The Plant Passport is required for all “plants intended for planting” and is necessary for the movement of plants within the European Union. It must be applied starting from the smallest trade unit and follows specific guidelines outlined in the Plant Health Regulation 2016/2031/EU (PHR). The external appearance of the Plant Passport includes:
- The European Union flag in the top left-hand corner.
- The words “Plant Passport” in the top right-hand corner.
- The letter ‘a’ followed by the botanical name of the plant species.
- The letter ‘b’ followed by the ISO code of the Member State of the producer, a hyphen, and the 9-digit phytosanitary registration number.
- The letter ‘c’ followed by the plant’s traceability code, which may include a QR code, hologram, chip, or other data carrier.
- The letter ‘d’ followed by the ISO code of the country of origin or production.
The font type and size can be chosen, ensuring that the text is legible to the naked eye and easily distinguishable from other information. The Plant Passport can be applied to various products, including the plant pot, index cards, tray, plant label, etc.
The introduction of the Plant Passport serves a crucial role in safeguarding plant health and addressing the risks posed by harmful species entering Europe due to globalization of trade and climate change. The key reasons for implementing the Plant Passport include:
-
Protection Against Pests and Diseases: The Plant Passport is a measure to protect Europe from the increased risk of pests and diseases that may be introduced through global trade.
-
Traceability: The Plant Passport enhances traceability for plants, ensuring that their movement can be tracked throughout the supply chain. This traceability is essential for maintaining free trade and access to the European market while mitigating the risk of pests and diseases.
By implementing the Plant Passport, authorities aim to strike a balance between facilitating trade and protecting plant health, biodiversity, and natural ecosystems.
Codico offers a range of coding technologies that can be employed to apply the Plant Passport to your products. Some of the options include:
-
Thermal Inkjet Printers: Domino’s small or large character Thermal Inkjet printers provide flexibility and precision for coding on various surfaces, including those used in the cultivation and trading of plants.
-
Laser Coding: Laser coding technology is suitable for high-speed, high-contrast coding on packaging materials, offering durability and legibility.
-
QuickDesign Software: Codico utilizes Domino’s QuickDesign software, a comprehensive solution for designing labels, printing, and managing coding operations. This software facilitates faster product setup and reduces the risk of rework.
The choice of technology depends on factors such as the type of product, the substrate, and the specific requirements of the application. Codico can work with you to determine the best coding solution to meet the demands of applying Plant Passports to your products.
