How to register for plant passporting with APHA

If you plan to supply plants to other businesses or sell them to customers online, you must register as a professional operator with the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA). This registration authorises you to issue plant passports, which are official documents that accompany plants as they move, ensuring their health and traceability. It’s a legal requirement designed to protect the UK from harmful pests and diseases.

Who needs to register?

You are legally required to be authorised if you are the first point of sale for certain plants and plant products. This typically includes:

• Growers and nurseries who supply plants to other businesses (like other nurseries, landscapers, or retailers).
• Businesses that sell plants to final customers online or by mail order (known as distance selling).
• Landscapers who source plants and then supply them as part of a design and build project for a client.

There are some exemptions. For example, you generally don’t need to be authorised if you only sell plants directly to the public from a physical location like a garden centre or market stall, as long as those customers are not buying them for commercial purposes.

How to complete your registration

Registering with APHA is a straightforward online process and is free of charge. Here are the steps to follow:

1. Visit the GOV.UK website: The official application is managed through the Government Gateway. Search for 'Apply to be authorised to issue UK plant passports' to find the correct service.
2. Complete the application form: You will need to provide details about your business, including your name, address, contact information, and the types of plants you will be growing or trading.
3. Submit your application: Once you have filled in all the required information, submit the form online. APHA will then review your application.

After you apply, an APHA inspector may contact you to arrange a visit. They will check that you have measures in place to identify and control plant pests and diseases, and that you understand your record-keeping responsibilities.

Issuing plant passports

Once you are authorised, you can begin issuing plant passports. A plant passport is not a soil-filled booklet; it's a label attached to the plant or its packaging. It must be clear, legible, and include specific information in a set format:

• The words ‘UK Plant Passport’ at the top.
• A: The botanical name of the plant.
• B: Your unique APHA registration number.
• C: A traceability code for the specific plant batch.
• D: The country of origin (e.g., GB).

Top Tip: Good record-keeping is essential. You must keep records of all the plants you have bought and supplied with passports for at least three years. This traceability is the entire purpose of the system, so make sure your records are organised and up-to-date from day one.