What is the primary purpose of a phytosanitary certificate?

The primary purpose of a phytosanitary certificate is to confirm that plants and plant products meet the import requirements set by the destination country. This certificate serves as an official document issued by a national plant protection organization that indicates the shipped products have been inspected and found to be free from specific pests and diseases, and that they comply with other phytosanitary regulations.

This process is vital for facilitating international trade while safeguarding against the introduction of harmful organisms that could affect local agriculture and ecosystems. Importing countries require this certification to ensure that the products they receive do not pose a risk to their native plants or agricultural systems.

While environmental regulations, chemical treatments, and economic value might be relevant in broader agricultural contexts, they do not pertain directly to the core function of a phytosanitary certificate, which is focused on health and safety regarding plant materials in trade.