G/SPS/GEN/1817/Rev.1  
21 July 2020 
(20-5006) Page: 1/11 
Committee on Sanitary and Phytosanitary Measures  Original:  Spanish  
 
  
MEASURES CONCERNING PHYTOSANITARY CERTIFICATES AIMED  
AT THE FACILITATION OF TRADE IN VIEW OF ISSUES  
ARISING FROM THE COVID -19 PANDEMIC  
COMMUNICATION FROM COLOMBIA  
Revision  
The following communication, received on 1 6 July 2020, is being circulated at the request of the 
delegation of Colombia . 
 
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1.  Given that the health emergency arising from the COVID -19 pandemic makes it impossible to 
send paper versions of phytosanitary certificates due to the reduction in , and restrictions on , 
international flights ; 
2.  Considering that steps must be taken to facilitate the export process for plants, plant products, 
and other regulated items,  while ensur ing the timely submission of phytosanitary certificates to the 
plant health authorities of importing Members and mitigat ing the risk s arising from contact between 
inspectors and users ; and 
3.  Mindful  that various National Plant Protection Organizations (NPPOs) have introduced  alternative 
ways to submit plant and animal health certificates  in view of the COVID -19 pandemic, the 
Colombian Agricultural Institute  (ICA) wishes to notify  the following : 
i. A new procedure has been established for issuing phytosanitary certificates  that 
incorporates  an electronic signature  into documents through  a scanned image directly from 
the Colombian Health Information System for Agricultural and Livestock Imports and 
Exports (SISPAP) ; a QR code is included  to guarantee  the authenticity of the certificate 
issued . 
ii. The electronic signature has been used for certificates since 6 June 2020 in order to  ensur e 
compliance with the preventive lockdown measures recommended by th e health authorities 
in light of the COVID -19 pandemic . 
iii. This new proce dure for issuing  phytosanitary certificates was notified , through Colombia's 
consulates and embassies, to NPPOs throughout the world , in accordance with International 
Plant Protection Co nvention (IPPC) guidelines . 
iv. The new phytosanitary certificates contain an electronic signature and a QR code that 
replaces the ICA's former physical stamp . It should be noted that the new phytosanitary 
certificate is an original document, not a copy, and n o other version may subsequently be 
submitted  by the importer . 
v. Countries may validate the authenticity of certificates through t he following  URL: 
https://afrodita.ica.gov.co/consultas_cfe/AddCONSULTAS_CFEPage.aspx . 
4.  Furthermore , in order to be able to count on the valuable cooperation of WTO Members, we kindly 
request t hat copies of  phytosanitary certificates issued by the ICA be accepted and recognised . G/SPS/GEN/1817/Rev.1  
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  5.  We attach hereto  instructions (in English and Spanish) for verifying phytosanitary certificates 
both through the URL and using the QR code . Further information may be re quested by email from 
asuntos.internacionales@ica.gov.co  or margarita.lubo@ica.gov.co . 
6.  We also attach, for information purposes, a model of the ICA p hytosanitary certificate that will 
be submitted  during the inspection proce ss. 
7.  Lastly, Colombia emphasize s that this communication is being made for the purposes of 
transparency, without prejudice to the country's rights and obligations under the SPS Agreement . G/SPS/GEN/1817/Rev.1  
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  ANNEX 1 –PHYTOSANITARY CERTIFICATE INSTRUCTIONS  (SPANISH ) 
 
 
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  ANNEX 2 – PHYTOSANITARY CERTIFICATE INSTRUCTIONS  (ENGLISH ) 
 
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ANNEX 3 – MODEL  ICA PHYTOSANITARY CERTIFICATE  (SPANISH/ENGLISH)  
 
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