A. General Information
Ephyto certification between Fiji and New Zealand
B. Lessons Learned
Fiji and New Zealand implemented the exchange of electronic phytosanitary certificates using the IPPC ePhyto Solution. The electronic exchange of PCs and accompanying documents for plants and plant products export facilitates trade by reducing the time and cost of conveying paper documentation.
Continuing with efforts to facilitate trade on a biosafety platform Fiji and New Zealand have become the latest pair of countries in the Pacific region to go live with the exchange of electronic phytosanitary certificates using the IPPC ePhyto Solution.The electronic exchange of phytosanitary certificates and accompanying documents for plants and plant products export is a significant step for both nations towards improving trade efficiency by reducing the time and cost of conveying paper documentation through freight and third-party service.
Exchange of electronic Phytosanitary Certificates
Data entry for export certification
Defined exchange mechanism and a standardized UN/CEFACT schema
Issuance/authorization of an ePhyto
Sending of an ePhyto
Printing of the sent certificate data on paper
Receipt of ePhyto
Ability to check the authenticity of an ePhyto after receipt
Extraction of the data from an ePhyto
Printing of the received certificate data on paper
Ability to store ePhytos for later reference
Connected to the hub to facilitate certificate transfer
Reporting
Please refer to the link;https://www.ephytoexchange.org/landing/gens/index.html
Phytosanitary Certificates
Please refer to the link: https://www.ephytoexchange.org/doc/IPPC_Guide_Implementing_GeNS.pdf
GeNS testing and fine-tuning to meet Fiji’s phytosanitary certificate issuance requirements (in consideration of Fiji’s needs, remoteness, maritime zones and capacities)
Conducting training of officers, stakeholder consultations and awareness in all major trading areas of the country as Fiji is made up of many islands and BAF had 22 regional offices to work with.
Countries should have adequate IT infrastructure and manpower capabilities
NPPO personnel should always be updated on the system including enhancements and ensure it is tested and working properly
Initial implementation requires a dedicated team with time and resources at hand
Beforehand information for pre-assessment of imported goods and improved planning for the arrival and clearance of goods
Expedited clearance of commodities from the ports of entry including pre-clearance where there is an opportunity to do so
Efficient replacement of erroneous certificates; easier to search and locate certificates when required (especially for past months and years)
Access to certificates from any location within the network
Reduced costs (no longer need to print many documents)
Improved efficiencies by reduced data entry and validation
Easier and systematic data storage, retrieval from the system and report preparation for presentations to management of third parties