NPPO declarations on Xylella-free Lavandula and Rosmarinus

Additional requirements for Lavandula and Rosmarinus as of 1 July 2025

Among the amendments, new host plants have been added to the list of host plants with increased risk of spreading Xylella fastidiosa, namely: Lavandula angustifolia, Lavandula x intermedia, Lavandula latifolia, Lavandula stoechas, and Salvia rosmarinus (Rosmarinus officinalis). For these plants, the following additional requirements will apply from 1 July 2025:

1. Testing obligation the first time the product is placed on the market.

2. Traceability code (C) on the plant passport, required for both trade between professional operators and material intended for end consumers.

The amendment regarding the testing obligation also applies to third countries exporting plants to the EU. From 1 July 2025, imports will be subject to compliance checks on this requirement.

Florensis is prepared and has taken the following actions:

Expert advice has been obtained from Naktuinbouw, and their recommendations have been followed. However, there is a distinction between the testing requirements for plant material from seed and from cuttings.

• For cuttings (uc and rc), it suffices that the mother plants of Lavandula and Rosmarinus in Kenya and Ethiopia have been sampled and tested negative for X.f. The declaration of a negative test by the national inspection authorities is sufficient to meet the requirement. Therefore, additional sampling and testing in the Netherlands is not required—though Florensis has still had it performed.

• For seed-propagated plant material, sampling and testing must be carried out in the Netherlands, as the young plant is fully grown there. Florensis has commissioned Naktuinbouw to perform these tests at both HIA and DIN locations.

The traceability code (theme C) in the Florensis plant passport has been implemented since the plant passport requirement was introduced and does not require any modification.