Commission Implementing Decision (EU) 2015/226 of 11 February 2015 amending Implementing Decision 2012/535/EU as regards the definition of susceptible wood and measures to be taken in demarcated areas (notified under document C(2015) 645)

13.2.2015 EN Official Journal of the European Union L 37/21
COMMISSION IMPLEMENTING DECISION (EU) 2015/226
of 11 February 2015
amending Implementing Decision 2012/535/EU as regards the definition of susceptible wood and measures to be taken in demarcated areas
(notified under document C(2015) 645)
THE EUROPEAN COMMISSION
,
Having regard to the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union,
Having regard to Council Directive 2000/29/EC of 8 May 2000 on protective measures against the introduction into the Community of organisms harmful to plants or plant products and against their spread within the Community (1), and in particular the fourth sentence of Article 16(3) thereof,
Whereas:
(1) The application of Commission Implementing Decision 2012/535/EU (2) has led to the conclusion that the definition of susceptible wood should include wood of conifers (Coniferales) that has not kept its natural round surface, beehives and bird nesting boxes, taking into account the particular risks linked to the frequent movement of beehives and such boxes. In addition, wood which has undergone processing eliminating the risk of hosting the pine wood nematode (PWN) should be excluded from that definition.
(2) In view of the nature of the vector, all felled susceptible plants and their logging remains in buffer zones should immediately be removed.
(3) It is appropriate to clarify that wood free from bark, and which has undergone an appropriate heat treatment in accordance with Implementing Decision 2012/535/EU, may be moved also within the flight season of the vector.
(4) Implementing Decision 2012/535/EU should therefore be amended accordingly.
(5) The measures provided for in this Decision are in accordance with the opinion of the Standing Committee on Plants, Animals, Food and Feed,