What is a Phytosanitary Certificate used for?

The importer will require a phytosanitary certificate to import regulated articles including commodities such as plants, bulks & tubers or seeds for propagation, fruits & vegetables, cut flowers & branches, grain and growing medium. They may also be required for certain plant products that have been processed and have a potential for introducing regulated pests (examples include cotton or wood). Sometimes they can also be required to cover contaminated articles such as empty shipping containers, vehicles or other organisms. If the shipper can not provide a phytosanitary certificate to the importer, it’s highly likely that the goods will not be cleared through customs. The goods may be seized and completely destroyed.

How to create a Phytosanitary Certificate

1. Open IncoDocs

   Open IncoDocs in your browser and navigate to the “Export Docs” section.

2. Choose the Phytosanitary Certificate template

   Click on 'New document set' and select the Phytosanitary Certificate template along with any other export documents you wish to create.

3. Fill out & customize your doc

   Fill out the document, customize template fields to your needs and add your company letterhead. To save time and prevent re-entry errors, enter key shipment data into the Master File to have it sync across all other documents in your set automatically.

4. Sign & seal

   Click on the signature box at the bottom of your document to create and place a digital signature then hit “Save & Quit”. On the document preview screen, click on the ‘More’ dropdown button and select “Add company seal” to place a digital stamp.

5. Download or share

   Download or share documents from IncoDocs in 1-click. Documents can be downloaded as PDF or CSV which can be imported into other systems without manual re-entry.

Create in IncoDocs

Your questions, answered.

How to obtain a Phytosanitary Certificate for export shipments?

The importer of goods requires a phytosanitary certificate to get the products cleared through customs before the shipments arrives into port.  The shipper of the goods must contact their country’s relevant department and apply for the certificate. Usually applicants must first be registered with the department before applying for the relevant certificate. The exporter’s facility may have to be inspected by an authorized officer to ensure that it complies with strict hygiene standards to be eligible for export.

Today most government departments require shippers to apply for Health certificates and phyto certificates online.  However, in some cases a manual paper document can be submitted for approval.

What information is included on a Phytosanitary Certificate Document?

A Phytosanitary Certificate will include the below details: