Phytosanitary Certificate

A phytosanitary certificate is an official document required when shipping regulated articles such as plants, plant products or other regulated articles that certifies they are free from pests and diseases. It can only be issued by an authorized officer from a government department that is authorized by a National Plant Protection Agency (NPPO). The phytosanitary certificate is an original document that accompanies the consignment and is presented to the relevant officials upon arrival in the importing country. The aircraft's flight number may be included if known.

A Lufthansa Cargo shipment of fresh roses from Kenya to Frankfurt carries AWB number 020-12456789 and requires a phytosanitary certificate issued by Kenya's Plant Health Inspectorate Service (KEPHIS) on flight LH8396. An Emirates SkyCargo shipment of organic grains from India to Dubai uses AWB prefix 176 and must include a phytosanitary certificate from India's Directorate of Plant Protection, Quarantine & Storage (DPPQS) for flight EK345.

• plant health certificate
• phyto certificate

What specific items require a phytosanitary certificate for air cargo shipments?

Regulated articles including commodities such as plants, bulbs and tubers or seeds for propagation, fruits and vegetables, cut flowers and branches, grain, and growing medium. They may also be required for certain plant products that have been processed and have a potential for introducing regulated pests (examples include cotton or wood).

How long is a phytosanitary certificate valid for air cargo shipments?

The NPPO of the exporting or re-exporting country may assess the situation and define an appropriate period of validity before export occurs, taking into account the likelihood of the consignment becoming infested or contaminated prior to export or re-export. Such likelihood may be affected by packaging (sealed carton or loose packing) and storage environment (open air or enclosed), type of commodity and conveyance, time of year and type of pests.