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. 2017 Nov 30;15(11):e05076. doi: 10.2903/j.efsa.2017.5076

Table 1.

Pest categorisation criteria under evaluation, as 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 Criterion in Regulation (EU) 2016/2031 regarding Union quarantine pest Criterion in Regulation (EU) 2016/2031 regarding protected zone quarantine pest (articles 32–35) Criterion in Regulation (EU) 2016/2031 regarding Union regulated non‐quarantine pest
Identity of the pest (Section 3.1) Is the identity of the pest established, or has it been shown to produce consistent symptoms and to be transmissible? Is the identity of the pest established, or has it been shown to produce consistent symptoms and to be transmissible? Is the identity of the pest established, or has it been shown to produce consistent symptoms and to be transmissible?
Absence/presence of the pest in the EU territory (Section 3.2)

Is the pest present in the EU territory?

If present, is the pest widely distributed within the EU? Describe the pest distribution briefly!

Is the pest present in the EU territory? If not, it cannot be a protected zone quarantine organism. Is the pest present in the EU territory? If not, it cannot be a regulated non‐quarantine pest. (A regulated non‐quarantine pest must be present in the risk assessment area).
Regulatory status (Section 3.3) If the pest is present in the EU but not widely distributed in the risk assessment area, it should be under official control or expected to be under official control in the near future.

The protected zone system aligns with the pest free area system under the International Plant Protection Convention (IPPC).

The pest satisfies the IPPC definition of a quarantine pest that is not present in the risk assessment area (i.e. protected zone).

Is the pest regulated as a quarantine pest? If currently regulated as a quarantine pest, are there grounds to consider its status could be revoked?
Pest potential for entry, establishment and spread in the EU territory (Section 3.4) Is the pest able to enter into, become established in, and spread within, the EU territory? If yes, briefly list the pathways!

Is the pest able to enter into, become established in, and spread within, the protected zone areas?

Is entry by natural spread from EU areas where the pest is present possible?

Is spread mainly via specific plants for planting, rather than via natural spread or via movement of plant products or other objects?

Clearly state if plants for planting is the main pathway!

Potential for consequences in the EU territory (Section 3.5) Would the pests’ introduction have an economic or environmental impact on the EU territory? Would the pests’ introduction have an economic or environmental impact on the protected zone areas? Does the presence of the pest on plants for planting have an economic impact, as regards the intended use of those plants for planting?
Available measures (Section 3.6) Are there measures available to prevent the entry into, establishment within or spread of the pest within the EU such that the risk becomes mitigated?

Are there measures available to prevent the entry into, establishment within or spread of the pest within the protected zone areas such that the risk becomes mitigated?

Is it possible to eradicate the pest in a restricted area within 24 months (or a period longer than 24 months where the biology of the organism so justifies) after the presence of the pest was confirmed in the protected zone?

Are there measures available to prevent pest presence on plants for planting such that the risk becomes mitigated?
Conclusion of pest categorisation (Section 4) A statement as to whether (1) all criteria assessed by EFSA above for consideration as a potential quarantine pest were met and (2) if not, which one(s) were not met. A statement as to whether (1) all criteria assessed by EFSA above for consideration as potential protected zone quarantine pest were met, and (2) if not, which one(s) were not met. A statement as to whether (1) all criteria assessed by EFSA above for consideration as a potential regulated non‐quarantine pest were met, and (2) if not, which one(s) were not met.