Export Certification for Flower Bulbs Tightened

News Release | 12-11-2025 | 10:00

Agreement on handling

In the past, the NVWA and Inspection Services have established that an increasing number of companies active in the ornamental horticulture sector (cut flowers, potted plants, nursery products) also export batches of flower bulbs. Therefore, in 2019, an agreement was made between BKD, KCB, Naktuinbouw, and NVWA that when there is so-called bijpak (small quantities), these flower bulbs can be handled by KCB and Naktuinbouw via the e-CertNL modules CBN and CST.

Tightening rules for bijpak flower bulbs

Recent analyses by the NVWA show that larger or complete shipments of flower bulbs are also handled via the CBN and CST modules or even outside e-CertNL. The phytosanitary guarantees issued by the BKD during cultivation or stock inspections are not visible here. These guarantees are secured in the e-CertNL module CBB and not in the CBN and CST modules. For this reason, in consultation with the NVWA and all involved Inspection Services, the following has been decided:

1. Shipments of flower bulbs are handled via the e-CertNL module CBB in combination with the Chain Register (facilitated by BKD).
2. This also applies to companies with locations assigned to the KCB or Naktuinbouw Inspection Service. This decision takes effect on April 1, 2026.
3. An exception to this rule remains for the so-called bijpak; flower bulbs traded by other exporters than flower bulb exporters as a small part of an ornamental horticulture shipment.
   The term bijpak is defined as: a maximum of 200 flower bulbs per species in a non-flower bulb shipment. This bijpak may still be facilitated by the e-CertNL modules CBN and CST; the form flower bulb applies here.
   Shipments with more than 200 flower bulbs per species must be handled via the Chain Register and the CBB module.
   Potted flower bulbs fall under the category of potted plants and must be stated as such on the phytosanitary certificate.
4. Bijpak is only recorded in the number of flower bulbs (pieces); weight or packaging units are not accepted.
5. Bijpak flower bulbs are not allowed for the destinations listed in Annex I, whether or not limited to a specific species.
6. Shipments/batches of flower bulbs are basically always handled via CBB/Chain Register. If a shipment contains both batches of flower bulbs and plant products certified under other e-CertNL modules, this results in the issuance of multiple phytosanitary certificates per shipment.

Application for export certification of flower bulbs via Chain Register

The handling of (complete) shipments of flower bulbs or shipments with more than 200 bulbs per species (processing the application for export certification) takes place via the web screens of the Chain Register (facilitated by BKD). Are you planning to export shipments with more than 200 bulbs after April 1, 2026? Then you must submit an application to BKD in time for access to the Chain Register.

BKD charges the following costs for this (source: BKD):

Chain Register costs (2025, increased by 4.73% as of January 1, 2026)

1. One-time: connection of web screens; € 707.38

An agreement will be drawn up for this.

2. Annual contributions

Annual contribution Trade and Chain Register and BKD: € 763.86

3. Contributions per phytosanitary certificate:

• Export certificate via CR: € 6.78 per certificate
• Basic fee at application: € 8.99.

There is a possibility to connect to the Chain Register; if you want to use this, please contact the Flower Bulb Inspection Service.

Execution of export inspection

The export inspection will also be carried out by the Inspection Service assigned to the location after April 1, 2026.

If you have additional questions, please contact your Inspection Service.

Annex I

This overview may be changed due to new insights or changed import legislation of the respective countries