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 the species is established and Phlyctinus callosus (Schoenherr, 1826) is the accepted name.	More taxonomic work to differentiate the species complex would help, nevertheless, P. callosus sensu stricto would still satisfy the criteria for QP status
Absence/presence of the pest in the EU (Section 3.2)	P. callosus is not known to be present in the EU
Regulatory status (Section 3.3)	P. callosus is not regulated by EU plant health legislation.
Pest potential for entry, establishment and spread in the EU (Section 3.4)	Eggs, larvae and pupae could be transported in soil and growing media accompanying plants for planting; adults can be carried with fruits that they feed on; soil contaminating root crops could be infested with juvenile stages (larvae or pupae) and the commodity itself could be infested by larvae feeding on root surfaces. Biotic factors (host availability) and abiotic factors (climate suitability) suggest that areas of the EU would be suitable for establishment of P. callosus. The pest is a free living organism and could spread within the EU, facilitated by movement of hosts.	As with many pests that can enter on produce, there are uncertainties regarding the ability of the organism to transfer to locate another host, complete development, reproduce and initiate a new population.
Potential for consequences in the EU (Section 3.5)	Larvae and adults are harmful to a range of plants and economic impacts would be expected if P. callosus established in the EU.	The effect of existing pest management practices used against other pests in the EU, and their consequences on the potential impact of P. callosus is unknown.
Available measures (Section 3.6)	Some plants affected by P. callosus are already prohibited as plants for planting from third countries and fruits imported into the EU require a phytosanitary certificate of which a proportion of consignments are inspected. Additional options are available to reduce the likelihood of pest entry into the EU.
Conclusion (Section 4)	P. callosus satisfies all the criteria that are within the remit of EFSA to assess for it to be regarded as a potential Union quarantine pest.
Aspects of assessment to focus on/scenarios to address in future if appropriate