SPOTLIGHT: Strengthening global digital phytosanitary certification: advancing governance and sustainability of the IPPC ePhyto Solution
Posted on mié, 24 Jun 2026, 07:17
© FAO/Vladimir Rodas
The ePhyto Solution exemplifies how digital innovation is transforming phytosanitary certification and international trade. Its rapid expansion has highlighted the need for strong, fit-for-purpose governance to ensure sustainability, accountability, and coordinated implementation.
This is why at the Twentieth Session of the Commission on Phytosanitary Measures (CPM-20) in March 2026, delegates and members of the International Plant Protection Convention (IPPC) community recognized the increasing importance of the IPPC ePhyto Solution in advancing safe and efficient international trade, and agreed to strengthen its governance, sustainability, and implementation.
They emphasized that the IPPC ePhyto Solution is no longer a stand-alone initiative, but a critical global service requiring stable governance, structured processes, and sustainable resourcing.
By May 2026, 151 countries were registered, with over 100 actively exchanging electronic phytosanitary certificates (ePhytos), and over 250 000 certificates exchanged each month through the IPPC ePhyto Hub.
Strengthening governance for long-term sustainability
CPM-20 agreed to establish a new ePhyto governing body reporting to the CPM Bureau. The governing body will provide strategic and technical guidance on system development, stakeholder engagement, implementation, and funding. The new governing body will replace the current ePhyto Steering Group and is expected to bring together regional representation and multidisciplinary expertise, in phytosanitary standards implementation, capacity development, trade, legal, and IT services. Nominations for members of the ePhyto governing body are open until 31 July.
Enhancing change management and system performance
To support the system’s continued growth, CPM-20 adopted a structured change-management process, clarifying how updates and improvements are prioritized and approved. This responds to increasing demand, with centralized support addressing around 500 requests in 2025, alongside multiple technical interventions to maintain the system. Delegates highlighted the importance of transparent and predictable processes as the system expands.
CPM-20 also agreed to move forward, subject to available resources, with a proof-of-concept on the harmonization of additional phytosanitary declarations. This initiative aims to reduce inefficiencies linked to unstructured requirements and improve consistency in certificate exchange.
Expanding implementation and capacity development support
CPM-20 noted progress in strengthening implementation support through a revised work plan and enhanced coordination by the IPPC Secretariat. A new ePhyto scalable Implementation Package has been designed to standardize onboarding and improve adoption across countries.
Other new initiatives underway include a European Commission-funded project supporting ePhyto implementation in Central Africa and European countries, through an integrated “full transformation” approach combining technical, legal, and capacity development components through the Phytosanitary Capacity Evaluation, the IPPC Plant Health Campus and the ePhyto Solution.
Building more connected systems for One Health
As countries increasingly digitize trade systems, CPM-20 looked beyond plant health. A new initiative, funded by the Standards and Trade Development Facility (STDF) and implemented by the Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture (IICA), on electronic veterinary certification (eVet) in Latin America and the Caribbean is exploring digital approaches for veterinary certification, taking into consideration lessons and experiences from the IPPC ePhyto Solution. While the initiative is developing its own approach and proof of concept, the IPPC Secretariat has supported the initial discussions, is monitoring its evolution, and welcomes opportunities for future collaboration.
This initiative reflects a growing One Health perspective, recognizing that plant and animal health risks often move through the same borders, supply chains, and trade pathways. While ePhyto remains focused on phytosanitary certification, more connected digital systems could help countries strengthen traceability, better manage risks across sectors and enhance collaboration in pest and disease prevention.
Advancing learning through the Plant Health Campus
CPM-20 identified the development of the IPPC ePhyto Solution training materials as a priority. Updated manuals aligned with the latest system version, and e-learning courses are being updated under the IPPC Plant Health Campus. This builds on the rapid expansion of the Campus, which has already reached more than 25 000 learners globally and continues to grow as a key platform for phytosanitary capacity development. To further support countries in addressing technical, governance, legal, operational, and sustainability of ePhyto, a new course on understanding the concepts, assessing the most effective approach, and planning the ePhyto implementation through a 360-degree transformation approach is being developed.
Securing sustainable funding for a critical global service
Ensuring predictable and sustainable funding remains a key challenge. CPM-20 therefore endorsed updated expected contributions for 2027 and 2028 and emphasized the need for broader participation from contracting parties. Delegates noted the current transitional funding model and called for the new governance body to review it, recognizing the importance of securing sufficient resources to maintain and further develop this critical system.
Looking ahead
The outcomes of CPM-20 mark an important step in consolidating the IPPC ePhyto Solution as a mature and essential global service. With strengthened governance, improved processes, and expanded implementation support, the IPPC community continues to advance digital innovation in phytosanitary certification, contributing to safer trade and stronger plant health systems worldwide.
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