Plant health means protecting the health of plants, plant products and regulated objects against harmful organisms through phytosanitary measures.

Control of agricultural plant propagating material upon import ensures the entry of high-quality seed material, the preservation of the environment, and the protection of consumers. Control of forest reproductive material upon import ensures the entry of high-quality material adapted to the site conditions.

All phytosanitary requirements for the entry of plant material into the EU – including prohibitions, specific conditions and mandatory inspections – are laid down in:

• Regulation (EU) 2016/2031 on protective measures against pests of plants, and
• Regulation (EU) 2017/625 on official controls and other official activities.

Further details and specific requirements are set out in implementing acts and delegated acts adopted under these Regulations.

To fulfil the objectives of plant health protection, controls at import or at release for free circulation are carried out, among other official bodies, also by customs authorities. Inspections are performed by inspectors of the Administration of the Republic of Slovenia for Food Safety, Veterinary and Plant Protection (UVHVVR).

Consignments subject to mandatory phytosanitary inspection may be introduced from third countries only through designated entry points, where both the customs authority and UVHVVR inspection service are present (Koper – Port of Koper and Ljubljana – Jože Pučnik Airport). Where there is no risk of the spread of harmful organisms, identity and plant health checks may also be carried out at officially designated points within the country or in another Member State, under customs supervision.

Customs authorities may not initiate procedures for placing goods under a customs-approved treatment or use, other than transit, until a UVHVVR inspector has carried out a phytosanitary inspection of consignments of plants, plant products or regulated objects listed in the Annexes to the Regulation, as well as consignments of agricultural plant propagating material and forest reproductive material, and has authorised their entry from third countries by way of an official decision.