Plant Health (Phytophthora ramorum) (England) Order 2002 (S.I. No. 1299 of 2002).

This Order implements measures to prevent the introduction and spread of the pest Phytophthora ramorum, a fungus which is not established in the United Kingdom. It regulates the importation and movement into and within England of plant material identified as susceptible to the pest, believed to cause Sudden Oak Death syndrome in certain species of oak in the USA, and harm to Rhododendron, Viburnum and other plants. The Order restricts the importation of a number of plant genera, including Rhododendron and Viburnum directly from the USA by requiring that such imports be accompanied by a phytosanitary certificate which confirms that the material originates from a location which is officially recognised in the USA as free from the pest (art. 3).Offences are created in respect of the contravention or failure to comply with the notification requirements of the Order (art. 7(1)(a)) and in respect of obstructing an inspector exercising his powers to require production of documents and records (art. 7(1)(b)).