EU Flowering Bulb Imports 2021-04-22
2021-04-22
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Partial Answer
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Context
The question arises due to concerns about biosecurity and trade facilitation issues following changes in import regulations on 1 January.
I am concerned that physical inspections of high-priority plants, including flowering bulbs from the EU, have taken place at their destination since 1 January. However, this has caused delays and difficulties for businesses involved in the trade. What steps is he taking to improve the domestic inspection process?
It is true that the plant-health requirements for dormant bulbs are different from those for bulbs in growth, leading to complexities in the export process. My officials and I are willing to discuss directly with my hon. Friend's constituents the specific issues raised. We continue to have discussions with our counterparts in EU about simplifying export processes.
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Assessment & feedback
The answer did not provide concrete plans or timelines for discussing simplification of trade with EU counterparts.
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
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Context
The bulb organisation reported that people have left the trade due to difficulties, including prohibitions on exporting bulbs with soil and extensive inspections.
I am told that a couple of individuals have left the trade because it is not worth their while. The export of bulbs in growth, which have soil on them, is now prohibited except under specific conditions, sometimes leading to 1,000 boxes needing inspection. What plans does my hon. Friend have to discuss with her EU counterparts the prospect of simplifying the trade in flowering bulbs?
The plant-health requirements for dormant bulbs differ from those for bulbs in growth, leading to complexities in export processes. My officials and I are willing to discuss directly with my hon. Friend's constituents the specific issues raised. We continue to have discussions with our counterparts in EU about simplifying these export processes.
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Assessment & feedback
The answer did not provide concrete plans or timelines for discussing simplification of trade with EU counterparts.
Response accuracy