Phytosanitary Export Certificate
A phytosanitary export certificate (fytosanitair exportcertificaat) is an official document required when exporting plants and plant products to countries outside the European Union. The certificate confirms that the consignment is free from harmful organisms (pests) and complies with the phytosanitary requirements of the importing country.
The certificate is issued by the Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority (NVWA) after inspection of the consignment. For imports of plants and plant products from outside the EU, an inspection takes place at the EU border. The certificate is based on international agreements and EU regulations to protect plant health.
Requirements
- Export outside EU: Certificate is required for export of plants and plant products to countries outside the EU
- Healthy consignment: The consignment must be free from harmful organisms and diseases
- Import requirements: Compliance with the phytosanitary requirements of the destination country
- Inspection: The NVWA inspects the consignment before export
Procedure
- Application: Submit an application to the NVWA for the phytosanitary export certificate
- Inspection: The NVWA inspects the consignment for the presence of pests
- Assessment: Verification that the consignment meets the requirements of the destination country
- Certification: Upon approval, the phytosanitary export certificate is issued
- Costs: Fees are due for the inspection and certification