Export Certification

Export certification assures that commodities and plant material meet the phytosanitary requirements of importing states and countries. Phytosanitary measures seek to prevent the spread of harmful pests and diseases. The Montana Department of Agriculture assists exporters in meeting standards by certifying that plants and plant products are free of prohibited materials.

Some export destinations require multiple field inspections during a growing season, laboratory tests, soil analysis and completion of other testing requirements before export certifications can be completed. Exporters should contact the department before a commodity is ready for shipping to determine the phytosanitary requirements for the intended destination. Most countries require issuance of a phytosanitary certificate. Without the certificate, commodities can be detained, refused, or even destroyed at the importing destination.

• Establish a USDA APHIS PCIT (Phytosanitary Certification Issuance and Tracking) account and fund a pre-pay account to cover fees, web address: https://pcit.aphis.usda.gov/pcit/, or use the contact information on this page to contact the Montana Department of Agriculture (MDA) for assistance .
• Apply for phytosanitary certification services through the PCIT system, or by using the Application for Growing Season Field Inspection of Plant Commodities for Export form available from MDA. Applications may be emailed, mailed or faxed. Applications must be received within 30 days of inspection.
• The exporter must export plant and plant products within the time limits prescribed by the importing country. If the importing country does not prescribe a time limit, the general rule is that inspections must be conducted within 30 days of shipping. See the Phytosanitary Certification page for more information.
• Provide treatment if required. The certifying official should be contacted prior to treatment to assure that the treatment is appropriate to satisfy foreign phytosanitary import regulations. The certifying official will arrange for supervision of the treatment.
• Safeguard the shipment prior to shipping.