WHAT IS A PHYTOSANITARY CERTIFICATE? UNDERSTANDING THE CERTIFICATION PROCEDURE

In the process of importing and exporting goods, particularly those of plant origin, compliance with phytosanitary regulations is of utmost importance. A Phytosanitary Certificate is a crucial document that ensures goods do not carry harmful elements that could affect the plants and environment in the importing country. So, what is a Phytosanitary Certificate, and how is it obtained? Let’s delve into the details with Smart Link.

What is a Phytosanitary Certificate?

A Phytosanitary Certificate is a document issued by a plant protection and quarantine authority to the consignor. This certificate verifies that the plants or plant products are free from harmful fungi, pests, or pathogens that could affect crops at the origin or destination of the goods.

Purpose of a Phytosanitary Certificate

For Imports: Ensures no pathogens are introduced into the importing country along with the goods.
For Exports: Demonstrates that the goods meet the quarantine requirements for export.

Contents of a Phytosanitary Certificate

Name and address of the exporter
Name and address of the recipient
Quantity and type of packaging
Marks and numbers
Place of production
Means of transport
Port of entry
Name and weight of the product
Scientific name of the plant, etc.

Products requiring a Phytosanitary Certificate

Not all plant-origin goods require quarantine procedures. According to Circular No. 30/2014/TT-BNNPTNT by the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, the list of objects requiring phytosanitary inspection includes:

Plants
Plant products
Fungi (except those in salted, frozen, canned, and yeast forms)
Silkworm cocoons, silkworm excrements, lacquer
Insects, mites, pathogens, nematodes, bacteria, viruses, phytoplasma, viroids, and weeds used for identification, training, biological control, and scientific research
Means of transport and storage of objects subject to phytosanitary inspection
Other objects capable of carrying phytosanitary objects as determined by the Plant Protection Department and reported to the Minister of Agriculture & Rural Development for decision

Phytosanitary inspection registration documents

Phytosanitary inspection registration form as per Appendix I of Circular No. 30/2014/TT-BNNPTNT
A copy or original Phytosanitary Certificate issued by the plant quarantine authority of the exporting country
If a photocopy is submitted, the original must be submitted before the import Phytosanitary Certificate is issued
The original or a certified copy of the import phytosanitary permit (if required)

Procedure for issuing an import Phytosanitary Certificate

The procedure for issuing an import Phytosanitary Certificate is as follows:

Submit Documents: The object owner submits one set of phytosanitary inspection registration documents to the plant quarantine authority. This can be done online via the National Single Window system or by mail.
Document Receipt and Check: The quarantine authority receives and checks the documents as per regulations.
Object Inspection: The quarantine authority conducts preliminary and detailed inspections of the object.
Certificate Issuance: If the object meets the prescribed standards, the quarantine authority will issue a certificate to the business.

Through this article, Smart Link has shared important information regarding the Phytosanitary Certificate. Understanding and complying with quarantine regulations not only facilitate smooth import and export processes but also ensure food safety and environmental protection. We hope this knowledge will be useful for your international business activities, helping you prepare better and avoid unnecessary risks.

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If you require assistance with international import and export of goods, please contact our team at Smartlink Logistics. We are available to provide you with professional guidance on our services and the necessary customs procedures.

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