Phytosanitary Export Certificate (Phytosanitary Certificate) is a paper issued by the Vietnamese plant quarantine agency for each batch of agricultural products, certifying that the batch meets the quarantine requirements of the importing country. According to Article 10 of Circular 33/2014/TT-BNNPTNT, the certificate is issued within 24 hours from the start of quarantine if the shipment meets the requirements. For China, this paper comes with codes as requested by the importer and cannot replace the codes.
What is the export plant quarantine certificate used for?
When agricultural products such as fresh fruit, cinnamon, anise, cashew nuts, green coffee beans or vegetables enter China, Chinese customs checks whether the shipment is accompanied by a plant quarantine certificate from the exporting country and whether the contents match the actual goods. Certificate issued for each batch; Each batch is registered and quarantined.
Distinguish quarantine certificates from other types of codes
| Document type | Granted | Frequency | Agency |
|---|---|---|---|
| Export plant quarantine certificate | Each shipment | Every export | Vietnam Plant Quarantine Agency |
| Growing area code, packaging facility code | Garden planting, packing house | Issued once, maintained and monitored | Provincial level agency; Chinese side approved |
| Registration code according to Notice 219/2025 or Order 280 | Enterprises producing, processing and preserving | Registration is limited and renewable | China Customs (GACC) |
In other words, the code indicates that the goods came from an authorized facility; A quarantine certificate indicates that this particular shipment is free from harmful organisms as required by the importing country. A shipment often requires both.
Export plant quarantine process according to Circular 33/2014
Step 1: Register
The goods owner submits 01 set of documents to the nearest plant quarantine agency, including the plant quarantine registration certificate for export according to the form in the Appendix of the Circular. In case of re-export, an original copy of the plant quarantine certificate from the original exporting country is required.
Step 2: Check your profile
The quarantine agency checks the validity of the documents immediately upon receipt; If not valid, additional requests will be made.
Step 3: Check the shipment
Based on the dossier, the quarantine agency decides on the inspection location: place of production, place of origin, inland storage warehouse or export border gate. The inspection includes external and internal inspection of the shipment and sampling according to QCVN 01-141:2013/BNNPTNT for analysis and inspection.
Step 4: Issue certificate
Shipments that meet the importing country's quarantine requirements are issued within 24 hours of the start of quarantine. If a delay is needed for professional reasons, the quarantine agency shall notify in writing and clearly state the reason. If the shipment does not meet the requirements, the certificate will not be issued.
Common errors when doing quarantine for goods going to China
- The information on the registration paper (name of goods, weight, number of packages, destination) does not match the contract, invoice and actual goods.
- Do not compare in advance the specific quarantine requirements of each item according to the protocol with China, for example, quarantine subjects and handling measures.
- For fresh fruit, growing area code and packing facility code on the packaging, the records are not on China's approved list.
- Register close to container packing time, no more processing time when having to take samples for inspection.
Frequently asked questions
How long is the phytosanitary certificate valid?
Paper issued for a specific batch of goods and associated with that batch. If the goods, volume or destination are changed, it is necessary to discuss with the quarantine agency about re-issue or new issue.
If I have a quarantine certificate, do I need a GACC code?
Yes, if the item is subject to registration. The quarantine certificate does not replace the growing area code, packing facility code or registration code according to Notice 219/2025 and Order 280.
Can I submit quarantine documents online?
Circular 33/2014 stipulates direct payment, but this document has been amended and supplemented in subsequent years. Goods owners should ask the quarantine agency where they are registered about the applicable reception method.
Conclude
The plant quarantine certificate is a "passport" for each batch of agricultural products, issued within 24 hours from the start of quarantine if the batch passes. If you want goods to go to China smoothly, you need to prepare quarantine papers, valid codes and matching documents at the same time.
Reference source
Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, Circular 33/2014/TT-BNNPTNT dated October 30, 2014 regulating the order and procedures for plant quarantine on import, export, transit and post-import (Article 10) – PDF version on IPPC; published on the Legal Documents Database - Ministry of Justice.
Department of Crop Production and Plant Protection: Growing area code - packaging facility.
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