Brazil and Chile launch electronic phytosanitary certification

As a result of strengthened bilateral relations in agricultural matters, Brazil and Chile have begun adopting Electronic Phytosanitary Certificates (ePhyto) for the export and import of agricultural and forestry products. The announcement was made by the Agricultural and Livestock Service (SAG) of Chile’s Ministry of Agriculture, following an official mission to the country by Luís Rua, Secretary of Trade and International Relations at Brazil’s Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock (Mapa).

Initially, Brazil will send shipments of coffee beans, beet and sunflower seeds, ginger rhizomes, and pepper grains already accompanied by the electronic phytosanitary certification. Other shipments will continue to use PDF certificates with electronic signatures until the scope is expanded. Negotiations are also advancing to include certification for products of animal origin and beverages.

Chile, in turn, will adopt ePhyto for all exports of fruits, vegetables, legumes, forestry products, and propagation materials destined for Brazil. For now, reexport certificates will remain in physical form.

Why this matters

Faster border clearance: Electronic exchanges speed up inspections and cargo releases, particularly for perishable products.

Less paperwork, lower costs: It eliminates the need for courier services and reduces in-person processing, cutting logistical costs and document transit time.

Transparency and traceability: Direct exchange between official systems increases transparency and reliability in operations.

Operational predictability: The model follows the international standard of the International Plant Protection Convention (IPPC), providing a technical foundation for expanding the product scope.

Integration with Brazil’s digital certification policy: In the animal-origin products segment, the National Sanitary Certificate (CSN) has already reached 80,000 digital issuances in less than a year, demonstrating the consolidation of the electronic model.

Growing trade relationship

In 2024, Brazil exported more than US$ 2 billion in agricultural products to Chile, mainly meat, forestry products, and soy complex goods. The advancement of ePhyto adoption strengthens the partnership between the two countries and reinforces their mutual commitment to facilitating agricultural trade and modernizing sanitary certification processes.

Exporter information

The ePhyto is the official document issued by Mapa certifying the phytosanitary compliance of plant products intended for export. It is exchanged electronically between the competent authorities of the participating countries, ensuring speed, security, and traceability in trade operations.

Source: MAPA

Sharing is caring!