A call for evidence on controlling oak and sweet chestnut timber imports ...

A call for evidence has been launched to seek information from importers of oak and sweet chestnut timber in England to help the development of measures specifically on timber imports. These measures include further third country import requirements on unprocessed wood with bark and isolated bark of oak and sweet chestnut. The measures would also extend the plant passporting requirements which apply to the movements of these products between Member States within the EU. 

The measures will be introduced through an amendment to the Plant Health Forestry Order 2005 that would apply only in relation to England. The introduction of similar measures is also being considered by the Devolved Administrations of Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. Complimentary measures will be introduced in relation to oak and sweet chestnut plants for planting through an amendment to the Plant Health England Order. 

FC would like to hear from businesses who import oak and sweet chestnut with bark and isolated bark of oak and sweet chestnut into England from the European Union (EU) and from countries outside of the EU. They would also like to hear from businesses that process oak. 

The call for evidence is concerned only with the measures that are being introduced for unprocessed wood with bark and isolated bark of oak and sweet chestnut. 

The call for evidence can be found at: at https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/prevent-the-introduction-of-oak-lace-bug-into-great-britain-call-for-evidence

When can I provide my response?

The call for evidence is open for 6 weeks from 25 March 2019 and closes on 29 April 2019. 

Where should I send my response?

Please send your responses for the attention of Nick Mainprize: plant.health@forestrycommission.gov.uk

or

Forestry Commission 
Plant Health Service 
Silvan House 
231 Corstorphine Road 
Edinburgh 
EH12 7AT