ALT
Digitalization and eCert

eCertification simplifies the issuance and verification of SPS certificates through secure electronic platforms. Digital solutions reduce paperwork, minimize errors, and enhance the efficiency and security of trade processes. Real-time data sharing improves transparency and trust between trading partners, facilitating smoother trade flows.

By adopting eCertification, countries can modernize SPS management, improve compliance, and support seamless cross-border trade, benefiting both public and private stakeholders.

Selected Projects Implementing eCertification

STDF/PG/504, An ePhyto Solution: Enhancing safe trade in plants and plant products
STDF/PG/609, Facilitating e-veterinary certification based on single window system
STDF/PG/755, Strengthening phytosanitary compliance to boost seed trade in the Asia Pacific
STDF/PG/856, Enhancing multilateral e-veterinary certification in Latin America and the Caribbean

STDF

  • STDF Briefing Note, 2024: Digitalization for Safe Trade Facilitation: Driving transformation with SPS e-Certification
  • STDF Background paper, 2017: Electronic SPS certificates in the context of Paperless Trade
  • STDF Briefing Note, 2017: Facilitating safe trade: going paperless with SPS e-certification

Partners

Selected countries with successful IPPC ePhyto Solution implementation

 

Argentina

Costa Rica

Fiji

Jamaica

New Zealand

Panama

Republic of Korea

Sri Lanka

Uganda

USA

Uzbekistan

 

 

 


 

 

 

The SPS Electronic Certification Advisory Committee (ECAC) convenes and connects stakeholders with an interest in SPS eCert to exchange experiences, identify opportunities for collaboration, promote synergies and disseminate good practices to drive catalytic SPS improvements that facilitate safe trade.

SPS international standard setting bodies are at various stages of supporting the implementation of SPS eCert to facilitate safe trade. In addition, various regional organizations are advancing the development of initiatives to facilitate the exchange and use of electronic certificates. Many of these initiatives have significant implications for the trade in agriculture and agri-food products. These initiatives also have significant implications for the business processes of national government agencies and will impact on industry too. In parallel, countries are advancing in the implementation of national single windows.

In October 2019, the ECAC was created, under the auspices of the STDF, to bring together the organizations interested in SPS eCert and share information and experiences related to the implementation of eCert initiatives, facilitate linkages and synergies between these different initiatives, maximize outputs and avoid duplication.

The main functions of the ECAC are
  • Provide a discussion forum to share experiences related to the implementation of SPS eCert activities and initiatives across various standard-setting bodies to achieve a strategic, integrated, and ordered approach;
  • Provide advice to the STDF Working Group on specific issues brought to its attention by its members and propose suggestions and recommendations for future developments;
  • Share information regarding developments occurring in eCert initiatives including providing information regarding projects or proposed projects in which eCert is an integral component;
  • Develop projects to enhance harmonization across eCert, building upon existing approaches and initiatives (e.g. ePhyto, eVet, Single Windows, eCITES, etc.)
  • Identify opportunities for collaboration between international organizations undertaking eCert and data exchange initiatives;
  • Identify resource needs and opportunities related to eCert initiatives and provide guidance and assistance in fundraising efforts and cooperation on capacity development efforts.
Meetings