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.
Leading suppliers of aquatic plants confirmed to PETworldwide that they had already activated the plant passports, but complained about the high administrative outlay involved.