Notifications for United Kingdom (158 notifications)

Fludioxonil is an approved active substance in GB. An application was received by the Health and Safety Executive to set new MRLs for the products listed in section 3. Following assessment, new MRLs have been introduced to accommodate new authorisations of plant protection products to set Import Tolerances. The Evaluation Report/ Reasoned Opinion supporting the new MRLs is available at the following link. A complete list of the new or raised MRLs is available within this document, see page 7:  The evaluation of new MRLs for fludioxonil in or on various commodities (hse.gov.uk)The residue levels arising in food and feed from the notified uses result in consumer exposures below the toxicological reference values and therefore harmful effects on human health are not expected. As the residue levels exceed the current MRLs in force, new MRLs are being adopted.

Cyprodinil is an approved active substance in GB. An application was received by the Health and Safety Executive to set new MRLs for blueberries, cranberries, currants (black, red, white) and gooseberries (green, red, yellow) to set Import Tolerances. For each of these commodities, the MRL is being raised from 3mg/kg to 10mg/kg. The Evaluation Report/ Reasoned Opinion supporting the new MRLs is available at the following link. A complete list of the new or raised MRLs is available within this document, see page 5:  The evaluation of new MRLs for cyorodinil in or on blueberries, cranberries, currants and gooseberries (hse.gov.uk)The residue levels arising in food from the notified uses result in consumer exposures below the toxicological reference values and therefore harmful effects on human health are not expected. As the residue levels exceed the current MRLs in force, new MRLs are being adopted.

Oxathiapiprolin is an approved active substance in GB. An application was received by the Health and Safety Executive to set a new MRL for spring onion. This was to accommodate a new authorisation of a plant protection product in GB. The new use requires the current MRL to be amended from 0.01* mg/kg to 0.15 mg/kg. The CXL of 2 mg/kg, adopted by Codex in 2017, was also considered within the risk assessment. Following assessment, the CXL of 2 mg/kg is being adopted as a GB MRL. This MRL will accommodate the new GB authorisation and facilitate international trade.  The Evaluation Report/ Reasoned Opinion supporting the new MRL is available at the following link. The new MRL being adopted is outlined on page 5. Evaluation of a new MRL for oxathiapiprolin in or on spring onionsThe residue levels arising in food from the use associated with the CXL results in consumer exposures below the toxicological reference values and therefore harmful effects on human health are not expected. The CXL can be adopted as a GB MRL.

This review of the MRLs has been undertaken by HSE under the GB regulatory regime.  The draft Reasoned Opinion on the review of the MRLs is available at the following link: The review of the existing MRLs for chlorpropham (hse.gov.uk)The majority of the MRLs for chlorpropham are already at the LOQ MRL. This measure lowers the LOQ MRLs for celeriacs, onions, shallots, lettuces, escaroles, rocket, witloofs, celeries, fennels, chicory roots from 0.05* mg/kg to 0.01* mg/kg and for Kidney (all species) from 0.2 mg/kg to 0.05* mg/kg. The MRL for potatoes is lowered from 10 mg/kg to 0.35 mg/kg. The MRL of 0.35 mg/kg is a tMRL (temporary MRL) set to cover contamination of untreated potatoes in storage facilities in which chlorpropham has been previously used. Additional requirements (MRL supplementary information) should be provided so that the continued validity of the tMRL can be reviewed. In addition, industry are expected to provide information on the efforts taken to clean potato storage facilities and hence reduce the contamination of untreated potatoes. The MRL of 0.35 mg/kg will eventually be lowered to the LOQ MRL of 0.01* mg/kg.

The instrument will amend England, Scotland and Wales (Great Britain) retained legislation (Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2019/2072) and will introduce updated pest measures.Summary:·        Deregulation of GB quarantine pests (QPs) which have been assessed as not meeting the criteria to be a QP;·        Addition of new GB QPs which have been assessed as meeting the criteria to be a QP;·        Addition of new GB provisional quarantine pests (PQPs) which have been assessed as meeting the criteria to be a QP based on a provisional assessment;·        Update of import requirements for potato plants to cover plants for planting, including micro plants;·        Amendment of Annex 7, Part A, Item 83A to ensure that the commodities covered by this requirement will be subject to the same import requirements from all countries;·        Incorporation into GB legislation of the requirements of retained EU derogations which are due to expire, and that GB intends to maintain;·        Inclusion in legislation of the current easement on Tomato brown rugose fruit virus ("ToBRFV") testing requirements for seeds.Further details:1. Measure: Removal of various pests from the Annex 2 quarantine pest ("QP") listsPseudomonas syringae pv. persicaeHaplaxius crudusCoconut lethal yellowing phytoplasmaCowpea mild mottle virusChanges introduced by the measure: These pests have been assessed and are not considered to meet the criteria to be GB QPs. Therefore they will no longer be subject to specific import requirements.2. Measure: Addition of the following viruses of tomatoes (Solanum lycopersicum) to the Annex 2 GB QP listCitrus exocortis viroidColumnea latent viroidPepper chat fruit viroidTomato planta macho viroidChanges introduced by the measure: Pests added to the quarantine pest list will be subject to increased awareness raising, surveillance and action on detection within the UK to protect biosecurity.3. Measure: Addition of the following viruses of peppers (Capsicum annuum) to the Annex 2 GB QP listPepper chat fruit viroidChanges introduced by the measure: Pests added to the quarantine pest list will be subject to increased awareness raising, surveillance and action on detection within the United Kingdom to protect biosecurity.4. Measure: Addition of the following various pests to the Annex 2A GB provisional quarantine pests lists:Raffaelea lauricolaRaffaelea quercivoraPlatypus quercivorusChanges introduced by the measure: Pests added to the provisional quarantine pest list will be subject to increased awareness raising, surveillance and action on detection within the United Kingdom to protect biosecurity pending a full risk assessment.5. Measure: Expansion of the current specific import requirements in Annex 7 for tuber of Solanum tuberosum to cover plants for planting, including micro plants, of potato (other than seeds).Changes introduced by the measure: All potato plant commodity types, moving from the European Union, Liechtenstein, and Switzerland, will need to be compliant with specific import requirements.6. Measure: Changes to Tomato brown rugose fruit virus ("ToBRFV") testing requirements for seeds produced before 15 August 2020.Changes introduced by the measure: Imports of seeds of pepper (C. annuum) and tomato (S. lycopersicum) produced before 15 August 2020 can continue to be imported where the seed lot has been tested and found free of ToBRFV in the exporting country but will not need to have been produced from mother plants which have had a growing season inspection.7. Measure: Derogation of ash wood from Canada and the United States of AmericaChanges introduced by the measure: This measure will incorporate into GB legislation the requirements of a retained EU derogation which is due to expire. Ash wood from Canada and the United States of America will continue to be subject to the existing import requirements.8. Measure: Derogation of certain conifer species of bonsai trees from JapanChanges introduced by the measure: This measure will incorporate into GB legislation the requirements of a retained EU derogation which is due to expire. Certain types of conifer species of bonsai from Japan will continue to be subject to the existing import requirements.9. Measure: Amend Annex 7, Part A, Item 83A of the England, Scotland and Wales (Great Britain) retained legislation (Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2019/2072).Changes introduced by the measure: These specific import requirements will apply to imports from EU member States, Liechtenstein and Switzerland. This change will ensure that imports of the commodities covered by this requirement will be subject to the same import requirement as the rest of the world.

G/SPS/N/GBR/38 notified declarations of special measures within Great Britain to prevent the incursion of chronic wasting disease to the United Kingdom.The date of entry into force should read 23 June 2023.Also this document provides links to the relevant legislation:https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/1164935/Declaration_of_special_measures_chronic_wasting_disease__England_.pdfhttps://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/1165001/Chronic_Wasting_Disease_Declaration_of_Special_Measures__Scotland_.pdfhttps://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/1165083/Chronic_Wasting_Disease_-_Declaration_of_Special_Measures__Wales_.pdf

These declarations of special measures are necessary to prevent the incursion of chronic wasting disease to the United Kingdom. These measures prohibit the import of live cervids and cervid urine hunting lures from countries which have reported cases of chronic wasting disease. These measures also apply additional certification requirements to imports of fresh meat of cervids from countries with chronic wasting disease.

Potassium phosphonates and fosetyl-Al are approved active substances in Great Britain. These active substances degrade in food/feed to give rise to residues of phosphonic acid. The MRLs established for the active substance fosetyl-Al also cover potassium phosphonates.  An application was received by the Health and Safety Executive to set new MRLs for fosetyl-Al to cover residues from potassium phosphonates on wheat, potatoes and products of animal origin. Following assessment, new MRLs have been introduced to accommodate new GB authorisations of plant protection products that contain potassium phosphonates. The Evaluation Report/Reasoned Opinion supporting the new MRLs is available at the following link. A complete list of the new or raised MRLs is available within this document (see page 5).   The residue levels arising in food and feed from the notified uses result in consumer exposures below the toxicological reference values and therefore harmful effects on human health are not expected. As the residue levels exceed the current MRLs in force, new MRLs are being adopted.

Cyflufenamid is an approved active substance in Great Britain. An application was received by the Health and Safety Executive to set a new MRL for Hops. Following assessment, a new MRL has been introduced to set Import Tolerances. The Evaluation Report/Reasoned Opinion supporting the new MRL is available at the following link here (please see page 6).  The residue levels arising in food from the notified use results in consumer exposures below the toxicological reference values and therefore harmful effects on human health are not expected. As the residue levels exceed the current MRL in force, a new MRL is being adopted.

In response to a request from a WTO Member regarding the comment deadline contained within G/SPS/N/GBR/30 of 11 April 2023, in this instance the United Kingdom is able to extend the final date for comments from 12 May 2023 to 31 May 2023.

Cyantraniliprole is an approved active substance in Great Britain. An application was received by the Health and Safety Executive to set new MRLs for Chinese cabbages/pe-tsai, kales, leeks and milk. Following assessment, new (raised) MRLs have been introduced to accommodate new authorisations of plant protection products in Great Britain.For leeks there is currently a temporary MRL (tMRL) of 0.6 mg/kg in force that will expire on 31 May 2027. From 1 June 2027 an MRL of 0.01* mg/kg was due to apply. However, on expiry of the tMRL, the new MRL of 0.3 mg/kg will now apply from 1 June 2027.For Chinese cabbages, there is currently a temporary MRL (tMRL) of 20 mg/kg in force that will expire on 20 June 2027. From 21 June 2027 an MRL of 0.01* mg/kg was due to apply. However, based on the updated risk assessment the MRL is no longer set on a temporary basis and will not expire on 20 June 2027. A standard MRL at 20 mg/kg has now been adopted.The Evaluation Report and Reasoned Opinion supporting the new or raised MRLs is available at the following link. A complete list of the new or raised MRLs is available within this document, see page 6-7:The evaluation of new MRLs for cyantraniliprole in or on various commodities (hse.gov.uk)The residue levels arising in food and feed from the notified uses result in consumer exposures below the toxicological reference values and therefore harmful effects on human health are not expected. As the residue levels exceed the current MRLs in force (for leeks the new MRL exceeds the future MRL of 0.01* mg/kg on expiry of the tMRL), new or raised MRLs are being adopted.

Benzovindiflupyr is an approved active substance in Great Britain. An application was received by the Health and Safety Executive to set new MRLs for blueberries and ginseng. Following assessment, new MRLs have been introduced to set Import Tolerances.The Evaluation Report/ Reasoned Opinion supporting the new MRLs is available at the following link. A complete list of the new MRLs is available within this document, see page 5: New MRLs (hse.gov.uk)The residue levels arising in food from the notified uses result in consumer exposures below the toxicological reference values and therefore harmful effects on human health are not expected. As the residue levels exceed the current MRLs in force, new MRLs are being adopted.

The UK Food Safety Authorities are notifying Members of the intention to authorise two novel foods, one food flavouring and one food additive for use in the GB market, a consequential modification to an existing authorisation resulting from a new production method.The authorisations are:Two novel foods:  ·         Vitamin D2 mushroom powder (new authorisation) for Agaricus bisporus mushroom powder that has been exposed to ultraviolet light to induce the conversion of provitamin D2 (ergosterol) to vitamin D2 (ergocalciferol). The authorisation is for uses in a variety of foods and beverages, foods for special medical purposes (FSMPs) (excluding those intended for infants), and in food supplements (excluding food supplements for infants and children under three years of age);·         UV-treated baker's yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) (extension of use). The extension of use is for a variety of foods and categories such as foods for special medical purposes (FSMPs). The novel food must be inactivated for use in infant formula, follow-on formula, processed cereal-based food and food for special medical purposes.One flavouring:  ·         3-(1-((3,5-dimethylisoxazol-4-yl)methyl)-1H-pyrazol-4-yl)-1-(3-hydroxybenzyl)imidazolidine-2,4-dione (new authorisation). This food flavouring (FL No 16.127) must be at least 99% pure and can be used to reduce the bitterness of certain foods.  It is permitted in a variety of foods with maximum permitted levels ranging from 4 mg/kg to 100 mg/kg.  The types of food it can be added to include dairy products e.g. dairy based drinks and desserts, confectionery, seasonings, ready to eat snack foods and edible ices.One food additive:  ·         Rebaudioside M (new authorisation). A new food additive authorisation for enzymatically produced steviol glycoside (E 960c), which also results in a consequential modification of an existing authorisation (the name and E number of the food additive for the existing production method will be updated - E 960 steviol glycosides will become E 960a steviol glycosides from stevia). This food additive is authorised for use as a permitted low-calorie, high intensity sweetener.These authorisations are made on the basis of the uses and specifications set out in the consultations linked in section 9.

The primary objective of the Bill is to establish a framework for a new, proportionate, regulatory regime for plants and animals that are produced using modern biotechnologies which could have resulted from traditional breeding or natural processes (‘precision bred plants and animals’), and the food and feed products produced from these.These provisions will only take practical effect once regulations are made under the delegated powers in the Bill setting out the detail of the new regulatory regime.  Further notifications will be made prior to these measures coming into effect. The territorial extent of the Bill is England only, however as a result of the operation of existing UK legislation (the United Kingdom Internal Market Act 2020) which are produced in or imported into England are able to be marketed in Scotland and Wales, with specific arrangements applying for Northern Ireland.The key purposes of this new primary legislation are to:1. Enable regulations to establish a framework for a new science-based authorisation process for food and feed products produced from precision bred plants and animals;2. Remove precision bred plants and animals produced through precision breeding technologies from the existing regulatory requirements applicable to release into the environment and marketing of GMOs (Genetically Modified Organisms); this will be phased, first plants, followed by animals at a later date; 3. Introduce two new notification systems for product developers to inform Defra of the release of precision bred plants and animals for both research and marketing purposes in England. The information collected will be published on a public register on GOV.UK;4. Establish a framework for a proportionate regulatory system for precision bred vertebrate animals, to ensure animal health and welfare is safeguarded. We will not be introducing changes to the regulations for precision bred animals until this system is in place.

Triclopyr is an approved active substance in Great Britain. An application was received by the Health and Safety Executive to set new MRLs for various products of animal origin. The residue levels arising in feed from the notified use results in residues in products of animal origin that give rise to consumer exposures below the toxicological reference values and therefore harmful effects on human health are not expected.The Evaluation Report/ Reasoned Opinion supporting the new and raised MRLs is available at the following link:  The evaluation of new MRLs for triclopyr in various products of animal origin

In the light of its departure from the European Union, the United Kingdom is in the process of updating and streamlining its border control measures and mechanisms. In addition to the new UK Single Trade window and reduced regulatory burden for all imports, the proposed Border Target Operating Model will put in place new and state-of-the art Sanitary and Phytosanitary controls at the UK’s borders. The measures will apply in respect of those regions in the UK territory that are not subject to a special arrangement. In respect specifically of imports of live animals, germinal products, animal products, plants and plant products, the approach under the new model will have the following three key elements:A new global risk-based approach: live animals, germinal products, products of animal origin, animal by-products, plants and plant products will be categorised as high, medium or low risk, with controls appropriately weighted against the risks posed both by the commodity and the country of origin;Simplified and digitised health certificates: phytosanitary certificates will be digitised in line with our trade partners’ readiness, and will implement simplified and digitised export health certificates for animal products leading to more automated use of data;Use trust: pilot schemes with industry where authorised importers of plants, plant products and some animal products may be eligible for streamlined controls. To qualify they will need to provide the enhanced assurances and evidence that they are meeting the regulatory requirements and standards. The development of the UK Single Trade Window will underpin this new approach to controls. This will provide a single digital gateway for both importers and exporters to provide the data needed to trade and apply for licences and authorisations for trusted trader schemes.Timeline for implementationThe United Kingdom will implement the new SPS regime in three major stages, with legislation introduced in accordance with the following timetable under the Target Operating Model. The phased implementation is driven by three factors: the need for effective management of biosecurity, public health, and biosecurity concerns such as plant, animal, human health and safety; reasonable period for consultation, preparation, and adjustment for stakeholders and trading partners; and the speed of progress, working with stakeholders [and trading partners] in building the systems and infrastructure required under the new model, including the roll-out of the UK Single Trade Window.Statutory instruments implementing the model will be introduced in accordance with the following three major milestones:●      31 October 2023 - The introduction of health certification on imports of medium risk animal products, plants, plant products and high-risk food and feed of non-animal origin from the European Union;●      31 January 2024 - The introduction of documentary and risk-based identity and physical checks on medium risk animal products, plants, plant products and high risk food and feed of non-animal origin from the European Union. Imports of Sanitary and Phytosanitary goods from the rest of the world will also benefit from the updated risk-based model. Existing inspections of high-risk plants/plant products from the European Union will move from destination to Border Control Posts (BCP);●      31 October 2024 – Updated safety and security declarations will come into force from 31 October 2024. To note, for exporters from almost all countries there will be no change to declarations required. Alongside this, we will introduce a reduced dataset for imports and use of the UK Single Trade Window will remove duplication where possible across different pre-arrival datasets – such as Safety and Security, Sanitary and Phytosanitary, and pre-lodged customs declarations.Following the engagement period further information will be provided in a final version of the Target Operating Model and the publication of a detailed Border Operating Model to provide the necessary detail for system alignment requirements. We will work in partnership with industry and trading partners as we define requirements for the UK Single Trade Window.

Chlormequat is an approved active substance in Great Britain. An application was received by the Health and Safety Executive to reassess the continued validity of the temporary MRLs (tMRLs) for chlormequat residues in cultivated fungi, including oyster mushrooms.The tMRLs were previously established to address residues that may arise in cultivated fungi as a result of being grown on cereal straw lawfully treated with chlormequat. The latest monitoring data show that the tMRL of 0.9 mg/kg is still valid for cultivated fungi and the decision has been taken to re-establish this for seven years (except oyster mushrooms). For oyster mushrooms the latest monitoring data supports the decision to raise the tMRL from 6 mg/kg to 7 mg/kg and establish this for seven years.The Evaluation Report and Reasoned Opinion supporting the new tMRLs is available at the following link. A complete list of the new tMRLs is available within this document, see page 5:The evaluation of supplementary information to support the tMRL for chlormequat in or on cultivated fungiThese re-established tMRLs should be reassessed in seven years with the submission of monitoring data to confirm their continued validity.

Lambda cyhalothrin is an approved active substance in Great Britain. An application was received by the Health and Safety Executive to set a new MRL for avocados. Following assessment, a new (raised) MRL has been introduced to set import tolerances.The Evaluation Report and Reasoned Opinion supporting the new MRL is available at the following link.   Details on the MRL can be found within this document, see page 4.The evaluation of a new MRL for lambda-cyhalothrin in or on avocadosThe residue levels arising in food from the notified use results in consumer exposures below the toxicological reference values and therefore harmful effects on human health are not expected. As the residue levels exceed the current MRL in force, a new MRL is being adopted.

The document outlines the proposed MRLs for thiram following a review of the relevant MRLs by the Health and Safety Executive. The draft Reasoned Opinion on the review of the MRLs is available at the following link:The review of the MRLs for thiram - Proposed MRLsAll MRLs are being lowered to the limit of quantification as the risks of a harmful effect on human health means that the appropriate level of human protection is not met.This measure only proposes to lower the specific MRLs for thiram (determined specifically as thiram). At this time there are no proposals to amend the MRLs for dithiocarbamates (total dithiocarbamates, determined as CS2).

Amendments are being made to England, Scotland and Wales (Great Britain) retained legislation (Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2019/2072).The amendments to retained Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2019/2072 will correct the second table in Annex 5, Part F which provides threshold tolerances for the presence of Regulated Non-Quarantine Pests (RNQPs) on the growing plants of seed potatoes entering and moving within Great Britain. Please see the attachment in section 5 above which contains the proposed table.