3 April 2020
Purpose
This Industry Advice Notice (IAN) is to advise industry of the business continuity arrangements for plant export certificates due to the potential impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Summary of changes and key points
- Exporters should continue, where possible, to ensure that original paper based export certificates (including phytosanitary certificates) arrive at the destination country in advance of the consignment to facilitate efficient clearance of goods.
- Where exporters expect delays, original paper based certificates should accompany the consignment.
- Exporters are encouraged to provide a scanned copy of the original paper phytosanitary certificate to their importer as a contingency measure.
Background
The Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment recognises the additional challenges faced by industry due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Likewise, the department’s services to the plant export industry have been disrupted, as outlined in Industry Advice Notice 2020-13.
The department is currently liaising with National Plant Protection Organisations to agree on ways to provide additional assurance or verification during this difficult time.
Exporters responsibilities
- Exporters are reminded it is their responsibility to ensure all documentation, including plant export certificates, are available for clearance of their consignments upon arrival.
- Exporters are encouraged, where possible, to continue to courier original paper based export certificates to their importers in advance of the arrival of the goods. Where this is not possible or likely to be delayed, the original paper based certificates should accompany the consignment.
- Check the department’s website regularly for up to date advice on the impacts of COVID-19. Furthermore, any plant export specific changes will be communicated through the typical Industry Advice Notices.
Contact information
If you have any questions regarding this IAN please email EXDOC Plant Programs.
David Ironside
Assistant Secretary
Plant Export Operations Branch