Argentina and Chile set a milestone with the application of the IPPC ePhyto solution

4 May 2020, Buenos Aires. Beginning Monday 4 May, the NPPOs of Argentina and Chile have removed the use of paper for Phytosanitary Certificates (PC) by implementing e-phyto for the exchange of all their trade of plant commodities.

For the first time, two countries have implemented electronic phytosanitary certification without paper for all their plant trade within the framework of the guidelines and development carried out by the International Plant Protection Convention.

The IPPC ePhyto Solution is an initiative to encourage the implementation of electronic certification by IPPC Contracting Parties to facilitate safe trade in a more expeditious, transparent, reliable, digital and paperless manner. ISPM 12 is the international standard that establishes the basic foundations for e-phyto.

After a thorough testing period, the NPPOs of Argentina and Chile began the exchange of electronic PCs through the Hub developed by the IPPC. The Hub allows both NPPOs to transfer PCs to each other electronically through their own national systems.

The implementation of e-phyto will provide the opportunity for both countries not only to facilitate trade but also to provide an important preventive solution in the current context of the COVID-19 pandemic.

In this case, e-phyto will benefit a trade of more than three million metric tons per year of plant commodities that have been covered previously by up to 9,000 PCs issued in paper. It will also mean a positive impact on the environment by eliminating the use of paper.