Defra confirmed the news of the changes to the restrictions, having worked closely with counterparts in the Spanish Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (MAPA) and the Canary Islands Inspectorate.
The NFU has welcomed the news, but warned the requirement relating to cleaning of potatoes and the soil tolerance remains in force.
In particular, a maximum soil content of one per cent continues to apply, to ensure that consignments are free from soil and associated harmful organisms.
The Colorado potato beetle is a major threat to potato crops as the adults and larvae feed on the foliage of potato and other plants in the nightshade family and strip them of their leaves if left uncontrolled.
The pest was found in Kent in 2023, leading to the closure of the Spanish market and the loss of a significant export market for some growers.
It was declared eradicated late last year, following an extensive surveillance and eradication programme.
