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 if they do not meet federal phytosanitary standards.

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.

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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 for inspection and apply for the phytosanitary certification. Usually applicants must first be registered with the department before applying for the relevant certificate. The exporter’s facility may have to undergo an inspection by an authorized officer to ensure compliance with strict hygiene standards and federal regulations 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 following details to meet federal and foreign requirements:

Do I need a Phytosanitary Certificate for each plant?

You do not need a separate phytosanitary certificate for each plant. One certificate covers an entire shipment of plants or plant products. The certificate issuance verifies that all items in the shipment meet the importing country’s phytosanitary requirements.

Do seeds require a Phytosanitary Certificate?

Yes, seeds generally require a phytosanitary certificate. The certificate ensures that the seeds are free from pests and diseases and meet the importing country's health standards. This is important to prevent the introduction of harmful organisms.

Do Phytosanitary Certificates expire?

Yes, phytosanitary certificates do expire. They are only valid for the specific shipment for which they were issued. After the shipment is completed, the certificate cannot be reused, and the exporter must obtain a new issuance for future shipments.