Phytosanitary Certificate for Export

This blog provides you information about Phytosanitary Certificate for export. Read to know the requirements, the process and the types of Phytosanitary certification. 

Phytosanitary certification is a mandatory document needed for the purpose of exporting and re exporting plants or plants related products. Phytosanitary certification or PSC has set up many conformity standards for the consignments that are to be exported to other countries. In order for the product to be able to export, the exporter must first obtain this certificate from the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmer Welfare, Government of India.

Let’s dive deep into the purpose and the process of acquiring Phytosanitary certificate for export. 

What is the purpose of obtaining the PSC in India?

While why one needs to obtain the Phytosanitary certificate for export is pretty self explanatory as in the title, if we are to put technical terms to it, there are two purposes behind it:

1. Every importing country has its own Phytosanitary requirement. By obtaining the Phytosanitary Certificate, the export attests that the plant or plant product exported meets the Phytosanitary requirements of the importing country. 

2. Other than export, PSC certificate is also used to re export plant products to other countries. 

What are the products covered under Phytosanitary Certification?

Exporters of the following types of Products needs Phytosanitary Certification for export:

1. Exporting regulated articles that have to conform under the Phytosanitary rules that include plants, bulks and tubers. 

2. Import of seeds for propagation, cut flowers, fruits and vegetables, branches, growing medium and grains. 

3. Phytosanitary Certificate or PSC is also a requirement for processed plants having potential to introduce regulated pests. 

4. PSC is also needed for exporting articles that are contaminated including shipping containers, vehicles and other organisms. 

Different types of Phytosanitary Certificate

There are two types of Phytosanitary Certificate and they are categorized by their purpose. They are:

1. PSC for export

2. PSC for re export

Phytosanitary Certificate for Export

NPPO of the country of origin issues the PSC for export. It declares that the product meets the Phytosanitary standards. In other words, it means that the product meets the PS rules of the importing country.

Phytosanitary Certificate for Re-export

NPPOG of the country of origin issues PSC for re-export. Its presence declares that the product being re-exported meets the Phytosanitary import rules of the importing country. 

Process of obtaining  Phytosanitary Certificate

Before the application can be filed, testing is done on the product:

1. Gathering the required documents for Phytosanitary certificate: They are as follows:

   1. Permit issued by the importing country

   2. Wildlife clearance certificate in case the exported product meets the conventions of CITES

   3. Packing List

   4. Copy of Invoice

   5. Letter of Credit

   6. Trade Agreement

   7. Purchase Order

   8. Export License

   9. Export Inspection Fee

   10. Fumigation Certificate and Fumigation Charges.

2. The applicant has to attach the above documents with the application for Phytosanitary Certificate.

3. After the assessment of the application, a quarantine will be ordered for the product. 

4. The inspection process will begin. 

5. Depending upon the product, there might be need of a sample of seed for propagation.

6. The product will then be tested at a laboratory. 

7. The product will be fumigated to remove any and all pests. 

8. The PCS will then be granted. 

Online process PSC registration

Following is the procedure that traders can implement to acquire Phytosanitary Certificate:

1. Go to the home page of Quarantine Information System

2. Sign up as a new user.

3. Select the client type

4. Provide the Import Export Code

5. Click submit button to finalize the submission of application 

6. The plant quarantine system will access the application. 

7. You’ll receive an email providing you further instructions for Phytosanitary certifications. 

8. Choose the type of certificate you need (Exporter or re exporter)

9. Fill the application form

10. Preview the application before submitting

11. Complete the process as stated in the previous section. 

12. Acquire the Phytosanitary Certificate. 

Conclusion

Import and Export Code is just the basic document needed that merely opens your opportunities for export. Once you have it, you need to acquire special authorizations that depend upon the type of product you are exporting or importing. For cosmetics it’s the CDSCO certificate and for plants, it’s the Phytosanitary certificate. 

Author: Dushyant Sharma

Hey there, I'm Dushyant Sharma. With the extensive knowledge I've gained in past 8 years, I have been creating content on various subjects such as banking, insurance, telecom, and all the important registration and licensing processes for various companies. I'm here to help everyone with my expertise in these areas through my articles.