10 February 2011
This Industry Advice Notice is to remind exporters of the requirements relating to exporter details allowable on Phytosanitary certificates.
Australia as a signatory to the International Plant Protection Convention (IPPC) has an obligation to adhere to the International Standards for Phytosanitary Measures (ISPM’s) and ensure that exporter information provided on Australian issued phytosanitary certificates complies with the applicable ISPM.
ISPM No. 12 – Guidelines for Phytosanitary Certificates (2001) requires that the name and address of the exporter be located in the exporting country. This information identifies the source of the consignment to facilitate “trace back” and audit by the exporting National Plant Protection Organisation (NPPO).
Exporters should be aware of the following requirements for all plant and plant product exports (grain & horticulture):
- On an Australian Phytosanitary certificate, the name and address of the exporter must match that which is stated on the import permit issued by the NPPO of the importing country.
- Australian Phytosanitary certificates can only be issued for exporters who have an Australian address. AQIS is unable to certify export documentation where the exporter address stated on an import permit is not in Australia.
- If a foreign exporter, does not have an Australian address, the name and address of a local export agent or shipper is to be used. If import permits are presented to AQIS they must have the export agent or shipper identified as the exporter.
Exporters are advised to ensure that these requirements are met when either applying for an import permit and/or when requesting export documentation, including the Phytosanitary certificate.
Failure to meet these requirements may result in delays in the issuance of export documentation.
Kylie Calhoun
Acting General Manager
Plant Export Operations
Email:
Horticulture Exports Program ACT
Grain.Export@aqis.gov.au