Phytosanitary certificates for export to third countries

If you export plants, plant products or other objects to countries outside the EU, they must not contain any harmful organisms. As proof of this, you must apply for a phytosanitary certificate or a pre-export certificate or re-export certificate.

During international trade in plants, plant products or other items, plant diseases and pests can be carried over. In the case of such harmful organisms, there is a risk that they will spread in an uncontrolled manner in a new environment and cause major economic damage. For these reasons, international trade in this area is subject to strict phytosanitary monitoring.

Therefore, if you want to export plants, plant products and other items to countries outside the European Union (EU), you need the following before exporting them

• a phytosanitary certificate (PGZ)
• and, if necessary, one or more pre-export certificates (VAZ)
• or in case of import from a third country with subsequent export to a third country a PGZ for re-export.

The PGZ / VAZ is used to confirm compliance with the phytosanitary import requirements of the respective receiving country after prior inspection.

You have to apply for one or more VAZ at the respective place of origin, if

• your consignment is composed of partial consignments originating from areas of different phytosanitary services of the federal states / EU member states or
• the origin of your consignment is not in the same area of responsibility of a plant health service as the place where a necessary treatment of the consignment has to be carried out.

The VAZ serve as a basis for the PGZ, which you can apply for at the responsible official plant health service in the federal state.

With both documents mentioned, you will receive confirmation upon successful inspection that the phytosanitary requirements of the respective importing country are met.

You will need the following information for the online form:

• Addresses
  • of the applicant
  • of the exporter
  • of the recipient of the mail and invoice
• the name of the consignee and the importing country
• Place of origin
• Means of transport
• Registration number of the exporter
• Place and date of inspection and contact person on site
• description of goods, botanical name and quantities
• treatments carried out, if any, including protocols
• if applicable, import permit of the importing country
• if applicable, test reports of laboratory examinations

Online service available: Yes

You apply for the required phytosanitary certificate or pre-export certificate or certificate for re-export and the necessary examinations.

The official phytosanitary service of the federal state examines the application and informs you about the further steps.