7 November 2013
Purpose
To recommend that, in the short term, exporters use manual phytosanitary certificates for the export of plants and plant products to Russia to avoid delays in the clearance of consignments.
Action
Plant Export Operations recommend that until further advice is provided via an Industry Advice Notice (IAN), exporters apply for manual certificates to avoid delays in the clearance of consignments to Russia. The manual certificates can be found on the website.
Background
Exporters of plant products have reported experiencing delays in consignments being cleared at some ports in Russia. Some regional Russian quarantine authorities are recognising the Australian Government manual phytosanitary certificate (E16), but not the electronically (EXDOC) issued certificate. The department is working with the authorities in Moscow to ensure both versions of the Australian Government issued phytosanitary certificates are accepted however this process is taking time.
Until the matter is resolved manual phytosanitary certificates for Russia will be charged at the rate for electronic certificates ($16), plus fee-for-service.
This advice shall remain current until rescinded by subsequent IAN.
If you have any further enquiries, please contact Exdoc Plant Programs
Kylie Calhoun
Assistant Secretary
Plant Export Operations