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This notification concerns the amendment of an existing ordinance (VpM-BAFU SR 916.202.2) which specifies the provisions of the Ordinance on the Protection of Plants against Particularly Dangerous Harmful Organisms (Plant Health Ordinance, PGesV, SR 916.20, which was notified under G/SPS/N/CHE/83). The purpose of the amendment is to maintain the harmonization with the European plant health legislation in accordance with the bilateral agreement on trade in agricultural products (agricultural agreement) between Switzerland and the European Union.

Since 2008, it is prohibited in Switzerland to handle, i.e. to deliberately use, 14 invasive alien plant and animal species (or groups of species) in the environment. Exempt from the ban are measures to control these species and the handling of therapeutic products, food and animal feed. In order to bring legislation in line with the current state of scientific knowledge and thus to better protect human, animal and plant health as well as biodiversity against the threats posed by invasive alien plants, the prohibition shall be extended to eleven other plant species (or groups of species). In addition to this, by means of the draft project, a ban on marketing 27 invasive alien plant species will be introduced. Their sale as well as their import will be prohibited. Thus the marketing of a total of 49 invasive alien plant species (or group of species) will be banned. The draft amendments implement Switzerland's obligations under the CBD. Similar restrictions exist in the EU.

The Swiss rules and conditions for the admission of Plant Protection Products continue to be harmonised with those of the European Union.

Notification of emergency measures: In order to fully guard against the risk of radioactive contamination of food safety caused by the discharge of nuclear contaminated water from Fukushima in Japan, to protect the health of Chinese consumers and ensure the food safety of imported food,...The discharge of contaminated water from Fukushima nuclear disaster into the sea in Japan will pose uncontrollable risks to food safety and public health.

The notified text seeks to regulate and control the production, importation, exportation and storage of genetically improved seeds for marketing and sowing, and the registration of agronomic assessment units and/or plant breeding research units.

This draft Commission Implementing Regulation provides that the approval of the active substance oxamyl is not renewed in accordance with Regulation (EC) No 1107/2009. In order for an active substance to be approved in accordance with Regulation (EC) No 1107/2009 (concerning the placing of plant protection products on the market), it must be demonstrated that the substance is not harmful to human health, animal health or the environment...

The notification concerns the authorisation of the preparation of Pediococcus pentosaceus DSM 32292 as a feed additive for all animal species, classified in the additive category 'technological additives' and in the functional group 'silage additives'. The European Food Safety Authority concluded in its opinion of 29 June 2022 that, under the proposed conditions of use, the preparation of Pediococcus pentosaceus DSM 32292 does not have an adverse effect on animal health, consumer safety or the environment. (...)

On 5 July 2023, the European Commission adopted a legislative proposal for a Regulation on plants produced by certain new genomic techniques (NGTs) and their food and feed. The proposal is part of a package of proposals to ensure resilient and sustainable use of the EU's natural resources.

The proposal sets out specific rules for the deliberate release into the environment for any other purpose than placing on the market (...)

The objectives of the proposal are to:
1. Maintain a high level of protection of human and animal health and of the environment;
2. Enable the development and placing on the market of plants and plant products contributing to the innovation and sustainability objectives of the European Green Deal and of the Farm to Fork and Biodiversity strategies;
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The main measures of the proposal include:
1. The proposal (in Chapter I) makes the deliberate release and placing on the market of NGT plants and products subject to one of two procedures: verification procedure to establish equivalence with conventional plants/products or authorisation in accordance with EU legislation on GMOs;
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4. The proposal provides that NGT plants/products are prohibited in organic production;
5. The proposal includes provisions for the monitoring of economic, environmental and social impacts of NGT plants and products, supporting implementation reports and the future evaluation of the legislation.

Draft Commission Implementing Regulation concerning the non-renewal of the approval of the active substance S-metolachlor, in accordance with Regulation (EC) No 1107/2009 of the European Parliament and of the Council concerning the placing of plant protection products on the market
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In order for an active substance to be approved in accordance with Regulation (EC) No 1107/2009 (concerning the placing of plant protection products on the market), it must be demonstrated that the substance is not harmful to human health, animal health or the environment.

In the light of its departure from the European Union, the United Kingdom is in the process of updating and streamlining its border control measures and mechanisms. In addition to the new UK Single Trade window and reduced regulatory burden for all imports, the proposed Border Target Operating Model will put in place new and state-of-the art Sanitary and Phytosanitary controls at the UK's borders. The measures will apply in respect of those regions in the UK territory that are not subject to a special arrangement. In respect specifically of imports of live animals, germinal products, animal products, plants and plant products, the approach under the new model will have the following three key elements:
• A new global risk-based approach: live animals, germinal products, products of animal origin, animal by-products, plants and plant products will be categorised as high, medium or low risk, with controls appropriately weighted against the risks posed both by the commodity and the country of origin;
• Simplified and digitised health certificates: phytosanitary certificates will be digitised in line with our trade partners' readiness, and will implement simplified and digitised export health certificates for animal products leading to more automated use of data;
• Use trust: pilot schemes with industry where authorised importers of plants, plant products and some animal products may be eligible for streamlined controls. To qualify they will need to provide the enhanced assurances and evidence that they are meeting the regulatory requirements and standards...

Timeline for implementation
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The phased implementation is driven by three factors: the need for effective management of biosecurity, public health, and biosecurity concerns such as plant, animal, human health and safety; (…)