Thinking of starting a business exporting plants or plant-related items? You will require a phytosanitary certificate for export. A phytosanitary certificate for export or re-export attests that the given consignment meets the phytosanitary import requirements and is undertaken by the NPPOs (National Plant Protection Organizations). ¹

What is a phytosanitary certificate?

Just as you require a passport to travel across international borders, your plants also require a dedicated ‘health passport’ for export. This is referred to as the Phytosanitary Certificate. This certificate might not be needed for every plant that you send across international borders. However, there are particular conditions wherein this certificate is mandatory to produce.

The Ministry of Agriculture is responsible for giving away certifications for the export of plants and plant-related products. The Phytosanitary Certificate serves to be an important document for the export of plants and plant-related goods. You are expected to confirm that the items to be exported fulfill the export requirements. For instance, your plant-based products should be free from pests and other infectious diseases. In India, the Directorate of PPQS or Plant Protection, Quarantine, and Storage is responsible for issuing the phytosanitary certificate. At the same time, the exporter is expected to comply with the specific regulations set forth by the importing nation or final destination. ²

An overview of phytosanitary certificate for export

The phytosanitary certificate serves to be a certificate issued by the certificate that should be shown while re-exporting or exporting plants, plant-related products, or other types of regulated items. Phytosanitary Certificates or PSCs are obtained to showcase that consignments effectively fulfill the phytosanitary import conditions of the importing nation. The Ministry of Agriculture and Farmer Welfare offers PSCs to the requirements of the IPCC or International Plant Protection Convention. ⁴

A phytosanitary certificate is needed during the transportation of regulatory-based commodities like plants, plant-based products, or other types of regulated goods. It serves to be an official document issued by the agriculture, horticulture, water, or food resources department of the exporting nation. Only an authorized individual from a government agency has the authority to issue the PSC.

What is the purpose of a phytosanitary certificate for export?

Here are some of the main objectives of obtaining the Phytosanitary Certificate for the export of plant-related items: ⁵

·       A PSC states that a particular plant, plant-related items, or other type of regulated commodity is complying with the phytosanitary regulations of the importing country.

·       In case there are disagreements between the exporting and importing nations upon obtaining the phytosanitary certificate, NPPOs (National Plant Protection Organizations) are expected to work towards creating a bilateral agreement. Changes to the requirements within the phytosanitary certificate should adhere to non-discrimination and openness.

·       PSCs are extended to reveal that the consignment of plants and plant-related items fulfill the given set of phytosanitary import standards while aligning with the certifying statement of the respective model certificate.

·       Exporters can also consider using the PSC for supporting certification for re-export to other countries.

What products are covered in the phytosanitary certificate?

If you wish to export the following list of commodities, you should acquire a phytosanitary certificate:

·       Specific processed plant-based products that could potentially introduce controlled pests (like wood or cotton) ⁶

·       A PSC is required for the export of controlled goods like tubers, bulks, and plants.

·       Seeds for propagation, fruits & vegetables, cut branches and flowers, growth media, and grains

·       PSC is needed to export contaminated items like empty cars, shipping containers, or other types of organisms.

Understanding different types of phytosanitary certificates

The PSC is usually divided into two broad categories:

1.       Phytosanitary Certificate for Export Reasons: The NPPO of the origin nation will issue a PSC for the purpose of export. A Phytosanitary Certificate for export offers the certification to ensure that the cargo fulfills the phytosanitary criteria of the importing nation. ⁷

2.       Phytosanitary Certificate for Re-export Businesses: The NPPO of the exporting country will offer a phytosanitary certificate in case the commodity was not cultivated or given treatment to modify its nature.

What is the validity of the phytosanitary certificate for export?

To maintain the overall physical and phytosanitary integrity of the consignment, the validity of the certificate before export is limited to a maximum of 7 days for perishable items and one month for non-perishable items. The validity should offer an assurance that the items are delivered immediately after receiving certification.

What is the time limit to apply for the PSC?

The applicant is expected to apply at least 2-3 days before the official date of the transportation of the consignment. In case of seed-related consignments, applications should be submitted at least 8-10 days before the actual shipping date. ⁸

However, it is important to understand that the specified criteria might not be applicable to the export of perishable items like cut flowers, fresh fruits & vegetables, and other perishable items.

What are the documents required to obtain the phytosanitary certificate?

Here are some important documents required for obtaining the phytosanitary certificate: ⁹

·       Copy of invoice

·       Importing countries offer permits for the export of plant or seed propagation material

·       Export license

·       A wildlife clearance certificate in case the export item is covered by the CITES or Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of wild flora and fauna

·       Packing list

·       Fumigation Certificate

·       Export inspection fee and fumigation fees

·       Letter of Credit

·       Purchase Order

·       Trade Agreement

·       Airway or Shipping Bill

What is the application process for obtaining the phytosanitary certificate?

·       Registration for Application: The exporter is expected to submit the application in the right format to the designated officer at the port.

·       Inspection of the Consignment: As per the issuance of the quarantine order, the exporter is expected to submit the consignment either to the allowed location or the office of the PQ station. ¹⁰

·       Sampling of Seed: The Bureau of Indian Standards will proceed with checking the sample of pulses, oilseeds, grains, and other types of seeds for human use.

·       Fumigation and Treatment: In case a bug infestation is detected, the exporter should set up for the fumigation and proper treatment of the consignment under the supervision of an authorized pest control operator.

·       Issuance of the Certificate: Once the consignment has been confirmed to be free of pests, the Phytosanitary Certificate will be issued to the exporter.

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