Applying for plant health licences

SASA issues plant health licences on behalf of Scottish Ministers for the following activities in Scotland:

     -  work with non-indigenous and quarantine plant pests and pathogens;
     -  for potato quarantine testing;
     -  for work on certain imported soils and plant material.

Licences are issued following inspection of premises and assessment of the risks associated with the activities, in accordance with EC legislation. Particular attention is given to the containment procedures to be used when handling the licensed material and its disposal on completion of the work.  Please see the guidance notes or contact Plant_health_licensing@sasa.gsi.gov.uk for further information.

Application forms should be sent to: 

   The Licensing Officer 
   Science and Advice for Scottish Agriculture (SASA)
   Roddinglaw Road 
   Edinburgh
   EH12 9FJ

The Scottish Government issues plant health licences for collection of wild plant material.  Contact hort.marketing@scotland.gsi.gov.uk for further information.

For information on imports of plants and plant material, see the Plant Health Guide for Importers on the Fera website.

SASA also provides advice to the Scottish Government in support of legislation on the contained use of genetically modified organisms.