Christmas Tree Imports

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The information contained in this Press Release may no longer be valid. The information is maintained on this website for reference purposes only.

At this time of year homes and offices will shortly be decorated with Christmas trees. Many are grown in Ireland, both north and south, for this market. However, demand is such that some are imported from Great Britain and elsewhere in Europe.

There is a risk that some trees from outside Ireland would inadvertently bring with them pests or diseases that would damage our forests. Among these are the great spruce bark beetle (Dendroctonus micans) and defoliating insects such as the European sawfly (Gilpinia hercyniae).

In order to reduce this risk, conifers (Christmas trees) over 3.0 metres in height and all conifers (Christmas trees) with roots need to be accompanied by a document called a “plant passport”. This is issued under the authority of the plant protection service in the exporting country following an official inspection of the grower’s premises. No passport is required for cut conifers (Christmas trees) of less than 3.0 metres in height.

Importers and exporters are required to register with the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, Quality Assurance Division, Dundonald House, Upper Newtownards Road, Belfast BT4 3SB, telephone 028 9052 5001.

Notes for Editors

1. The Plant Health Order (Northern Ireland) 1993, as amended, amongst other matters, makes provision for the movement of coniferous trees within the European Community.

2. Northern Ireland has been designated as a protected zone (“ZP”) against certain pests and diseases that are established elsewhere in the EU.

3. Christmas trees described below, imported to Northern Ireland from GB and elsewhere in Europe (excluding those grown in the Republic of Ireland), must be accompanied by a plant passport and have been produced in areas free from certain pests and diseases.

Details of some of the relevant pests are given in the table below.

Type of Christmas Tree - Relevant Pest

Conifers over 3.0 metres Ips species

Dendroctonus micans


Conifers with roots

Gremmeniella abietina (On pines, spruce and fir)

Gilpinia hercyniae (on spruce)

Melampsora medusae (On pines, spruce and fir)

Further details may be obtained from Stuart Morwood, Forest Service, Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, Dundonald House, Belfast BT4 3SB. Telephone 028 9052 4561.