MEP Pascal Arimont (PPE) has raised concerns about the scope of data transmission requirements when reproductive material moves across EU borders, questioning whether current rules force systematic reporting of all transactions and the transfer of personal data such as buyer names and addresses. The questions, submitted to the European Commission on 15 April 2026, target the interplay between Regulation (EC) No 1598/2002 and Directive 1999/105/EC, which together govern the traceability and official control of forest reproductive material.
Arimont's written question asks three specific points: whether the regulation requires systematic reporting of all transactions; to what extent personal data (e.g., name and address of the buyer) may be transferred; and whether requiring economic operators to systematically submit delivery documents for all transactions is compatible with EU law. The MEP's queries suggest a tension between ensuring traceability and protecting personal data, potentially affecting breeders, nurseries, and other operators in the forestry sector.
This is a parliamentary question for written answer under Rule 144 of the European Parliament's rules of procedure. The Commission typically has around six weeks to respond, and its answer will signal the official interpretation of the existing legal framework and any plans for clarification or revision.
The question reflects a policy orientation that leans toward limiting administrative burdens on businesses and safeguarding personal data, while still maintaining traceability. Arimont, a member of the centre-right European People's Party, appears to be probing whether current implementation goes beyond what is legally necessary, potentially creating disproportionate compliance costs for small operators.
Expected follow-up: The Commission's reply will clarify whether systematic reporting is mandatory, the legal basis for personal data transfer, and whether national authorities can impose additional documentation requirements. The answer may also indicate if the Commission sees a need to update the regulatory framework to better balance transparency and data protection.