New EU Plant Health regulations come into force on 14 December 2019. These are primarily intended to render the supply chain, extending from growers and producers via importers to retailers, transparent and provide uniform information regarding each plant. This applies in particular to all aquatic plants used in aquariums.
Under the new regulations, all plants must have a so-called plant passport showing the botanical name of the plant species, the EU member state and registration number of the company and the country of origin of the plant. Growers, producers and importers must register for this, along with online retailers who deal in plants. Bricks-and-mortar pet supplies retailers are so far exempt from the obligation to register.