The Northern Ireland Plant Health Label Scheme

This article sets out the eligibility criteria for plants to enter Northern Ireland from GB under the Northern Ireland Plant Health Label scheme and gives examples of what products are eligible.

What is the Northern Ireland Plant Health Label Scheme? 

The Northern Ireland Plant Health Label (NIPHL) scheme allows certain plants to enter Northern Ireland from Great Britain without a Phytosanitary Certificate. Traders using this scheme will be required to illustrate full traceability and ensure all checks for pests and diseases have been conducted.

What goods can be moved under NIPHL scheme?

The following goods can be moved under the NIPHL scheme:

1. Used agricultural and forestry machinery and vehicles.
2. Plants and seeds for planting (plants and seeds which will be grown by professional growers or traded for retail sale).
3. Seed potatoes (for commercial growing only).

Can I move fruit and vegetables or cut flowers under this scheme?

No. Products such as fruit and vegetables, along with cut flowers, cannot be moved under this scheme. If involved in the movement of these products into Northern Ireland businesses should consider whether they are eligible to use the Retail Movement Scheme.

Are there any eligibility criteria?

To be eligible to use the NIPHL scheme the following criteria must be met:

1. The imported goods must remain in Northern Ireland.
2. The exporter must be an authorised professional operator in Great Britain and while the importer must be a registered professional operator in Northern Ireland.
3. Goods must have a valid NIPHL attached. (More information on the location of NIPHL can be found in this GOV.UK guidance on moving plants from Great Britain to Northern Ireland.)
4. All necessary authorisations to issue and print NIPHL’s must be obtained by both the growers and traders.

I’m based in Northern Ireland what actions should I take?

Businesses in Northern Ireland who import plant-based products from Great Britain should firstly ensure that they are registered as a professional operator.

Secondly, businesses in Northern Ireland should consider holding discussions with their suppliers in GB to ensure that they have obtained the necessary authorisation as an authorised professional operator, can meet all other eligibility criteria, and can provide full traceability over their products.

What happens if I do not meet the eligibility criteria for the NIPHL scheme?

If you import plant or plant-based products into Northern Ireland from Great Britain but do not meet the eligibility criteria for the NIPHL then more information is available in our article about SPS requirements for goods of plant and animal origin.

Can businesses in Ireland use the NIPHL?

Businesses in Ireland cannot use the Northern Ireland Plant Health label.

Where can I apply for authorisation?

This information on GOV.UK has details about how to get authorisation to use Northern Ireland plant health labels (NIPHL) and see the list of regulated plants for planting.

Further information

The Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs has more information about the NI Plant Health Label Scheme | Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (daera-ni.gov.uk).

Article updated: October 2023