Near East and North Africa countries step up efforts to expand digitalization of phytosanitary certifications

Casablanca, 12 May 2026. Countries in the Near East and North Africa (NENA) region are accelerating efforts to adopt the IPPC ePhyto Solution, an innovative digital system for the harmonized exchange of electronic phytosanitary certificates among national plant protection organisations (NPPOs).

At a regional workshop held from 11–12 May in Casablanca, Morocco, over 100 (in-person and online) representatives from NPPOs, regional bodies and technical experts, met to assess progress, share implementation experiences and discuss how countries can transition to live exchange of electronic phytosanitary certificates. The workshop was organised by the Near East and North Africa Plant Protection Organization (NEPPO), in collaboration with the International Plant Protection Convention (IPPC) Secretariat and the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations Regional Office for Near East and North Africa (FAO-RNE).

Growing momentum for the IPPC ePhyto Solution

Countries expressed interest in ePhyto but highlighted several practical barriers to full implementation, including insufficient legal frameworks, weak interagency coordination, limited technical infrastructure, and inadequate equipment and training.

By digitizing phytosanitary certification, in line with the International Standard for Phytosanitary Measures (ISPM) 12 (Phytosanitary Certificates), the IPPC ePhyto Solution helps countries replace paper documentation, thus reducing costs and administrative burdens, improving accuracy and preventing delays and fraud in agricultural trade of plants and plant products. Through the ISPMs and implementation resources, the IPPC provides the global framework for countries to exchange phytosanitary certificates securely and efficiently in digital format.

To date, more than 100 countries worldwide are using the IPPC ePhyto Solution, saving traders about USD 80 million annually from the current average exchange of about 250 000 certificates every month.

Discussions included whether countries should connect directly to the ePhyto Hub or use the Generic ePhyto National System (GeNS), a ready-to-use platform for NPPOs lacking national digital systems, as well as the overall process of adopting ePhyto through standardized and harmonized export and import workflows.

Different stages, common challenges

Several countries highlighted progress already underway.*

In March 2026, Iraq was onboarded to the ePhyto system and is expected to begin online training in the coming months. Saudi Arabia will connect to the ePhyto Hub by end of 2026, while Oman is exploring a phased approach that would allow it to use GeNS while developing a long-term national system. Libya and the United Arab Emirates also expressed interest in joining the IPPC ePhyto Solution, while Sudan sought introductory guidance on how to begin the process.

Mauritania went live with its GeNS implementation in February 2026, marking an important milestone for the region. Egypt, Jordan, Morocco, and Tunisia also shared national experiences, helping the new countries better understand the practical steps involved in implementation. Tunisia and Jordan experiences with the use of the GeNS were identified as strong examples for countries moving toward implementation. Morocco also shared its experience with the HUB connections using the national system ‘SIPS’.

Beyond technology

Throughout the discussions, countries called for stronger Arabic language support, including translation of manuals, guidance materials, and the Arabic interface of the GeNS, to make adoption more accessible across the region. Participants also highlighted the value of peer learning, with countries already using ePhyto expected to support others beginning implementation.

The workshop underscored the importance of strengthening legal frameworks, clarifying institutional roles, improving coordination among agencies responsible for trade and plant health systems and practical, hands-on support, particularly for system setup, workflows and testing.

What comes next

As countries continue to expand trade in plants and plant products, regional cooperation on digital certification is expected to play an increasingly important role in facilitating safe trade while helping reduce the spread of plant pests across borders.

In the months ahead, follow-up technical support, peer learning and country-specific planning are expected to help countries address legal, operational and infrastructure gaps. For many participants, the next phase is clear - turning regional momentum into routine, reliable exchange of electronic certificates across borders.

Related information:

Publication: Investing in trade digitalization: the case of ePhyto

ISPM 12 revision is underway: Click here for more information