Updated on March 05, 2025 11:29:06 AM
Kerala is one of the states with rich green vegetation and holds a significant position in the export of horticulture products in India, including spices, fruits, vegetables, and plantation crops. Exporters who deal with plants and products originating from plants have to present functioning export phytosanitary certificates for the state of Kerala, which is wholly necessary to have for products’ conformity to health and safety requirements of importing countries. In other words, it is an official document signed by the competent authorities of the plant protection throughout the exporting country as evidence that the exported plant products are checked and are certified as being pest- and disease-free and have no injurious living organisms that could harm the agriculture of the importing country. Their non-attendance means that shipments may be delayed, rejected, or destroyed by the quarantine officials of the importing country with consequent implications on trade, thereby incurring losses.
Obtaining a phytosanitary certificate in Kerala involves filing an application, affording a detailed examination of plant products, and the ability to meet requirements of the importing country’s regulations and desired product quality. Through this certification, exporters in Kerala safeguard the quality of their produce and solidify business relations hence expediting the movement of quality agri-produce across borders and improving Kerala's reputation in international markets.
A phytosanitary certificate is a certificate issued in the form of a document by the National Plant Protection Organization (NPPO) of the exporting country. It assures the world that plants, plant products, or any other restricted products to be exported are not contaminated by pests, diseases, or any other prohibited substances. The exporting country is then issued with this certificate, which is very vital in international trade, especially of horticultural crops, because it affirms to the importing country that the produce meets there phytosanitary requirements. Otherwise, one may have a problem with delayed shipments, rejected shipments, or even your goods could be destroyed at customs.
A phytosanitary certificate is issued after the inspection done by the authorized officers makes an examination of the consignment for signs of pests or diseases. If so, treatments like fumigation or irradiation are provided to obtain the standard level for the product. As for common information about the type and quantity of the goods, the certificate usually provides the name of the plants in Latin and the measures taken.
The benefits of a phytosanitary certificate in Kerala extend beyond compliance and regulation, offering advantages to both exporters and importers.
The phytosanitary certification process is a several-stage process to guarantee that exported plant products meet the requirements of the importing country’s phytosanitary standards. Below is the general procedure of the process:
Check with the National Plant Protection Organization (NPPO) or the Directorate of Plant Protection, Quarantine, and Storage to find out what phytosanitary requirements must be accomplished for your product.
A phytosanitary certificate is obtained by providing comprehensive documentation like an application form, invoices, packing list, etc., and any necessary permits. These documents allow inspection of your plant products and are proof that your plant products conform to phytosanitary regulations.
Complete your application form and take it to the officer in charge at any of the plant quarantine stations. It is important to attach all necessary papers and to tender back the amount being payable for inspection according to Section Appendix-2.
Your consignment will be examined in detail by an authorized officer either at your premise as required or at any designated quarantine station. This may include:
The phytosanitary certificate will be issued if the consignment is accepted after conducting a physical examination. The certificate will include details such as:
For phytosanitary certification in Kerala, several documents are required for compliance with the international standard set for the export of plants and plant products. Here’s the list of required documents:
A request for outside inspection shall be done outside the plant quarantine at the exporter’s instance at a cost of Rs. 10 per visit on outside inspection charges within the municipal borders of a town or the corporation limits of the city.
The exporter has to bear the transport and other expenses, including the dearness allowance of the PQ officer and his staff in case they are posted for inspection outside the city or town. If the shipment is not removed immediately after re-inspection, the exporter has to bear charges of Rs. 10 per cubic meter for the storage per day.
For the services for fumigation and treatment of the consignment, the exporter is required to pay an additional Rs. 25 for each container. Fees for inspection must be prepaid or at the earlier time the inspection tour is over but before PSC is given.
Note:- Professional fees for phytosanitary certification is ₹9,999 only with Professional Utilities.
The validity of the phytosanitary certificate (PSC) in Kerala depends on the nature of the consignment exported.
Exporters in different parts of Kerala require a phytosanitary certificate to prove that their plant-based products are free from pests and diseases. After thorough inspections, this certification ensures that the exported product is pest and disease-free, thereby safeguarding the world’s agriculture. Remember, it not only gives a smooth ride for traders by avoiding delay or rejection at customs but also enhances the position of Kerala in international markets. It includes the provision of necessary documents, the reception of inspections, and necessary fees. This accreditation helps exporters protect their cargoes, improve relations with customers and counterparties, and meet legal requirements to provide a smooth export business.
At Professional Utilities, we leverage our industry knowledge and expertise to help businesses navigate complex regulations, minimize risks, and optimize operations for maximum efficiency and profitability.
The phytosanitary certificate is a certificate authorized and issued by the National Plant Protection Organization (NPPO) of the exporting country. It certifies that plants, plant products, or other material concerned do not contain quarantine pests, diseases or unwanted organisms and are fit to meet the phytosanitary measures of the import destination country.
It is necessary for exporters in order to avoid any delay, rejection, or destruction of consignment at customs in the importing country. It helps the importing country know that the products offered meet their trade phytosanitary standards, hence easy trade.
To apply, fill out the application form and submit it to a plant quarantine centre together with other relevant documents. Your consignment will then be subjected to examination by other permitted/trained officers.
Essential documents include an importing country permit, wildlife clearance certificate (if any), invoices, packing list, shipping/airway bills, letter of credit, and certificates of fumigation/treatment.
Speak Directly to our Expert Today
Reliable
Affordable
Assured