Plant Quarantine Act of the Cooperation Council of the Arab States of the Gulf.

This Act comprising 34 articles is accordance with the standards and requirements set by the International Plant Protection Agreement and the World Trade Organization agreement on sanitary and phytosanitary conditions. The aims of this Act are to: (a) prevent the introduction of agricultural diseases; (b) protect the environment and plant resources; and (c) facilitate trade. The present Act is composed of 34 articles. Articles 1 and 2 contain objectives, terms and definitions. Articles 3-5 specify the competencies and duties of the competent Authority for Plant Protection. Articles 6 and 9 define the competencies and duties of inspectors and officers responsible for the implementation of this Act. Articles 10-14 provide for measures to be taken for the eradication and control of diseases the measures and procedures to be taken in emergency situations. Articles 15-30 deal with the requirements, conditions, documents and certificates necessary for obtaining licences for the exportation and importation of plants, sands, fertilizers and soil, in particular article 20 bans the importation or introduction of untreated or unsterilized organic pesticides and soil while article 25 provides for sanitary requirements and conditions for transit consignments. Articles 31-34 contain general provisions.