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What is a phytosanitary certificate for exports?

Phytosanitary certificate is a document that verifies the health status of a plant or plant products being shipped internationally. Learn more about its types and purpose in this blog.

To ensure high quality products are exported from India, countries across the world have multiple regulations, especially for consumables and food categories. For instance, in India, any consumable business needs to obtain a Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) license. Similarly, a phytosanitary certificate is a document that verifies the health status of a plant or plant product that is shipped across international borders. It is an important certificate that ensures international trade of plants and plant products is conducted safely and without risk of spreading pests and diseases.

What is a phytosanitary certificate?

A phytosanitary certificate is a document issued by the National Plant Protection Organization (NPPO) of the exporting country to the NPPO of the importing country. For example, the NPPO of the US issues it to the NPPO of India. The document certifies that plants or plant products being exported have been inspected and are deemed free from pests and diseases that could harm the local agricultural industry of the importing country. Phytosanitary certificates are required by many countries as a condition to import plants and plant products¹.

Purpose of a phytosanitary certificate for export

The purpose of a phytosanitary certificate for export is to ensure safe international trade of plants and plant products. The certificate also helps prevent spread of pests and diseases across borders, which can have significant economic and environmental consequences. This certificate also protects the exporter by reducing the risk of rejection or quarantine of the shipment. If the shipment is found to contain pests or diseases, it can be rejected or subject to costly quarantine measures, which can result in financial losses for the exporter.

In addition to phytosanitary certificates, some countries may require additional export certificates and documentation, such as permits or licenses, to import plants or plant products. It is the responsibility of the exporter to ensure that all necessary documentation is obtained and provided to the authorities in the importing country. The issuance of phytosanitary certificates is governed by the International Plant Protection Convention (IPPC), an international treaty that sets standards for phytosanitary measures and promotes their implementation to facilitate safe international trade. The IPPC also provides guidance on the format and content of phytosanitary certificates, and a statement that the plants or plant products have been inspected and found free from pests and diseases.

Products covered under phytosanitary certificate

The products covered under a phytosanitary certificate can vary depending on specific requirements of the importing country. Generally, phytosanitary certificates are required to export plants and plant products – seeds, fruits, vegetables, and flowers, among others.

Types of phytosanitary certificate

There are two types of phytosanitary certificates:

Phytosanitary certificate for export

The phytosanitary certificate for export is issued when plants or plant products are being exported from one country to another. This certificate confirms that the products have been inspected and are free from pests and diseases, and that they have been subjected to any required phytosanitary treatments.

Phytosanitary certificate for re-export

The phytosanitary certificate for re-export is issued when plants or plant products have been imported into a country and are being re-exported to another country. This certificate confirms that the products have been inspected and are free from pests and diseases, and that they have not been subjected to any phytosanitary treatments that are not recognized by the importing country.

Contents of a phytosanitary certificate

The format of a phytosanitary certificate can vary depending on the requirements of the importing country. Here are a few common sections that are included in most certificates^2:

Exporter and importer information:

Name and address of the exporter and importer.

Consignment information:

Description of plants or plant products being exported including quantity, and packaging.

Phytosanitary treatment information:

If plants or plant products have been treated for pests or diseases, the certificate will include information about the treatment method and date.

Inspection information:

The certificate will confirm that the plants or plant products have been inspected and are free from pests and diseases. This will include information about the date and location of the inspection, and the name and signature of the inspector.

Declarations:

Declarations about the accuracy of the information provided and the compliance with the phytosanitary requirements of the importing country.

Additional information:

Some importing countries may require additional information to be included on the certificate like the phytosanitary import requirements.

Documents required for phytosanitary certificate

To obtain a phytosanitary certificate, following are some of the documents required³:

Commercial invoice:

This is a document that consists of information about the transaction between the exporter and importer, including product, quantity, price, and terms of sale.

Packing list:

This document details the contents of each package in the shipment, including weight and dimensions.

Certificate of Origin:

This document confirms the country in which the goods were produced or manufactured.

Export license:

This may be required for certain products or destinations.

Phytosanitary certificate application:

This is a form provided by the National Plant Protection Organization (NPPO) of the exporting country, which includes information about the plants or plant products being exported.

Step-by-step guide to obtain phytosanitary certificate

Below is the commonly followed process to obtain a phytosanitary certificate:
1. Contact the National Plant Protection Organization (NPPO) of the exporting country for guidance on specific requirements for the products being exported.
2. Prepare necessary documentation, including the phytosanitary certificate application, commercial invoice, packing list, certificate of origin, and export license (if required).
3. Arrange for inspection and phytosanitary treatment of the plants or plant products, if necessary.
4. Submit the phytosanitary certificate application along with accompanying documents to the NPPO of the exporting country for review and approval.
5. If the application is approved, the phytosanitary certificate will be issued and provided to the exporter.
6. The exporter should then provide the phytosanitary certificate to the importer or shipping company for presentation to the authorities of the importing country.

Phytosanitary certificate is a key document when exporting plant or plant products from India. Once this is obtained, it is important for the exporter to also check and keep other export documents and licenses ready for hassle-free shipping.

Step 1:

Contact the National Plant Protection Organization (NPPO) of the exporting country for guidance on specific requirements for the products being exported.

Step 2:

Prepare necessary documentation, including the phytosanitary certificate application, commercial invoice, packing list, certificate of origin, and export license (if required).

Step 3:

Arrange for inspection and phytosanitary treatment of the plants or plant products, if necessary.

Step 4:

Submit the phytosanitary certificate application along with accompanying documents to the NPPO of the exporting country for review and approval.

Step 5:

If the application is approved, the phytosanitary certificate will be issued and provided to the exporter.

Step 6:

The exporter should then provide the phytosanitary certificate to the importer or shipping company for presentation to the authorities of the importing country.⁸

View and obtain export documentation requirements here

Application process for a phytosanitary certificate online

Step 1:

Visit the Plant Quarantine Information System's homepage.

Step 2:

Click on the "sign up" link within the login window.

Step 3:

You will be prompted to enter various details, including name, office address, importer/exporter status, importer exporter code provided by DGFT, contact number, and email address.

Step 4:

After entering this information, select the Plant Quarantine Station you wish to register with, complete the registration form, and submit it.

Step 5:

Once submitted, the request will be forwarded to the chosen Plant Quarantine Station for validation.

Step 6:

Upon validation, your account will be activated and you will receive an email confirmation. Now, log into the system and select "apply online" to apply for the phytosanitary certificate. Choose the appropriate certificate type: phytosanitary certificates or re-export phytosanitary certificates.

Step 7:

Complete the required fields and submit your application. You will receive an application number; note it down for future reference.

Step 8:

After inspection and laboratory testing, if the consignment is found to be free from quarantine pests, a phytosanitary certificate will be issued.⁹

View and obtain export documentation requirements here

Any Indian exporter can now sell across the world easily through e-commerce exports. This enables them to list their products on international marketplaces in the US, the UK, Australia and more without having to set up a physical store or warehouse abroad.

Amazon Global Selling: Your passport to easy exports

Amazon Global Selling is an e-commerce exports program that enables Indian businesses to sell their products on 18+ Amazon global marketplaces. It also provides a range of tools and resources to help businesses expand their reach and increase sales through support at every step – from registration and listing to logistics network, and customer service. Amazon Global Selling also provides support with local regulations and compliance, including obtaining the necessary certifications and permits, such as phytosanitary certificates for plants and plant products.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the validity of a Phytosanitary Certificate?

The validity of this certificate is typically three to six months.

Who provides a Phytosanitary Certificate?

The National Plant Protection Organization (NPPO) of the exporting country provides this certificate.

Is a phytosanitary certificate required for a fumigation certificate?

No, they are separate certificates.

What are the charges for a phytosanitary certificate?

The fee required to apply for this certificate varies from country to country.

Is a phytosanitary certificate mandatory for export?

In some cases, a phytosanitary certificate may be required to confirm that the plants or plant products being exported are free from pests and diseases. In other cases, the certificate may be required to ensure that the products meet specific phytosanitary requirements of the importing country.

Published on March 29, 2023.

Sources:
1. https://www.ippc.int/en/what-we-do/phytosanitary-certificates/
2. https://www.aphis.usda.gov/aphis/ourfocus/planthealth/export-information/phytosanitary-certificates/ct_aphis_phytosanitary_certificates
3. https://www.ustr.gov/trade-agreements/free-trade-agreements/colombia-fta/exporting-goods/phytosanitary-certificates
4. https://www.indiafilings.com/learn/phytosanitary-certificate-for-export/
5. https://www.ippc.int/static/media/files/publication/en/2017/10/ISPM_12_2014_En_2017-10-26_InkAm.pdf
6. https://www.aphis.usda.gov/aphis/ourfocus/planthealth/export-information/phytosanitary-certificates/ct_aphis_phytosanitary_certificates
7. https://www.shippo.co.uk/guides/exporting-plants-phytosanitary-certificates/
8. https://www.shippo.co.uk/guides/exporting-plants-phytosanitary-certificates/
9. https://www.indiafilings.com/learn/phytosanitary-certificate-for-export/

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