Renew MEP Christine Singer has asked the European Commission to review the mandatory use of European and Mediterranean Plant Protection Organization (EPPO) codes in plant protection documentation, arguing that the requirement places a disproportionate administrative burden on small and medium-sized horticultural businesses, particularly in the ornamental plant and shrub sector.
In a written parliamentary question submitted on 15 June 2026, Singer noted that many horticultural SMEs work with a wide range of species and varieties, and that a globally recognised botanical nomenclature using Latin genus and species names already exists and is widely used in teaching and practice. She asked the Commission what additional technical or phytosanitary function EPPO codes serve compared to existing nomenclature, and whether the Commission has examined the practical implications for SMEs.
Singer also asked whether the Commission sees scope for allowing simplified generic terminology or other real-world solutions in the ornamental plant sector without compromising plant health and traceability goals. Finally, she inquired whether the Commission plans to review these documentation requirements for proportionality as part of ongoing simplification initiatives.
The question reflects a tension between regulatory harmonisation and administrative burden on small businesses. On one hand, standardised EPPO codes facilitate cross-border traceability and data exchange for plant health authorities. On the other, requiring SMEs to adopt a separate coding system alongside existing botanical names adds compliance costs and paperwork. The Commission's reply, expected within roughly six weeks, will signal whether it sees room to ease the requirement for smaller operators or whether it considers the current rules necessary for phytosanitary security.