Improving plant health certificates for domestic trade

  • Improving plant health certificates for domestic trade image

PHA is developing a system to enable electronic versions of Plant Health Assurance Certificates (ePHACs).

Digital certificates are becoming the norm across a range of market access applications.  Internationally, over 100 countries, including Australia, have adopted the ePhyto solution, replacing paper certificates with phytosanitary certificates in international trade. Locally, programs like BioSecure HACCP have pioneered digital technology for auditing and certificate issuance, allowing businesses to issue certificates equivalent to Plant Health Assurance Certificates to meet market access requirements.  The Australian red meat sector has also embraced digital transformation with its Red Meat Integrity system, using electronic national vendor declarations to enhance livestock management, traceability, and assurance.

In partnership with the South Australian Government’s Department of Primary Industries and Regions (PIRSA), PHA’s digital systems team has been refining the ePHAC software package and governance framework. PixelForce, a software development company, is updating the software to meet current ICT requirements. Afterwards, the software will undergo rigorous security testing to align with contemporary digital security requirements. The process is expected to conclude early next year, followed by a small-scale trial to fine-tune the software and procedures.

The digitisation of Plant Health Assurance Certification will improve efficiency, reduce costs, minimise errors, and contribute to a strengthened domestic trade system.