2012/270/EU: Commission Implementing Decision of 16 May 2012 as regards emergency measures to prevent the introduction into and the spread within the Union of Epitrix cucumeris (Harris), Epitrix similaris (Gentner), Epitrix subcrinita (Lec.) and Epitrix tuberis (Gentner) (notified under document C(2012) 3137)

Epitrix cucumeris (Harris), Epitrix similaris (Gentner), Epitrix subcrinita (Lec.) and Epitrix tuberis (Gentner), hereinafter ‘the specified organisms’, shall not be introduced into or spread within the Union.

1 Tubers of Solanum tuberosum L., including those intended for planting, hereinafter ‘potato tubers’, originating in third countries where one or more of the specified organisms are known to be present may only be introduced into the Union if they comply with the specific import requirements, as set out in point (1) of Section 1 of Annex I.

2 On entry into the Union potato tubers shall be inspected by the responsible official body in accordance with point (5) of Section 1 of Annex I.

Potato tubers originating in demarcated areas within the Union established in accordance with Article 5 may be moved within the Union only if they meet the conditions, as set out in point (1) of Section 2 of Annex I. Potato tubers introduced into the Union in accordance with Article 2 from third countries where one or more of the specified organisms are known to be present, may be moved within the Union only if they meet the conditions, as set out in point (3) of Section 2 of Annex I.

1 Member States shall conduct annual official surveys for the presence of the specified organisms on potato tubers and, where appropriate, other host plants, including fields where potato tubers are growing, in their territory. Member States shall notify the results of those surveys to the Commission and the other Member States by 30 April of each year.

2 Any presence or suspected occurrence of a specified organism shall immediately be notified to the responsible official bodies.

1 Where based on the results of the surveys referred to in Article 4(1) or other evidence, a Member State confirms the presence of a specified organism in a part of its territory, that Member State shall without delay establish a demarcated area consisting of an infested zone and a buffer zone, as set out in Section 1 of Annex II. It shall take measures, as laid down in Section 2 of Annex II.

2 Where a Member State takes measures in accordance with paragraph 1, it shall immediately notify the list of demarcated areas, information on their delimitation, including maps showing their location, and a description of the measures applied in those demarcated areas.

Member States shall take all measures to comply with this Decision and, if necessary, amend the measures which they have adopted to protect themselves against the introduction and spread of the specified organisms in such a manner that those measures comply with this Decision. They shall immediately inform the Commission of those measures.

This Decision shall apply until 30 September 2014.

This Decision is addressed to the Member States.