26/10/2016 (Agence Europe) – The European Parliament gave its approval on Wednesday 26 October to the compromise text agreed by the EU institutions on new plant health rules. The goal of the text is to prevent the introduction of harmful organisms, such as Xylella fastidiosa (see EUROPE 11596 and 11454). Included is a preliminary assessment mechanism to identify quickly plants and plant products from third countries likely to pose new or high pest or other plant health risks. Additionally, the plant health certificate requirement will be extended to all plants and plant products from third countries, regardless of whether they are imported by professional operators, clients of postal services, internet clients or passengers in their luggage – only private travellers importing small quantities of particular low-risk plants will be exempt. The text will come into force 20 days after publication in the Official Journal of the EU. The regulation will come into application 36 months later. (LC)