Commissioned by the NVWA (Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority), from mid-July imported batches of tomato and pepper seeds will be tested at random for Tomato Brown Rugose Fruit Virus (ToBRFV). This is the first time that risk-oriented plants intended for propagation (this includes also seeds) will be tested for latent infestations.
EU will soon require 20% post-import seed testing
The NVWA regularly receives reports of suspicions of ToBRFV on tomato and Capsicum sp. seeds during import. Several batches from various countries have tested positive and were found to be infected.
In addition, the current EU emergency measures against ToBRFV will be tightened soon and member states are expected to have to re-test at least 20% of the import shipments of tomato and pepper seeds on import.
200 batches tested
Due to the risk of ToBRFV and EU regulations, random import lots of tomato and pepper seeds will be tested for ToBRFV. In total, 50 batches of pepper seed and 150 batches of tomato seed will be sampled during import by inspectors from Naktuinbouw and KCB.
The batches will not be recorded when sampled. The handling in case of a positive result is in accordance with the established procedures with regard to ToBRFV.
Negative test results can be used for the issue of a plant passport or for export certification. The results of the monitoring will, if required, be used to test more specifically and more intensively for import of seeds from countries where a greater risk of ToBRFV contamination exists.
More specifically, this concerns the Implementing Regulation (EU) 2019/2130 of the Commission (Annex III, Article 6). For more information, please contact the NVWA at the Customer Contact Center.