User:Fedchock/sandbox/ePhyto - Electronic Phytosanitary Certification

ePhyto - Electronic Phytosanitary Certification

The International Plant Protection Convention (IPPC) is the only World Trade Organization (WTO)-recognized international treaty to minimize the introduction and spread of plant pests. The IPPC’s governing body; the Commission on Phytosanitary Measures has adopted a number of International Standards for Phytosanitary Measures (ISPMs), one of which, ISPM 12, provides guidance on the issuance of official certificates required by importing countries to confirm that imported plant commodities comply with phytosanitary requirements. An appendix to ISPM 12 provides guidance on the issuance of electronic phytosanitary certificates (ePhytos). In 2016, the IPPC Secretariat began a project to advance the international adoption of ePhytos by its contracting parties. The project is nearing completion with the implementation of: 1.	A "Hub" (now in full operation) to facilitate the exchange of ePhytos based upon a single harmonized communication protocol. 2.	A web-based generic ePhyto national system (GeNS) (piloting beganb in late 2018) to assist developing countries without an existing national system to produce, send to and receive electronic certificates (ePhytos) from the Hub.

The combination of the two systems is referred to as "the ePhyto Solution". The Solution makes it easier for countries (especially those with limited resources) to start exchanging electronic phytosanitary certificates (ePhytos) . Implementation is expected to improve trade flows and facilitate border management through better information flow, increased ability to analyse risk information, reduce paper and bookkeeping burdens, and reduce fraud. The Solution has been developed to be compatible with existing border information management systems and is expected to build upon such systems where possible. The adoption of ePhyto exchanges will be an important component in supporting a number of elements in the WTO Trade Facilitation Agreement. The use of ePhytos supports transparency and fairness in government processes; better governance and the modernization of procedures including more efficient and effective border procedures. The interoperability of ePhytos with national single windows should be a key component of implementation. The ePhyto Solution Project is developing some technical tools to assist countries with implementation, but without ongoing country-based capacity development the full benefits of implementing ePhyto within an integrated coordinated border management strategy, including integration with national single windows, may be difficult to achieve. Strong donor support is urgently needed to ensure that the Solution is fully implemented for the full benefit of producers, industry and national governments. ...