Plant Export Certification

Each state in the U.S. has rules governing the entry of plants, agricultural commodities or other items that could spread pests from other states. Some states require a phytosanitary certificate to accompany the shipment, which confirms that a state inspector has found the items to be healthy and free of pests. Not all agricultural commodities require it, and each state’s requirements are different. Contact the Georgia Department of Agriculture before shipping an agricultural commodity to another state to determine if a certificate is required by the destination state.

Agricultural producers can also participate in commodity export certification programs for items exported to states that regulate Georgia for certain pests. For more information on these programs, please contact us using information below.

Applying for State Phytosanitary Certificates through PCIT

GDA issues Federal Phytosanitary Certificates under a MOU with the Plant Protection and Quarantine section of USDA's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service.

Each foreign shipment must be inspected, and you must submit an application through the USDA’s web-based PCIT certification program: https://pcit.aphis.usda.gov/pcit. It’s used to issue, store, and track electronic copies of federal export certificates. PCIT allows you to quickly create and submit applications for phytosanitary certificates to export commodities.