   
  
G/SPS/GEN/2210   
19 March 2024  
(24-2387) Page: 1/1 
Committee on Sanitary and Phytosanitary Measures  Original: Spanish  
 
  
INFORMATION ON ECUADOR 'S EPHYTO CERTIFICATION SYSTEM  
COMMUNICATION FROM ECUADOR  
The following communication, received on 18 March 2024, is being circulated at the request of the 
delegation of  Ecuador . 
 
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1.  In June 2023, the Ecuadorian Agency for Plant and Animal Health Regulation and Control 
(AGROCALIDAD ) began  the process for the issuance of  ePhyto electronic phytosanitary  certificates, 
which would enabl e the country to issue phytosanitary export certificates in a new di gital format.  
2.  With that objective in mind, Ecuador  is working actively to develop the technology used in its 
systems and has conducted technical tests  involving Musaceae and pitahaya exports  with various 
countries. From 14 August 2023, it began to progress ively issue digital phytosanitary export 
certificates to other countries, issuing more than 41,000 digital certificates by 29 February 2024. 
A total of 18,875 of those certificates are ePhyto certificates covering all Ecuadorian exports, with 
the exception  of cut ornamental plants.  
3.  Ecuador will begin  transmission test s with a number of interested countries with which it has 
already signed agreements and is equally as committed to shortly carrying out tests with those 
countries that require additional assura nces. 
4.  This process represents an important step for ensuring  transparency, as it provide s assurances 
for National Plant Protection Organizations (NPPOs)  by preventing potential fraud or modifications 
and guaranteeing compliance with the phy tosanitary standards established by each importing 
country.  
5.  Furthermore, the use of ePhyto certificates helps protect the environment , as it allows for a 100% 
reduction in the use of paper by eliminati ng the need for physical certificates. Phytosanitary export 
certificates can be  searched and verified at: 
https://guia.agrocalidad.gob.ec/agrodb/aplicaciones/mvc/CertificadoFitosanitario/CertificadoFitosa
nitarioDatosPublicos . 
6.  It is important to point out that illegal trade based on falsified certificates has been the main 
cause of many environmental problems (crop loss, invasive plants and diseases). Moreover, ePhyto 
certificates allow for information to be obtained in real time , with the aim of helping to  improve 
planning prior to the arrival of a shipment for the purposes of the  customs risk assessment, thereby 
reducing the time required for administrative procedures and increasing the shelf life of products 
and preventing food waste.  
7.  Ecuador calls for collaboration from Members' representatives, particularly their NPPO foca l 
points, in initiating  the data transmission tests , with a view to  increas ing the number of countries 
using the ePhyto system . 
8.  Lastly, please be informed that, in the medium  term, Ecuador will start to receive ePhyto 
electronic phytosanitary certificates from other countries.  
 
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