Pectobacterium carotovorum subsp. brasiliense (Pcb) is a newly described species for the Netherlands although it may already have been present for many years before it was actually identified. Pcb has been reported from many different parts in the world. The pathogen causes stem rotting of potato plants, soft rotting of potato tubers and blackleg. In the Netherlands, several other bacterial (sub)species are known to be present which cause similar symptoms on potato, e.g. Pectobacterium atrosepticum, Pectobacterium carotovorum subsp. carotovorum (Pcc) and Dickeya sp. The (sub)species in the potato soft rot/blackleg complex may differ in ecological properties and the relative impact of each of the species may depend on environmental conditions. Currently, the additional impact of Pcb for potato production in the Netherlands is unknown. Pcb and the other bacterial (sub)species mentioned above are not regulated in the European Union within the context of Council directive 2000/29/EC. However, seed potatoes may only be traded if produced according to a certification system (Council directive 2002/56/EC). According to Council directive 2002/56/EC, the number of plants affected by blackleg must not exceed 2 and 4% in case of basic and certified seed potatoes, respectively.