News release | 10-02-2026 | 10:00

On January 20, a new version of the Specific Intervention Policy (SPEC) Phytosanitary was published in the Staatscourant. This policy takes effect on February 15. The changes are especially important for potato growers but also for other companies in the plant sector.

The NVWA has adjusted the intervention policy based on regulations from the European Union (EU) regarding potato diseases. Existing rules have also been clarified and tightened. This allows 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 risks or violations. The phytosanitary intervention policy now includes new intervention rules derived 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 wart disease.

For companies, this means more clarity in practice regarding:

  • monitoring potato diseases;
  • reporting 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 if rules are not followed.

Changes in existing rules

In addition to the new rules, existing phytosanitary intervention rules have also been adjusted:

  • In some cases, the violation is classified more severely. This means the NVWA will act faster and more strictly in violations with an increased risk to plant health.
  • Some existing rules have been clarified or updated.
  • Some rules have been merged. The obligation remains but is more simply recorded.

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 clearer rules and consequences in case of violations.

The aim of the changes is to prevent the spread and establishment of plant diseases and quarantine organisms, thereby protecting Dutch plant health.

More information

See 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.