Export Certification

Millions of dollars worth of plant products are exported each year from Missouri to foreign countries. Many countries require a phytosanitary certificate to accompany shipments of raw or unprocessed plant products being imported. A phytosanitary certificate is a certificate of health certifying that the product in the shipment meets the importing country’s criteria. These criteria are established by the importing country as a means of preventing the introduction or spread of harmful pest organisms. The requirements vary from country to country and may be different for each commodity shipped.

Missouri agricultural officials issue approximately 800-900 of these certificates annually for commodities valued at over $150 million. Certified products include various grains and seeds, such as corn, soybeans, popcorn, and rice; cotton bales; oak lumber; and nursery stock. Certified products are typically exported to over 40 different countries.

For further information contact the Plant Pest Control Program.