Forest reproductive material: 'tested' category, labelling & control

This decision updates rules for importing forest reproductive material into the EU. It adds a new 'tested' category for this material, ensuring it meets EU standards and is clearly labelled.

The decision affects third countries that export forest reproductive material to the EU, specifically Canada, Norway, Serbia, Switzerland, Türkiye, the United Kingdom, and the United States. It also impacts EU businesses and consumers who use this material.

Key changes include the official recognition of the 'tested' category, which previously had temporary authorisation. It also updates the list of authorities responsible for approving and controlling production in these third countries. Labelling will now indicate if genetic modification was used in the production of 'tested' category material.

The new rules will apply from January 1, 2025, ensuring continuity after the previous temporary measures expire at the end of 2024. This aims to prevent disruption to imports.