THE PLANT HEALTH AND SEEDS INSPECTORATE

The Plant Health and Seeds Inspectorate is a highly trained group of inspectors employed by the Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs and are based at offices throughout England and Wales.

Plant Health and Seeds Inspectors:

Monitor the health status of plants and plant produce moving into, and being traded within the UK, to ensure that they are free from quarantine pests and diseases i.e. harmful plant pests and diseases which are not established in the UK.

Where appropriate control the movements of plants, produce and soil to prevent the spread of quarantine plant pests and diseases.

Inspect and sample seeds, propagating and planting material to ensure they meet statutory or voluntary health and quality standards.

Administer the Plant Passporting system to ensure the movement of healthy planting material within the UK and rest of the EC.

Inspect and issue health certificates for plant material being exported to overseas countries to ensure that it meets their plant health requirements.

When should I contact a Plant Health and Seeds Inspector?

If you suspect a quarantine pest or disease problem on plants you have received or plants you are growing contact us immediately. We are especially interested in plants from outside the UK. Remember, that even if the company who supplied you is UK based, the plants may have been grown abroad or been in contact with imported plants before dispatch to you.

What will happen if a quarantine pest or disease is confirmed?

The action taken depends on the plant health problem and its location. Pest or disease outbreaks area treated individually and solutions considered carefully. Actions may include return of the infected material to the supplier, its treatment or destruction. Our aim is to eradicate or control pests or diseases not put you out of business; your co-operation will make that aim easier to achieve.

Maintained by Passfield Data Systems Ltd