New phytosanitary exemptions 2026: what changes for nurseries and producers

Key data

Plant producers, nurseries and operators marketing propagating plant material in the European Union have new rules from May 22, 2026. The Implementing Regulation (EU) 2026/1110 amends Regulation 2019/2072 and updates the exemptions applicable to control measures for regulated non-quarantine pests in specific propagating plant material.

The change has a dual interpretation: on one hand, it alleviates the operational burden for operators whose plants are included in the new exemptions. On the other, it requires reviewing current protocols to ensure that the conditions under which those exemptions are valid are correctly applied. Failing to review this point can result in commercialization restrictions within the single market.

What does this regulation establish?

Regulation 2019/2072 is the EU's base regulation governing measures to prevent the presence of regulated non-quarantine pests in propagating plant material. These pests, unlike quarantine pests, are not subject to total import prohibition, but can affect the quality and performance of marketed plant material.

The new Regulation 2026/1110 introduces a specific update: it expands or adjusts the exemptions that allow certain plants to be excluded from certain phytosanitary obligations, provided that specific conditions established in the regulation are met.

Regulated non-quarantine pests directly affect the quality of plant material and, therefore, its commercial value. EU phytosanitary regulations require professional operators to ensure that the material they market complies with established thresholds. Exemptions do not eliminate operator responsibility, but rather reduce formal obligations under determined conditions.

Economic and operational impact

The main impact of this update is operational and cost reduction for administrative purposes for operators whose plants are included in the new exemptions. Fewer mandatory controls and less certification documentation means direct savings in time and resources for nurseries and producers.

However, there is a real risk for those who do not update their protocols: if an operator continues to apply previous procedures without verifying whether their plants are now exempt, they may incur unnecessary costs. And conversely, if they assume their plants are exempt without verifying it, they may face commercialization restrictions in the European single market.

• Reduction of administrative burden for plant categories now exempt.
• Need to review and update internal certification and control protocols.
• Risk of commercial blockade in case of non-compliance with exemption conditions.
• Impact on the supply chain if plant material suppliers do not adapt in time.

Who does it affect?

This regulation directly affects all professional operators who produce, import or market propagating plant material in the European Union:

• Agricultural producers who use or market propagating plant material.
• Nurseries that produce and sell plants, cuttings, bulbs or other plant reproduction material.
• Importers of propagating plant material from third countries or other Member States.
• Traders and distributors of plant material within the European single market.
• Professional operators registered in national phytosanitary systems managing plant passports.

Practical example

A Spanish nursery that produces and markets ornamental plants for planting currently operates under the certification protocols established in Regulation 2019/2072. With the entry into force of Regulation 2026/1110 on May 22, 2026, some of the species it produces may now be included in the new exemptions.

If the nursery manager reviews the new regulation and confirms that their species are exempt under the established conditions, they can simplify their control and certification procedures for those categories, reducing the time and resources dedicated to that documentation. If, on the other hand, they do not conduct that review and continue applying unnecessary controls, they incur avoidable costs. And if they assume the exemption without verifying it and their plants do not meet the specific required conditions, they risk having their batches rejected or blocked at destination within the European single market.

What should companies do now?

1. Access the full text of Regulation 2026/1110 in the EU Official Journal to identify which plant categories are now exempt and under what specific conditions.
2. Compare the catalog of plants you produce or market with the new exempt categories to determine if any change applies to your obligations.
3. Review and update internal phytosanitary certification and control protocols to reflect the new applicable exemptions, eliminating unnecessary controls or adding those that correspond.
4. Communicate the changes to suppliers and customers in the supply chain who may also be affected by the regulatory update.
5. Consult with the competent national phytosanitary authority if there is doubt about whether any plant category is or is not included in the new exemptions.
6. Document the review conducted to demonstrate, in case of inspection, that the company has evaluated the impact of the new regulation and has adapted its procedures.