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The European Commission's latest EUROPHYT - Interceptions annual report shows that in 2017 there were 1,484 interceptions due to the presence of harmful organisms (plant pests), a decline of 18% from the previous year. Furthermore, the Commission's ongoing efforts to engage with the countries whose exports to the EU are intercepted frequently (bi-lateral dialogue, plant health audits and other targeted measures) have resulted in a reduction of 40% in the number of interceptions since 2013.
The 2017 report provides an overview of interception notifications received in 2017 and evaluates the main trends over the period 2013-2017. The main non-EU country commodities intercepted due to the presence of harmful organisms were fruit and vegetables, particularly peppers, mango, basil, eggplant, citrus and various gourds. Wood packaging material and cut flowers also contributed significantly to the interceptions.
Background:
EUROPHYT- Interceptions is the Commission's rapid alert system for plant health used by EU Member States and Switzerland. Members use the system to notify of the presence of harmful organisms and other plant health risks found in EU-bound consignments during import controls. The system is also an effective policy support tool for risk assessment and risk management. Based on EUROPHYT data, a Non-EU trade Alert List is published each month on the Commission's Health and Food Safety website.
