What types of materials require a phytosanitary certificate?

A phytosanitary certificate is a document that certifies that a shipment of plants, plant products, and soil complies with the phytosanitary regulations of the importing country. This requirement is essential to prevent the introduction and spread of harmful pests and diseases that can affect agriculture and the ecosystem of the importing country.

The correct answer highlights the broad scope of materials that typically require such certification, which includes not only seeds and seedlings but also a variety of other plant-related materials. This encompasses products like fruits, vegetables, cut flowers, and even components of soil, all of which can harbor pests and pathogens.

In contrast, the other options restrict the scope inappropriately. For instance, stating that only seeds and seedlings or only fruits and vegetables require a phytosanitary certificate excludes many other significant agricultural products that are subject to these regulations. Processed agricultural goods generally have different certification requirements, as the processing often mitigates the risks of pest infestation, rendering them less likely to require the same level of scrutiny. Thus, B accurately reflects the comprehensive nature of what necessitates a phytosanitary certificate.