About phytosanitary certificates
A phytosanitary certificate is an official document issued by the national plant protection organization (NPPO) of the exporting country to the NPPO of the importing country. It certifies that the plants, plant products or other regulated articles covered by the certificate:
- have been inspected according to appropriate procedures
- are considered free from quarantine pests
- conform with the current phytosanitary regulations of the importing country
The phytosanitary certificate facilitates trade, but it is not a trade document. The International Plant Protection Convention provides a list of most of the NPPOs that are involved in the issuance of phytosanitary certificates.
Request an export inspection and phytosanitary certificate
Canadian exporters should contact a CFIA plant health office to understand export phytosanitary requirements and arrange for export inspection and phytosanitary certification.
Submit your application before your consignment is prepared for export. Several days are needed to schedule and perform an inspection. Use:
- form CFIA/ACIA 3369 (Application for export inspection and phytosanitary certification) for consignments destined to all countries
- My CFIA for export inspection and electronic phytosanitary certification (ePhyto) for consignments destined to the United States
The CFIA recognizes only official phytosanitary regulations, or other official documentation, issued by importing countries. Accordingly, for purposes of meeting plant health requirements of these countries, the CFIA issues documents, including phytosanitary certificates, only when specifically required by the NPPO of an importing country.
The CFIA does not issue documentation to meet the United States' State level plant health requirements, unless they are also requirements of the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (the NPPO for the U.S.). It is the owner/exporter's responsibility to ensure that exports comply with all State requirements.
Support
Contact a CFIA plant health office to:
- understand export phytosanitary requirements
- arrange for export inspection and phytosanitary certification