The United Kingdom (UK) has tightened the import measures for roses (Rosa Sp.) From Canada, India, Mexico or the United States (US) with effect from 23 July 2019. The reason is the continuing problems in these countries with the Rose Rosette Virus. The measures apply to all rose products from these countries; for example propagation material, tissue culture and cut flowers. Rose seed is excluded.

In principle, the measures do not have far-reaching consequences for the rose sector: it only concerns rose plants from Canada, India, Mexico and the US. Rose plants from these countries that are being transported through the Netherlands do fall under the measures. It is possible that in the long term the plant health authorities in the UK will also check certificates for these rose plants.

What exactly do the measures entail?

The measures entail that the roses from the four countries must be accompanied by a phytosanitary certificate with specific credit. The obligation to write on the certificate is new and shows that the roses come from a production location that is free of the virus. It also indicates that the plants are properly packaged for transport. The UK indicates that they will gradually build up controls on shipments of roses from Canada, India, Mexico and the United States after July 23.

Why is the UK taking these measures?

The UK is taking the measures because there are problems with the Rose Rosette Virus (RRV) and a mite (Phyllocoptes fructiphilus) spreading the virus in Canada, India, Mexico and the US. The virus is insufficiently controlled at Indian rose production companies and has been a problem for many years in the American floriculture sector. The virus has harmful effects on product quality; the symptoms of the disease generally make products unsaleable.