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Australia’s importing country requirements 
for phytosanitary certificate s from 1 May 
2023  
 
5 January 2023  
 
Who does this notice affect?  
Importers , customs brokers, and exporting National Plant Protection Organisations  (NPPOs)  of horticultural fresh 
produce, cut flowers , plants , seeds  and other plant -based commodities . 
What is the issue?  
Australia is receiving some paper phytosanitary certificates that are not signed, dated and stamped in accordance 
with ISPM 12.  
Requirements for paper phytosanitary certificates from 1 May 2023  
From 1 May 2023, paper phytosanitary certificates must have all required information in accordan ce with ISPM12, 
including being signed, dated and stamped. This applies to paper phytosanitary certificates dated on or after 1 May 
2023.  
Australia will not accept paper phytosanitary certificates dated on or after 1 May 2023 presented with QR codes 
only a nd without a signature, date and stamp.  
Australia’s importing country requirements for phytosanitary certificate s  
Australia accepts phytosanitary certificates that are:  
1. Delivered via  an agreed, secure government -to-government digital exchange , known as electronic 
certification or  ePhyto/eCert . Australia currently only has such an arrangement with  New Zealand  for 
use in import clearance . 
2. Original paper hardcop ies issued by trading partners that ha ve been dated, signed, and stamp ed. 
3. Certified copies that a re copies of an original hardcopy or printout s of an electronic phytosanitary 
certificate that have been dated, stamped,  and countersigned . 
On paper certificates, a  ‘stamp’ can be in the form of a watermark or logo on the document that has been approved 
for use by the exporting country and communicated to the Australian IPPC contact point 
(ippc.contactpoint@ag riculture.gov.au ).  
A ‘signature’ can be in the form of either a pen -inked signature directly onto the document or a printed image of a 
signature inserted into the document . Printed names will not be accepted .  
Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry  Australia’s  acceptance of ePhytos  or eCerts  
Australia only accepts ePhytos or eCerts for use in i mport clearance where there has been a prior agreement to 
accept them via  a government -to-government electronic exchange. This arrangement currently only applies to the 
government -to-government exchange of eCerts from New Zealand.  
Countries sending ePhytos or eCer ts to Australia without prior agreement and arrangements  for electronic 
exchange cannot be accepted.  Paper certification continues to be required until ePhytos or  eCerts are bilaterally 
negotiated between Australia and the exporting NPPO.  
Class 19 approved arrangements  
From 1 May 2023, brokers or self -reporting importers lodging under a Class 19 approved arrangement must ensure 
that paper phytosanitary certificates have been signed, dated and stamped.  
Until 1 May 2023 , brokers operating under a Class 19 approved arrangement may accept phytosanitary certificates 
that are not signed, dated and stamped  providing they can be verified using the QR code or web site link. 
 
Further information  
If you have questions or need further information, you can contact our Biosecurity Import Support team on:  
• Email at imports @agriculture.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 @agriculture.gov.au