Export

 

Why is Plant Health Certification for Exports Necessary?

Pests and diseases can be carried on plants, seeds, wood and wood products.  If you intend to export such material you must comply with the importing country's plant health regulations.   The controls may require physical action by the exporter and official inspection and paperwork.   Controlled products usually must be accompanied by a Plant Health (Phytosanitary – pronounced 'Fyto- Sanitary') Certificate issued by one of the Plant Protection authorities of this country declaring the goods to be free of harmful organisms.

In Great Britain the export service of the plant health inspections and the issue of certificates is undertaken by;

a. the Forestry Commission – for forest tree seeds, wood and wood products; and

b. the Agricultural Departments (Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs - DEFRA and the Scottish Executive for Environment, Rural Affairs and Development - SEERAD) – for plants, soil and used forestry machinery.

View a guide to exporters on applying for phytosanitary certification services for wood and wood products destined for non-EU countries.

Exporters should note that in accordance with ISPM7 'Export Certification System' –

'The phytosanitary certificate should contain sufficient information to clearly identify the consignment to which it relates.  the phytosanitary certificate should not carry other information, of a non-phytosanitary nature'.

This guidance makes it clear that phytosanitary certificates are issued for plants and plant products that are subject to phytosanitary control measures and are not issued for commercial reasons.  Exporters should not therefore apply for phytosanitary certificates purely for commercial purposes eg their customer in China considers that a phytosanitary certificate is required regardless of China Notice 2005/11 and the ISPM15 marking requirements.

Exporters are reminded, however, that phytosanitary certificates can be required for the importation of wood and wood products depending on a particular country's landing requirements and therefore it is always prudent to check with the importing countyr's National Plant Protection Organisation (NPPO) to see whether you need a phytosanitary certificate.  Details of most NPPO's can be found at www.ippc.int.

Some countries also require an import licence or permit, which their NPPO will usually issue.  Again it is your responsibility to ensure that you have one where this is required.  You will need to produce the import permit to us in order that we can include details, where required, on the phytosanitary certificate.