GlossaryEN1 min readUpdated: Jun 26, 2026
Phytosanitary control
A phytosanitary control is an officially enforced inspection procedure at border crossings and throughout the supply chain, designed to block the introduction and spread of organisms harmful to plants – fungi, insects, viruses, bacteria – into new territories.
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Source: https://www.ippc.int/en/topics/phytosanitary-measures/
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A phytosanitary control is an officially enforced inspection procedure at border crossings and throughout the supply chain, designed to block the introduction and spread of organisms harmful to plants – fungi, insects, viruses, bacteria – into new territories. Depending on the risk classification of the consignment, it may involve verification of phytosanitary certificates, visual or laboratory examination of the goods, disinfestation, or quarantine. Fresh produce, seeds, cut flowers, wood packaging governed by ISPM 15, and processed plant materials all fall within its scope. Many countries maintain national pest and regulated article lists that determine which goods are subject to which level of scrutiny; non-compliance can result in import bans, destruction of the shipment, or the blacklisting of entire exporters. For forwarders and shippers, complete documentation before departure is a strict requirement, not a formality.
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