Australia exports different types of plant and plant-based products in multiple categories and large quantities. Some of these include grains, seeds, dried fruits, nuts, vegetables and fruits, timber, logs, bark, wood-chips, foliage, hay etc. For these plants and plant-based products, one needs to follow the laid-down documentation process and export regulations. For exporting these products, documents like a Request for Permit for obtaining Health / Phytosanitary Certificate are mandatory.

Phytosanitary Certificate — What is it?

Phytosanitary Certificate is an official document to indicate that all consignments containing plants and plant products, or other regulated articles, meet the specified phytosanitary import requirements. It also indicates that the goods are in conformity with the National Plant Protection Organisation (NPPO) requirements of the importing nation.

The Horticulture and Plant Health Division of the Department of Agriculture of the country issue the Health/Phytosanitary Certificate.

When is a Request for Permit — Health/Phytosanitary Certificate Necessary?

Importing countries require Health/Phytosanitary Certificate for all regulated articles. Commodities like plants, tubers, bulbs, fruits, vegetables, seeds for propagation, cut flowers, and its branches, and all growing medium fall under this category.

In addition, other products having the potential to introduce regulated pests, such as cotton or wood, also require a phytosanitary certificate.

These certificates are designed to verify that exporting plants and plant products from Australia to any other country are free from any kind of weed seeds, pests, diseases, soil, contamination, and other hazardous materials.

A Request for Permit provides all the necessary details including product description, consignee details, consigner details, and transportation details. Note that all these documents are mandatory for export.

Request for Permit — Compliance Requirements

It is mandatory for exporters to comply with the terms and conditions of the Export Control Act of 1982 in order to be eligible for exporting these goods. In addition, exporters must meet all the requirements as per the regulations of the final destination country or importing country.

Request for Permit Country Specific Requirements

To export plants or flower seeds to countries like Barbuda, Australian exporters must obtain permits and Phytosanitary Certificates. In addition, genetically modified plants and seeds are strictly prohibited.

Likewise, exporting wood packaging material to Argentina does not require Health/Phytosanitary Certificate. However, rules say that hardwood or softwood material falling under this category should be treated with methyl bromide or heat and stamped appropriately. The material must also be free from pests, decay, and fungi.

Exporting grapes to China does not require import permit as a part of the export documentation. However, it is mandatory on arrival in China. It also requires a Phytosanitary Certificate. Moreover, export of grapes only from the fruit fly pest-free area is allowed in China.

Hence, it is very important to check all the specific requirements of the final destination country in order to prepare quick and error-free export documents. Cloud-based documentation software accelerates the process anyway.

Obtaining Phytosanitary Certificate Online

Just like Request for Permit, it is now possible to apply for a digital phytosanitary certificate. In fact, most countries demand electronic certificates only. It is not just a convenient way to obtain digital export documentation but also saves time and cost.