News article | 10-02-2026 | 10:00
On 20 January a new version of the Specific Intervention Policy (SPEC) Phytosanitary was published in the Staatscourant. This policy takes effect on 15 February. The changes are primarily important for potato growers, but also for other companies in the plant sector.
The NVWA has adjusted the intervention policy based on European Union (EU) legislation concerning potato diseases. Existing rules have also been clarified and tightened. This enables the NVWA to act transparently and consistently in case of violations.
What is new?
Intervention rules provide guidance on when and how the NVWA intervenes in case of risks or violations. In the phytosanitary intervention policy, new intervention rules have now been included that stem from four EU regulations (2022/1192 through 2022/1195). These rules concern the prevention, control and eradication of potato fatigue, ring rot, brown rot and corky ring disease. For companies this means more clarity in practice regarding:
- monitoring of potato diseases;
- reporting of infections;
- use and movement of seed and consumption potatoes;
- taking measures when a quarantine organism is detected.
This also makes it clearer for companies what the NVWA does when rules are not complied with.
Changes to existing rules
In addition to the new rules, existing phytosanitary intervention rules have also been adjusted:
- In some cases the violation is classified as more severe. This means the NVWA will act faster and more strictly in cases of violations that pose an increased risk to plant health.
- A number of existing rules have been clarified or updated.
- Some rules have been merged. The obligation remains, but it is documented more simply.
This ensures that the NVWA assesses and follows up violations in a more equal and consistent manner in enforcement.
What does this mean for companies?
For companies in the plant sector this means that the applicable rules and the consequences of a violation are clearer. The purpose of the amendments is to prevent the spread and establishment of plant diseases and quarantine organisms, thereby protecting Dutch plant health.
More information
View the full Specific Intervention Policy Phytosanitary in the Staatscourant. Companies are advised to review the changes and adjust their operations where necessary. For questions, contact the NVWA via the contact page.