Phytosanitary Certificate

The phytosanitary certificate is an instrument of control and pest control in the field of international transport. Certain plants, plant products and other related varieties must be accompanied by a corresponding plant passport at the time of the expedition.

The model provides a standard wording and format that should be followed for the preparation of official phytosanitary certificates. It is necessary to ensure the validity of the documents, which are easily recognized and contain essential information.

Importing countries should only require phytosanitary certificates for regulated articles. These items include commodities such as plants, bulbs and tubers, seeds for propagation, fruits and vegetables, cut flowers and branches, grain and growth medium. You can also use phytosanitary certificates for certain plant products that have been developed, where such products, by their nature or that of their processing, have a potential for introducing regulated pests (e.g. wood or cotton). Also a phytosanitary certificate may be required for other regulated articles where phytosanitary measures are technically justified (e.g. empty containers, vehicles and bodies).

Importing countries should not require phytosanitary certificates for plant products that have been developed so that no potential for introducing regulated pests or other items that do not require phytosanitary measures.
The NPPO should agree bilaterally when there are differences between the views of the importing and exporting country regarding the justification for requiring a phytosanitary certificate. Changes regarding the request for a phytosanitary certificate must respect the principles of transparency and non-discrimination.