Defra Launch new Plant Health Information Service

23 Oct 2024

Defra are pleased to confirm that as of 22/10/2024 the new Plant Health Information (PHI) Service has been published and is now open for general use.

This system, which has been developed in conjunction with Defra, APHA and external parties, provides information on phytosanitary requirements for importing plants, seeds, and plant products into Great Britain. The new service builds on existing data and guidance and allows users to search on:

1. A plant species (Latin name, synonym, common name)
2. From a country
3. In a format (for example “Plant for Planting” or “Produce”)

And to easily see:

1. If the searched combination is:

1. Prohibited (either under the Plant Health Regulations or as an Invasive Non-Native Species)
2. Controlled (i.e. permitted for import, subject to meeting prescribed plant health requirements)
3. Unregulated (plant/country/format not regulated for plant health purposes)

1. What Border Target Operating Model risk level applies in relation to the import.
2. What pests or disease of concern to GB (i.e. listed in Annexes to the Plant Health Regulations of where statutory action would otherwise be required ) may be found on this import
3. As well as specific answers for the plant, country, format combination the service provides links to:

1. Latest interception data
2. Additional Declaration tool

(NOTE – PHI allows the user to select a species of plant BUT it considers regulation at species, genus, sub-family, and family levels)

Alongside this “plant journey” there is a “pest journey” which allows users to find information (including Defra documents and links to photographs) on non-native pests & diseases (based on the current Pest Risk Register data).

Please note, this service does not replace the Plant Health Portal or Pest Risk Register but is a simple mechanism for users to find the information above. Additionally, it does not at present include specific import requirements under Annex 7 of the Plant Health Regulations relating to regulated pests.

The link to the service is:

https://www.gov.uk/guidance/check-plant-health-information-and-import-rules