GlossaryEN1 min readUpdated: Sep 3, 2026

Phytosanitary certificate

A container of compressed hay from Alberta is due for clearance in Antwerp – without the original document from the Canadian plant protection authority the consignment stays put.

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Last updated: 3 September 2026

Source: Frachtportal-News «Heu aus Kanada: 45 Tage Transport bis in die Schweiz» (31.08.2026); Internationales Pflanzenschutzübereinkommen IPPC, ISPM 12

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Logistics Concept

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Definition & Explanation

A container of compressed hay from Alberta is due for clearance in Antwerp – without the original document from the Canadian plant protection authority the consignment stays put. The phytosanitary certificate is an official attestation issued by the national plant protection organisation of the exporting country. It confirms that plants, plant products or other regulated articles have been inspected, are considered free from quarantine pests and meet the importing country's requirements. It rests on the International Plant Protection Convention (IPPC) and its standard ISPM 12, which harmonises form and content. Feedstuffs, seed, wood products, fruit and vegetables are typical subjects. The certificate travels with the consignment and is checked at border control – not to be confused with ISPM 15 marking of wood packaging, which requires no certificate at all.

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