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115-2023: Update – Australia’s importing country requirements for phytosanitary certificates from 1 July 2023

15 May 2023

Who does this notice affect?

This notice is for importers, customs brokers of horticultural fresh produce, cut flowers, plants, seeds and other plant-based commodities.

What has changed?

This notice provides further information to IAN 02-2023 and IAN 93-2023 by clarifying Australia’s importing country requirements for phytosanitary certificates that have been electronically stamped/signed and where they include a QR code or weblink to enable online verification of the document.

Australia’s importing country requirements for phytosanitary certificates

Australia accepts the following formats of phytosanitary certificates:

  1. Original, and certified copies, of phytosanitary certificates (paper or pdf) issued by trading partners that have been dated, stamped, and signed.
    Phytosanitary certificates that do not have a pen-inked signature, printed signature, wet stamp or printed stamp must meet all of the below criteria:
    1. A stamp or logo on the document of the exporting NPPO.
    2. An electronic signature and/or a statement from the exporting authority that the phytosanitary certificate is electronically signed/approved.
    3. A QR code or weblink to enable online verification of the document.
  2. Electronic certificates delivered via an agreed, secure government-to-government digital exchange, known as electronic certification or ePhyto/eCert. As of May 2023, Australia currently only has such an arrangement with New Zealand for use in import clearance.

Class 19 approved arrangements

Accredited persons lodging import declarations under a Class 19 approved arrangement must only accept paper phytosanitary certificates that meet Australia’s requirements as described above and must comply with all requirements in BICON and Class 19 Approved Arrangements.

QR codes or website links to the NPPO’s online verification system may be used to address any concerns about certificate authenticity.

Accredited persons should contact the department at entrymanagement@aff.gov.au where they continue to hold concerns regarding the authenticity of a certificate after attempting to verify the certificate.

Further information

If you have questions or need further information, you can contact our Biosecurity Import Support team on:

  • Email at imports@aff.gov.au
  • Phone (from within Australia): 1800 900 090
  • Phone (from outside Australia): + 61 3 8318 6700

If you have questions or need further information relating to Class 19 approved arrangements:

  • Email at AEPsupport@aff.gov.au

General enquiries

Call 1800 900 090

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Page last updated: 15 May 2023

We acknowledge the continuous connection of First Nations Traditional Owners and Custodians to the lands, seas and waters of Australia. We recognise their care for and cultivation of Country. We pay respect to Elders past and present, and recognise their knowledge and contribution to the productivity, innovation and sustainability of Australia’s agriculture, fisheries and forestry industries.

Artwork: Protecting our Country, Growing our Future
© Amy Allerton, contemporary Aboriginal Artist of the Gumbaynggirr, Bundjalung and Gamilaroi nations.

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