Plants: Non-native Species
The question
To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what assessment her Department has made of the adequacy of current enforcement measures relating to the online sale of non-native invasive plant species.
Answered by Mary Creagh
While no specific formal assessment has been made relating to the online sale of non-native invasive plant species, the Department prioritises Inspectorate resources towards the greatest areas of risk, including online sales. The Department has assessed the enforcement measures under the Invasive Alien Species (Enforcement and Permitting) Order 2019 as robust and effective. The Non-native Species Inspectorate, established to enforce the Order, has developed structured approaches to monitor and act on online sales, including working with major platforms to remove non-compliant listings. Their work continues to address the risk posed by overseas sellers, strengthen online enforcement and improve compliance.
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