Phytosanitary Certificate: Definition, Requirements & Application Process

In India, the Directorate of Plant Protection, Quarantine and Storage issues a phytosanitary certificate in order to declare that a consignment is in accordance with the import requirements. This certification is required to export and re-export plants stating their health, such as being free from harmful pesticides and diseases.

Read on to when one needs a phytosanitary certificate, the documents required, and the steps to obtain one.

Phytosanitary certificates for export and re-export purposes will prove that the export products or commodities comply with the regulations and criteria of the importing country. It proves that the shipment is free from infections or pests and is as per the standards of the importing country.

Phytosanitary certificates for export and re-export purposes will prove that the export products or commodities comply with the regulations and criteria of the importing country. It proves that the shipment is free from infections or pests and is as per the standards of the importing country. 

Types of Phytosanitary Certificate

Phytosanitary certificates have two categories that have been explained below:

• Phytosanitary certificate for export: The National Plant Protection Organisation (NPPO) of an exporting country has the sole authority to issue a phytosanitary certificate for export. This certificate confirms that the shipment satisfies the country's phytosanitary standards. 
• Phytosanitary certificate for re-export: NPPO of the re-exporting country has the authority to provide a phytosanitary certificate stating that the good was not treated or cultivated in that country, and a primary phytosanitary certificate is also attached to the consignment.

Information Included in Phytosanitary Certificate

A phytosanitary certificate will have the information mentioned below:

• Exporter’s contact details, name and address 
• Consignee’s company name, contact details and address
• Destination and origin countries
• Mode of transport
• Import permit number
• Stated point of entry
• Details regarding the shipment, such as:
  • Shipping numbers and container numbers
  • Number of packages 
  • Description of packages 
  • Actual and botanical name of the products
  • Commodity code
  • Gross weight 

However, one must remember that the details in a phytosanitary certificate should be proper and specific. Any fault in the information will lead to rejection. One should send the certificate sent via electronic mail or with the consignment.

A phytosanitary certificate will be important for an importer while importing supervised goods and commodities such as plants, fruits & vegetables, cut fruits and branches, and bulks/tubers or seeds. This certificate is also required for plants or certain processed plant products that can get infected with pests, such as word or cotton. 

Additionally, this certificate is also needed for contaminated articles such as shipping containers, shipments, vehicles or other organisms. It is highly unlikely that such products will pass through customs without the certificate. They will be seized until proper certification is provided or completely destroyed.

The documentation process to obtain a phytosanitary certificate requires some important paperwork. An applicant needs to submit the following documents along with a duly filled application form:

• Permit issued by the importing country for exporting the goods or commodities 
• Wildlife Clearance Certificate is for exported goods under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Flora and Fauna
• Letter of Credit 
• Shipping bill as per the mode of transport 
• Packing list 
• Export license 
• Fumigation Certificate 
• Purchase order 
• Export inspection fees and Fumigation charges 
• Copy of invoice

An importer requires the phytosanitary certificate before the arrival of the shipment to the port. Most governments insist exporters to apply for a phytosanitary certificate online. However, one can also obtain this manually in paper document format. 

Generally, an applicant can follow the steps given below to know how to get a phytosanitary certificate:

Step 1: Applicants need to register themselves with the relevant department to be able to apply for the certificate. Shippers or applicants should contact their departments to apply for the certificate manually or online.

Step 2: An authorised officer will inspect or verify the exporter or applicant’s facility to check if it complies with the set standards of hygiene for export.

Step 3: The applicant will receive clearance and approval for the certificate after successful verification. 

Only a Public Officer who is qualified and authorised can issue such a certificate. This certificate must be produced before customs clearance for import and export.

A phytosanitary certificate is a vital document that is used to attest that shipments of plants, plant products and other regulated products are in conformity with the phytosanitary import and export requirements of a country. This certificate ensures smooth import and export of goods at the trading borders.