Notices published in Govt Gazette No 20,631 of 25th May 2021

Rural Affairs Department

Importation of tomato and pepper plants, seeds or seedlings following the outbreak of Tomato Brown Rugose Fruit Virus (ToBRFV) and trade ban

The Plant Protection Directorate (PPD) within the Ministry for Agriculture, Fisheries, Food and Animal Rights,  would like to bring attention to registered MORs, professional operators, farmers and traders of Solanum lycopersicum (tomatoes) and Capsicum annuum (peppers), that the ban issued in the Government Gazette No. 20,623 of the 11thof May, 2021, on tomato and pepper plants, seeds and seedlings arriving to Malta is being hereby lifted and the following new trade measures shall apply:

i. A representative sample of tomato and pepper plants, seeds and seedlings, from the lot arriving to Malta must be tested for ToBRFV before arriving in Malta;

ii. Tests must be carried out via PCR as per Annex in Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2020/1191 and through an accredited laboratory and must be confirmed free from ToBRFV;

iii. Negative results, indicating the specific lot number tested, must be presented to the PPD before arriving in Malta, together with all other documents related to the consignment. This can be done via email on (plantquarantine@gov.mt) or traditional post to: 110, Triq Annibale Preca, Ħal Lija, by not later than 24 hours prior to consignment in accordance with Article 23 of the Plant Quarantine Act Cap. 433 (2017);

iv. Once the lot is delivered, the PPD will collect a sample of the consignment and another PCR test will be carried out;

v. Until a negative result is issued by the PPD, all sales of seeds, seedlings and plants must be recorded for traceability purposes.

These measures are being implemented following the recent interceptions and outbreak related to the Tomato Brown Rugose Fruit Virus (ToBRFV) and are being issued in accordance with Article 13 of the Plant Quarantine Act, Chapter 433 of the Laws of Malta.

In accordance with Article 20 sub-articles (1) and (2) and Article 21 sub-paragraphs (a) to (d) of Part V of the Plant Quarantine Act, Chapter 433 of the Laws of Malta, the Plant Protection Directorate is committed to limit and eradicate the spread of ToBRFV.

More information can be obtained from the Monitoring and Control Unit in the Plant Protection Directorate, on (plantqaurantine@gov.mt) or 2292 6533.