Guidance

Plant health civil sanctions guidance

Regulatory approach and use of civil sanctions for plant health non-compliance by the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) in England and Wales.

Applies to England and Wales

Documents

Details

Sets out how APHA will use civil sanctions in England and Wales to address non-compliance with plant health regulations, and who they will apply this to.

It explains the different types of civil sanction that could be applied and provides examples. It also includes details of how and when recipients can make representations or appeal decisions. The purpose of the guidance is to provide transparency on APHA’s use of this enforcement option.

APHA will not be implementing civil sanctions until October 2026 to give a 6 month period for industry to understand the guidance and address any outstanding non-compliance.

Updates to this page

Published 7 April 2026

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