Dear sir,

On our farm, spring is just around the corner and with this in mind, this past week I have been looking into the new procedures to import a second-hand tractor from GB to NI. Specifically I have been viewing the DAERA website with regard to importation rules.

The rules state that all equipment must be “cleaned free of all contaminants – soil, water, seeds, leaves, twigs” and contaminated vehicles failing this inspection are to be shipped back to GB at the owner’s expense. Furthermore, no cleaning is allowed in the port area.

I have also been greatly concerned by recent press reports that DAERA staff are issued with mirrors and inspection lamps to carry out the checks. I have enough experience of tractors to know that, if you give me a mirror and headlamp I will find residual dirt, etc, on any secondhand tractor, no matter how well it has been cleaned, due to the many inaccessible areas to normal cleansing methods.

I further contest that the machine would have to be partially dismantled, with the cab removed, in order to fully clean to DAERA stated standards making the import exercise totally unaffordable to any importer. This will in effect, lead to an embargo and closing off a traditional trading route to farmers and machinery dealers in NI.

In regard to the importation of used tractors and equipment to NI are we indeed in danger of becoming the Cuba of Europe?

Yours etc

Robert Wilson

8 Derryhollagh Lane

Randalstown

Used machines need a plant health certificate

The requirement for a used machine to be clean on entry to NI from Britain is not new, however, the NI Protocol has brought an added requirement that agricultural machinery must be issued with a plant health (phytosanitary) certificate prior to export.

To obtain a certificate, an exporter will have to contact authorities in Britain, who will inspect the machine and verify that it is free from soil, etc.

Reports suggest that process is likely to cost in excess of £200.

In addition, there is also a signficant cost to ensuring that the equipment is cleaned to the standard required to satisfy an inspector.

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