G/SPS/N/AUS/558/Add.2  
16 May 2023  
(23-3407) Page: 1/2 
Committee on Sanitary and Phytosanitary Measures  Original: English  
 
  
NOTIFICATION  
Addendum  
The following communication, received on 15 May 2023, is being circulated at the request of the 
Delegation of Australia . 
 
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Australia's importing country requirements for phytosanitary certificates from 1 May 2023  
This notice provides further information to G/SPS/N/AUS/558 by clarifying Australia's importing 
country requirements for phytosanitary certificates that have been electronically stamped/signed and 
where they include a QR code or weblink to enable online verification of the document.  
Australia accepts the following formats of phytosanitary certificates:  
1. Original, and certified copies, of phytosanitary certificates (paper or pdf) issued by trading 
partners that have been dat ed, stamped and signed.  
Phytosanitary certificates that do not have a pen -inked signature, printed signature, wet stamp 
or printed stamp must meet all of the below criteria:  
a. A stamp or logo on the document of the exporting NPPO;  
b. An electronic signature and /or a statement from the exporting authority that the 
phytosanitary certificate is electronically signed/approved;  
c. A QR code or weblink to enable online verification of the document.  
2. Electronic certificates delivered via an agreed, secure government -to-government digital 
exchange, known as electronic certification or ePhyto/eCert. As of May 2023, Australia currently 
only has such an arrangement with New Zealand for use in import clearance.  
Australia supports the move to electronic certification ( ePhyto/eCert) and paperless trade in import 
clearance. Electronic certification offers assessment efficiencies, improved security and assurance of 
the validity of documentation when issued via government -to-government electronic exchange.  
Countries wishing  to send ePhytos/eCerts to Australia are encouraged to contact the department via 
the Australian IPPC contact point ( ippc.contactpoint@agriculture.gov.au ) to ensure the necessary 
systems are in pl ace prior to commencing paperless trade.  
Paper certification continues to be required until paperless trade is bilaterally negotiated between 
Australia and the exporting NPPO.  
Details are available on the department's website:  
https://www.agriculture.gov.au/biosecurity -trade/import/industry -advice/2023/115 -2023. 
This addendum concerns a:  
[ ] Modification of final date for comments  
[ ] Notification of adoption, publication or entry into force of regulation  
[X] Modification of content and/or scope of previously notified draft regulation  
[ ] Withdrawal of proposed regulation  
[ ] Change in proposed date of adoption, publication or date of entry into force  
[ ] Other:  G/SPS/N/AUS/558/Add.2  
 
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  Comment period: (If the addendum extends the scope of the previously notified measure 
in terms of products and/or potentially affected Members, a new deadline for receipt of 
comments should be provided,  normally of at least 60 calendar days. Under other 
circumstances, such as extension of originally announced final date for comments, the 
comment period provided in the addendum may vary.)  
[ ] Sixty days from the date of circulation of the addendum to the  notification and/or 
(dd/mm/yy) : 1 June 2023  
Agency or authority designated to handle comments: [X]  National Notification Authority, 
[ ] National Enquiry Point. Address, fax number and e -mail address (if available) of other 
body:  
Australian Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry  
GPO Box 858  
Tel: +(61 2) 6272 3933  
E-mail: sps.contact@agriculture.gov.au  
Website: http://www.agriculture.gov.au  
Text(s) available from: [X]  National Notification Authority, [  ] National Enquiry Point. 
Address, fax number and e -mail address (if available) of other body:  
Australian  Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry  
GPO Box 858  
Tel: +(61 2) 6272 3933  
E-mail: sps.contact@agriculture.gov.au  
Website: http://www .agriculture.gov.au  
 
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