Decree laying down emergency phytosanitary measures against the spreading of the Pseudomonas solanacearum (Smith) Smith harmful organism as regards Egypt.

With a view to controlling the spreading of the Pseudomonas solanacearum (Smith) Smith harmful organism, the present Decree establishes particular requirements to be fulfilled by potatoes destined to human consumption originating in Egypt. In addition to the specific requirements established by Ministerial Decree of 31 January 1996 establishing measures against the introduction into the territory of the Republic of Italy of organisms harmful to plants or plant products, article 3 of this Decree lays down further requirements to be applied to potatoes coming from Egypt. Such requirements comprise official inspections, labelling and packaging. Tubers of Solanum tuberosum L. originating in Egypt may be introduced into the Italian territory via the entrance points referred to in Annex VIII, point 1 b) of Decree of 31 January 1996. Article 5 provides for the carrying out by the regional phytosanitary services of phytosanitary inspections. The regional phytosanitary services shall thereafter forward to the Central Phytosanitary Service under the Ministry of Agricultural and Forestry Policies the information specified under article 7. The information shall be submitted in accordance with the specimen hereby attached.