringing such potatoes into Northern Ireland on or after 11th February 2002 to give at least two days' notice in writing to an inspector of the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, providing specified details as to, inter alia, the landing and intended use of the potatoes (Article 3(1)). It also requires importers of German potatoes which arrived in Northern Ireland between 14th January 2002 and the coming into operation of the Order on 11th February 2002 to provide specified information of a similar nature no later than 28th February 2002 (Article 3(2)).

The Order provides that an inspector who has reasonable grounds for suspecting a contravention of its provisions may exercise in respect of German potatoes certain enforcement powers conferred by Articles 22, 23 and 25 of the Plant Health Order (Northern Ireland) 1993.