So far, no occurrence of Eriococcus williamsi was known in Germany. The species is present in the EU in Georgia, Russia, Turkey, Ukraine and in Corsica and Greece. So far, E. williamsi is listed neither in the Annexes of Directive 2000/29/EC nor by EPPO. E. williamsi lives on box trees (Buxus spp.) like the common box tree (Buxus sempervirens) that is endemic in Europe. Due to mainly inappropriate climate conditions outdoors in Germany, it is assumed that E. williamsi currently only is capable to establish in very warm regions. The establishment in South European EU Member States is possible and partly, took place already. Due to its low damage potential for the common box tree, E. williamsi poses no phytosanitary risk for Germany and other EU Member States. Thus, E. williamsi is not classified as quarantine pest and § 4a of the Plant Inspection Order does not apply.