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Department of Agriculture

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  1. Home
  2. Biosecurity and trade
  3. Trade and market access
  4. eCert (electronic certification) for Australia

Sidebar first - Market access trade

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eCert (electronic certification) for Australia

 

What is eCert?

eCert allows importing and exporting government agencies to exchange government certificates electronically. It works via a secure and encrypted data exchange.

We use eCert to exchange:

  • phytosanitary certificates for plant and plant-related products
  • sanitary certificates (also known as health and/or veterinary certificates) for animal and animal-related products.

These electronic certificates (eCerts) contain the same information as a paper government certificate.

Importing and exporting with eCert

We can send and receive eCerts using our Australian National eCert Systems. This process varies between imports to Australia and exports from Australia.

Find out more about importing and exporting goods with eCert.

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eCert for Imports

Learn more about importing goods with eCert.

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eCert for Exports

Learn more about exporting goods with eCert.

Benefits

eCert is recognised globally as the future of government certification. eCert prepares us for increases in the volume and complexity of global trade.

The benefits of eCert include:

  • fast and secure transfer of certificates
  • reduces fraudulent, illegible or lost certificates
  • certificates transmitted using a consistent, internationally recognised digital format
  • less reliance on paper in line with international standards
  • early assurance that goods meet food safety, animal and plant health requirements
  • certificates are easily traced
  • a streamlined, less costly export experience
  • pre-clearance of goods
  • time to manage resources and potential risks before goods arrive.

Comparison between paper certificate process and eCert process

The paper certificate process takes 6 to 15 days and 6 steps to complete. The eCert process can be completed in 1 minute to 4 hours.

This infographic shows the comparison between the paper certificate process and eCert process.  The paper certificate process can take between 6 to 15 days. The paper certificate may pass from the exporting authority to exporters, agents, freighters and importers before it gets to the importing authority.   The eCert process only takes between 1 minute to 4 hours. This is because the eCert is sent directly from the exporting authority to the importing authority through a secure electronic connection.

Developing an eCert exchange

We work with overseas government agencies to implement new eCert connections. After negotiations and testing, new eCert exchanges can be used in the clearance processes.

Several countries have implemented an eCert agreement with Australia. We continue to work with trading partners to expand the use of eCert for cross-border trade.

The ultimate goal of eCert is paperless trade, where only the eCert is used for clearance processes. However, there may be an interim stage where the eCert and paper certificate are issued together. This is called a parallel eCert exchange.

Any changes to the import or export processes, are communicated to affected industries and stakeholders.

Consistent data

Early adopters of eCert saw the need for standardised technical and business processes. The United Nations Centre for Trade Facilitation and Electronic Business (UN/CEFACT) developed Sanitary and Phytosanitary data standards and associated XML schemas.

Many trading partners use these schemas to send eCert messages. The UN/CEFACT data standards are recognised by several international standard setting bodies. They include:

  • Codex Alimentarius Commission (CAC)
  • International Plant Protection Convention (IPPC)
  • World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH)

Phytosanitary certificates

The International Plant Protection Convention (IPPC) have developed a global IPPC ePhyto Hub. This is used to exchange eCerts for phytosanitary certificates (also called ePhytos).

Australia is connected to the IPPC ePhyto Hub using our national eCert systems. We also have bilateral, system to system phytosanitary eCert exchanges with government agencies.

Sanitary certificates

Australia has many sanitary eCert exchanges with trading partners. These are also known as health or veterinary certificates. We're continuing our work to implement more sanitary exchanges with trading partners who have an eCert system to transmit sanitary certificates.

Contact us

For more information email eCert administrator.

General enquiries

Call 1800 900 090

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Last updated: 26 June 2023

© Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry

We acknowledge the Traditional Owners of country throughout Australia and recognise their continuing connection to land, waters and culture. We pay our respects to their Elders past, present and emerging.