Press Releases

May 25

Exporting Procedures

PHYTOSANITARY CERTIFICATION

  • A Phytosanitary (phyto = plant, sanitary = health) Certificate  is a document that provides essential information to the importing country’s plant protection service.
  • The certificate informs the country of destination that the agricultural commodity has been officially inspected and is considered to be free from quarantine pests, and practically free from other injurious pests.
  • The certificate further assures that the commodity conforms to the current phytosanitary regulations of the importing country.

IMPORTANCE OF EXPORT CERTIFICATION

  • Certifying that the commodity/ product have been checked.
  • Keeps track of what is leaving the country and in what quantities.
  • Gives an idea as to what has export potential based on what leaves and in what quantities.
  • Safeguards the interest of the consumer.
  • Gives credibility to the Department of Agriculture.
  • Maintains good name of the island.
  • Export certification facilitates trade among countries.
  • Protects export markets

PROCEDURES FOR OBTAINING PHYTOSANITARY CERTIFICATES

  • ALL products should be brought to the Department for inspection.
  • Inspection is carried out by the Department’s technician.
  • Payment of 5 EC dollars OR 2 US dollars is made for the Phytosanitary Certificate.
  • Phytosanitary Certificate is issued to the client. It can also be issued at the airport upon advance request.
  • Client informs the Department of Agriculture of intention to export.

CONDITIONS FOR PHYTOSANITARY CERTIFICATES

  • Products are to be washed and free from soil.
  • Products are to be free from pest and diseases.
  • Products are allowed into importing country of destination.

SPECIAL NOTE:

It is an offence to tamper with a phytosanitary certificate issued by the Department of Agriculture. No member of the public should write anything additional on the certificate after it has been issued.

Certification is to be performed in close conformity with the broad principles of International Plant Protection contained in the International Plant Protection Convention of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations. The same standard should be set to exported plants and plant products as to imported ones.