On 1 July 2023, the new temporary implementing regulation (EU) 2023/1134 will come into force to prevent the introduction and spread of Spodoptera frugiperda in the EU. Spodoptera frugiperda, called ‘fall armyworm’ in English, is a moth of the owl family. The caterpillar is an important pest of several vegetable and grain crops and is present in large parts of the world.

Spodoptera frugiperda caterpillar

The new regulation replaces the current (EU) 2018/638 and is necessary because the species continues to spread. The species is now also present in Cyprus, the Canary Islands and Turkey (source: EPPO global database).

The new requirements for the import of vegetables are described in Article 10 of Regulation (EU) 2023/1134. The regulation takes effect on 1 July 2023 and applies to a limited number of types of vegetables. For these species, a new entry must be stated on the phytosanitary certificate upon import. This applies to certificates with an issue date from 1 July 2023.

What is changing?

New addition to the certificate

Reference to the new implementing regulation (EU) 2023/1134

Green asparagus subject to certification and inspection from 1 September 2023

Traceability information no longer needs to be stated on the certificate.

The requirements apply to imports of the following products from third countries (except Switzerland):

Fruits of:

Capsicum spp. (paprika/pepper)

Momordica spp. (bitter melon)

Solanum aethiopicum (‘Christmas eggplant’, ornamental fruit)

Solanum macrocarpon (‘African Eggplant’)

Solanum melongena (eggplant)

Plants and parts of the plant such as leaves, stems and cobs (fresh, excluding tissue culture, live pollen and seeds) of:

Zea mays (corn)

Plants and parts of the plant (excluding tissue culture, live pollen and seeds) of:

Asparagus officinalis (green asparagus)

The current regulation (EU) 2018/638 is still valid until 30 June 2023. The new regulation (EU) 2023/1134 expires on 31 December 2025.