KARACHI: The Pakistan Single Window (PSW) has started receiving electronic phytosanitary certificates (e-Phytos) on imports of agricultural goods, furthering the platform’s integration with the International Plant Protection Convention’s (IPPC) E-Phyto Hub.

According to the details, over 10,000 e-Phytos have already been transmitted via the Hub on Pakistani exports to 77 countries since PSW linked up to the system this past November. The new development now allows Pakistan to exchange the essential certificates electronically on imports as well.

E-Phytos eliminate the need for physical certificate submission during Customs clearance, saving importers time and money. By entering the e-Phyto number in their single customs declaration, release orders from the Department of Plant Protection (DPP) can be promptly obtained without paperwork.

The cross-border trade digitisation efforts bring Pakistan closer to paperless trade. DPP has worked with PSW to create electronic application, approval, and issuance systems for the import permits, release orders and phytosanitary certificates required on plant and plant product shipments.

The secretary of the Ministry of National Food Security and Research has applauded the automation progress made by the PSW and DPP and their commitment to further improving cross-border commerce. PSW’s CEO similarly commended the teams and pledged continued cooperation with the Ministry.

The IPPC E-Phyto Hub connects 127 countries to securely exchange the critical certificates and make trade safer and more efficient. As a signatory to the IPPC treaty overseen by the UN’s Food and Agriculture Organisation, Pakistan can now digitally trade the certificates with trading partners instead of relying on physical documents.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2024