ANNEX 4

PHYTOSANITARY INSPECTION

Article 1

Principles

Wherever carried out, phytosanitary inspection shall comply with the principles laid down in this Convention, and particularly in Annex 1 thereto.

Article 2

Definitions

The phytosanitary inspection defined in Article 1 (e) of the present Convention covers also the inspection of means and conditions of transport of plants and plant products. It may also cover the measures aiming at the conservation of endangered plant species.

Article 3

Information

Each Contracting Party shall ensure that information on the following is readily available to any person interested:

— the goods subject to special phytosanitary conditions,

— the places where particular plants and plant products may be presented for inspection,

— the list of pests of plants and plant products for which prohibitions and restrictions are in force,

— the list of requirements as set out in laws and regulations concerning phytosanitary inspection as well as their procedures of general application.

Article 4

Organization of controls

1. The Contracting Parties shall endeavour:

— to set up, where necessary and possible, appropriate phytosanitary inspection, storage, and disinfestation and disinfection facilities, in conformity with traffic requirements,

— to facilitate the movement of goods, in particular through the coordination of working hours of the phytosanitary and customs services and agreement to effect clearance of perishable goods outside normal hours where their arrival has been notified in advance.

2. The phytosanitary inspection of plants and plant products may be undertaken at points within the country provided that it can be shown, and the means of transport used are such, that the goods will not cause infestation during their transport.

3. Within the framework of Conventions in force the Contracting Parties shall endeavour to reduce, as far as possible, the physical controls of perishable plants and plant products en route.

4. When goods have to be held pending the results of phytosanitary inspection, the competent control services of the Contracting Parties shall arrange that such storage shall take place with the minimum of customs formalities and in conditions providing for the quarantine safety and conservation of the goods.

Article 5

Goods in transit

Within the framework of Conventions in force the Contracting Parties shall, as far as possible, dispense with the phytosanitary inspection of goods in transit, unless such measures are necessary for the protection of their own plants.