Ministerial Decree laying down provisional measures to prevent the introduction into and the spread within the Community of Pepino mosaic virus as regards tomato plants, intended for planting.

The Ministerial Decree aims at implementing Commission Decision 2001/536/EC. The introduction into and the transport within the Community of Lycopersicon lycospersicum (L.) Karsten ex Farw tomato plants, intended for planting, are prohibited when such plants are contaminated by Pepino mosaic virus. Tomato plants originating in third countries must meet the requirements established by point 1 or point 2 of the Annex to this Decree. They shall as well be subject to inspections on entry into the Community for the presence of Pepino mosaic virus, in accordance with Ministerial Decree of 31 January 1996. Plants of tomato originating in the Community, on the other hand, may be moved from the place of production only if they fulfill the conditions set out by point 3 or point 4 of the Annex to this Decree. Furthermore, the regional phytosanitary services shall conduct official surveys. The results shall then be submitted to the Ministry of Agricultural Policies.