TABLE 8.

The Panel's conclusions on the pest categorisation criteria defined in Regulation (EU) 2016/2031 on protective measures against pests of plants (the number of the relevant sections of the pest categorisation is shown in brackets in the first column).

Criterion of pest categorisation	Panel's conclusions against criterion in regulation (EU) 2016/2031 regarding Union quarantine pest	Key uncertainties
Identity of the pest (Section 3.1 )	The identity of Pratylenchus loosi is clearly defined. The pathogen has been shown to produce consistent symptoms and to be transmissible.	None
Absence/presence of the pest in the EU (Section 3.2 )	The pest is not known to be present in the EU.	None
Pest potential for entry, establishment and spread in the EU (Section 3.4 )	The pest could enter, establish and spread in the EU. Host plants for planting, soil adhering to plants, machinery and footwear are the main pathways.	None
Potential for consequences in the EU (Section 3.5 )	Negative effects are expected on tea production in the EU.	There is uncertainty about potential impacts on hosts other than tea.
Available measures (Section 3.6 )	Measures are available to reduce the risk of entry, establishment, spread and impacts of the pest in the EU.	None
Conclusion (Section 4 )	Pratylenchus loosi meets all the criteria that are within the remit of EFSA to assess this pest to be regarded as a potential Union quarantine pest.
Aspects of assessment to focus on/scenarios to address in future if appropriate	The potential host status of non‐tea crops grown in the EU could be further investigated.