At its meeting on 15 June 2022, the Rural Affairs, Islands and Natural Environment Committee considered the Plant Health (Fees) (Miscellaneous Amendment) (Scotland) Regulations 2022.

The policy note states that the purpose of the SSI is to amend the Plant Health (Import Inspections Fees) (Scotland) Regulations 2014 to ensure that the fees charged for plant health checks on commodities imported into Scotland from third countries can be aligned with the new risk-targeted inspection regime.

The 2022 Regulations also amend the Plant Health (Fees) Forestry (England and Scotland) Regulations 2015 which include provision relating to phytosanitary certification fees, including an exemption to provide that such fees are not payable in relation to exports from Scotland to Northern Ireland in certain circumstances. The SSI would change the date this exemption ceases to have effect from 31 December 2022 to 31 December 2023.

The SSI was laid on 20 May 2022 and will come into force on 22 July 2022.

The Delegated Powers and Law Reform Committee (DPLRC) considered the instrument at its meeting on 7 June 2022. The DPLRC raised no points in relation to the instrument.

At its meeting on 15 June 2022, the Committee held an evidence session with the Minister for Green Skills, Circular Economy and Biodiversity, accompanied by Scottish Government officials.

At the meeting, the Committee also considered a consent notification for a UK statutory instrument (SI), the Official Controls (Plant Health) (Frequency of Checks) Regulations 2022. The instruments were considered as a package because the UK SI makes provision for determination of the frequency rates of plant health checks (the new risk-targeted inspection regime referred to above) and the SSI (Plant Health (Fees) (Miscellaneous Amendment) (Scotland) Regulations 2022) introduces changes to fees to reflect the new frequency rates.

During consideration of the SSI, the Committee asked about the reduced fee per consignment being proposed for those imports that are eligible for a reduced level of physical check. The Minister confirmed that the fee structure is intended to cover just the costs and, where reduced inspections are required, that means a reduced cost.

After the evidence session, the Minister moved motion SS6M-04876—

That the Rural Affairs, Islands and Natural Environment Committee recommends that the Plant Health (Fees) (Miscellaneous Amendment) (Scotland) Regulations 2022 [draft] be approved.

The motion was agreed to without division.

The official report of the meeting can be accessed on the Scottish Parliament's website.