Export Certification | Contra Costa County, CA Official Website (2024)

FAQs

How to get a phytosanitary certificate in California? ›

In order to obtain a phytosanitary certificate, you will need to set up an account on the US Department of Agriculture's PCIT website. You can find instructions on how to set up the account through PCIT.

Any plants for planting offered for importation into the United States must be accompanied by a phytosanitary certificate, except as described in paragraphs (b) and (c) of this section. The phytosanitary certificate must identify the genus of the plants for planting it accompanies.

A phytosanitary certificate verifies agricultural products have been inspected and are pest and disease free (“phyto”meaning “plant” and “sanitary” meaning “clean” or free from pests and diseases).

A phytosanitary certificate is an official document issued by the plant protection organization of the exporting country to the plant protection organization of the importing country. It certifies that the plants or plant products covered by the certificate: have been inspected according to appropriate procedures.

The exporter must export plants and plant products within the time limits prescribed by the importing country. If the importing country does not prescribe a time limit, the general rule is that inspections must be conducted within 30 days of shipping. 4. Provide treatment if required.

Most U.S.-sourced items and some internationally-sourced items that are considered dual-use (items that have both commercial and military or proliferation applications), as well as certain purely commercial or purely munitions items, are subject to the Export Administration Regulations (EAR), administered by the Bureau ...

Plants must be accompanied by a phytosanitary certificate from the country of origin showing that the plants meet entry requirements for the United States. Plants should be bare rooted (no growing media attached to the roots). You should perform a basic visual inspection of plants.

Once issued, a phytosanitary certificate does not expire and may be replaced after the 30-day mark if changes need to be made. It is the exporter's responsibility to be aware of the time limits for their shipments and to ensure they are meeting those time limits.

Phytosanitary control is an inspection procedure applicable to plants and plant products when they are imported. The objective is to implement all measures for protection against the introduction of pests harmful to plants and plant products into the Community and against their spread within the European Union (EU).

Unlike the Food and Drug Administration sanitary regulations, which mainly address human health concerns, APHIS phytosanitary regulations mainly address plant and animal health, which is broadly understood to include risks to agricultural productivity, environmental services, and other natural resources.

Do seeds require a phytosanitary certificate? ›

Shipments of agricultural and vegetable seeds regulated under the Federal Seed Act require a phytosanitary certificate from the seed's country of origin as well as a declaration from the importer that states the kind, variety, and origin of each lot of seed and its intended use.

A License to Sell Nursery Stock is required for any person who sells plants for planting, propagation, or ornamentation in California. The sale of nursery stock without a valid license is a violation of California Food and Agricultural Code § 6721.

Houseplants are allowed into California if they are indoor plants, pest-free, ornamental and not for resale, and they're potted in potting mix or other “clean” medium, according to the California Department of Food and Agriculture.