Currently, more than 191 countries have registered to participate in the electronic Phytosanitary Certification (e-Phyto) system. This digital certification method is increasingly encouraged and widely adopted worldwide for its significant benefits and alignment with global trends toward digitalization and streamlined administrative procedures.
In recent years, Vietnam’s agricultural exports have maintained a strong growth trajectory. Experts believe that adopting global innovations such as e-Phyto will further drive Vietnam’s export performance and enhance its competitiveness.
A Modern Solution for Global Agricultural Trade
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The e-Phyto system is an initiative developed by the International Plant Protection Convention (IPPC) to modernize the phytosanitary certification process, enhance inspection efficiency, and facilitate global agricultural trade.
Through the e-Phyto Hub, countries can exchange electronic phytosanitary certificates quickly, securely, and transparently using a standardized digital format. This reduces costs, minimizes delays at customs checkpoints, and helps prevent shipment rejections.
With e-Phyto, national plant protection organizations can send and receive certificates before shipments arrive, update or correct information when necessary, and ensure faster clearance and reduced administrative burdens.
Efficiency, Transparency, and Security
By replacing paper-based certificates, e-Phyto helps eliminate issues such as document loss, forgery, or human error. It also reduces administrative workloads and saves resources related to paper printing and storage.
Countries including Australia, New Zealand, Indonesia, Thailand, the Philippines, Senegal, Morocco, and the United States have already implemented the system to exchange phytosanitary certificates electronically between their national authorities.
Vietnam’s Efforts and Regional Cooperation
In early March, the Plant Protection Department (PPD) of Vietnam’s Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (MARD), in collaboration with the Asia-Pacific Association of Agricultural Research Institutions (APAARI), the Asia and Pacific Seed Alliance (APSA), and CropLife Asia, held the first international workshop on IPPC e-Phyto solutions in Vietnam.
According to Mr. Haddon Bell, Head of Agricultural Exports at Australia’s Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, “e-Phyto is essential for sustaining agricultural growth while ensuring the security of phytosanitary certification and protecting global agriculture from pest risks.”
Global Adoption and Future Outlook
Among the 191 countries registered, 138 nations use the centralized e-Phyto Hub, while 53 countries operate through national e-Phyto systems (GeNS). The system’s expansion reflects a shared commitment to secure, transparent, and efficient agricultural trade.
Mr. Le Van Thiet, Deputy Director of the Plant Protection Department, emphasized that applying digital technology in phytosanitary management is “an irreversible trend and a key part of Vietnam’s strategy to modernize agricultural governance and facilitate global trade.”
Meanwhile, Dr. Ravi Khetarpal, Executive Director of APAARI, noted that digitalizing plant quarantine procedures brings substantial benefits for Vietnam:
“Vietnam has maintained impressive agricultural export growth. Implementing global innovations like e-Phyto will create strong momentum for Vietnam to further boost export value in the coming years.”
Key Recommendations for e-Phyto Implementation
According to Ms. Thelma Soriano, Director of Seeds at CropLife Asia, countries should prioritize:
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Upgrading technical infrastructure to ensure stable internet connectivity and secure data management.
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Strengthening international cooperation for experience sharing and system integration.
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Establishing cybersecurity protocols to protect sensitive trade data.
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Updating legal frameworks to recognize the legal validity of electronic certificates.
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Leveraging international funding and private-sector partnerships to accelerate the e-Phyto transition cost-effectively.
Conclusion
The global adoption of e-Phyto marks a pivotal step toward modernizing agricultural trade. For Vietnam, embracing this digital transformation not only enhances export efficiency but also reinforces its position as a reliable and innovative agricultural exporter in the international market.