Notices published in Govt Gazette No 20,658 of 6th July 2021

Rural Affairs Department

Introduction and Importation of Tomato and Pepper Plants, Seeds or Seedlings following the Local Outbreak of Tomato Brown Rugose Fruit Virus (ToBRFV) and Trade Restrictions

The Plant Protection Directorate (PPD) within the Ministry for Agriculture, Fisheries, Food and Animal Rights would like to bring attention, to registered professional operators (MORs), farmers and non-professional operators of Solanum lycopersicum (tomatoes) and Capsicum annuum (peppers), that the emergency measures issued in the Government Gazette No. 20,631 of the 25th May, 2021, on tomato and pepper plants, seeds and seedlings arriving to Malta are being hereby lifted and the following new trade measures shall apply:

i) A representative sample of tomato and pepper plants, seeds and seedlings from each lot arriving in Malta must be tested for ToBRFV prior to arrival;

ii) Tests must be carried out via RT-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 arrival to Malta, together with all other documents related to the consignment. This can be done via email to: (plantquarantine@gov.mt) or traditional post to: 110, Triq Annibale Preca, Ħal Lija LJA 1915, by not later than 24 hours prior to arrival of consignment in accordance with Article 23 of the Plant Quarantine Act (Cap. 433);

iv) Representative samples from seeds, seedlings and plants of tomato and pepper from incoming consignments from EU Member States may at the discretion of the PPD be collected randomly and another RT-PCR test will be carried out;

v) In the case of seeds, plants and seedlings from the EU, trade of such plant material will be allowed to be held in Malta subject to record keeping and issuing of the necessary documentation for traceability purposes. The PPD will continue with its monitoring of the local situation;

vi) In the case of seeds of tomato and pepper being imported into Malta from third countries, the PPD will collect a sample from each received consignment and a RT-PCR test will be carried out;

vii) Until a negative result is issued by the PPD, any sales of seeds imported from third countries shall not be permitted;

viii) 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 Articles 20 and 21 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.

For further information, you are requested to contact the Monitoring and Control Unit on (plantquarantine@gov.mt) or by telephone number 2292 6533.

Embryo Protection Act(Cap. 524)

Pursuant to and for the purpose of Article 14 of the Embryo Protection Authority Regulations, 2015 (Legal Notice 32 of 2015), the Estimates and Audited Financial Statements of the Authority are being published as follows.

6th July 2021

Embryo Protection estimates Gaz 6.7.pdf

MCA awarded contracts Gaz 6.7.pdf

SAN PAWL IL-BAĦAR LOCAL COUNCIL

Suspension of Parking

The San Pawl il-Baħar Local Council notifies that no vehicles will be allowed to park in Triq il-Parroċċa and Triq San Franġisk on Sunday, 11th July, 2021, from 2.00 p.m. till 9.00 p.m.

Vehicles found in contravention to the order of this notice are liable to be towed.

Suspension of Traffic

The Rabat Local Council notifies that on Friday, 9th July, 2021, from 7.00 a.m. till 3.00 p.m., Triq Godwin Ganado shall be closed for traffic, including public transport. Transport Malta officers shall be on site to divert traffic.

Traffic Suspension

The Ħal Għargħur Local Council notifies that on Wednesday, 7th July, 2021, from 9.30 a.m. till 5.00 p.m., Triq San Ġwann (near football club) will be closed to all traffic.