A Phytosanitary Certificate is an official document issued by the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment (MOCCAE) in the UAE. It certifies that plants, plant products, or other regulated items in a shipment comply with the importing country’s health and safety standards. Exporters must obtain this certificate to confirm that their consignments are free from pests and meet international trade requirements.
This guide explains how to apply online, what documents are needed, eligibility criteria, and other useful information for exporters.
Step-by-Step Procedure
1. Register on the UAE E-Services Portal
- Visit the official MOCCAE E-Services portal (link to be provided).
- Create an account by filling in your details and clicking Register.
- After registration, return to the login page, enter your credentials, and click Login.
2. Submit the Application
- Once logged in, complete the Phytosanitary Certificate application form.
- Ensure all required information and supporting documents are attached (see “Required Documents” below).
- Click Submit to send your application for review.
3. Schedule an Inspection
- After your application is processed, book an appointment for shipment inspection through the portal.
- An MOCCAE officer will conduct the inspection of the consignment intended for export.
4. Pay the Fees
- Once the inspection is complete, pay the prescribed fee as advised by the officer in charge.
5. Receive the Certificate
- If the inspection results are satisfactory and the shipment meets import requirements, the Phytosanitary Certificate will be issued.
- Certificates are generally issued within 48 hours of inspection.
Required Documents
To apply for a UAE Phytosanitary Certificate, you will need:
- Commercial invoice
- Sales contract
- Packing list
- Bill of lading
Office Locations & Contact Information
Ministry of Climate Change and Environment (MOCCAE)
- Location: Al Ruwayyyah 2 Area, beside Zayed University, Dubai–Al Ain Road, United Arab Emirates
- Phone: +971 4 214 8424
- Mobile: +971 4 214 8575
- Fax: +971 4 265 5822
- Email: [email protected]
- Website: www.moccae.gov.ae
Eligibility
- Only registered exporters are eligible to apply for a Phytosanitary Certificate in the UAE.
Fees
- Fees vary depending on the type and size of the consignment.
- Applicants should confirm the applicable charges directly with the officer in charge during submission.
Validity
- The certificate is valid per consignment/shipment only and must be obtained for each new export shipment.
Processing Time
- Standard processing time: 48 hours (may vary depending on inspection schedules and completeness of documents).
Required Information
When filling out the application form, applicants will need to provide:
- Category of application
- Commodity codes
- Type of packaging
- Area of production
- Country of origin
- Exporter’s address
- Entry and exit points
- Batch/lot numbers
Why This Document is Important
- A Phytosanitary Certificate ensures compliance with international trade and biosecurity standards.
- It verifies that exported plants or plant products are free from pests and diseases.
- Without this certificate, shipments may be delayed, rejected, or quarantined at the importing country’s border.
Additional Information
- The certificate is aligned with International Plant Protection Convention (IPPC) standards.
- Exporters should ensure that all goods are prepared for inspection before booking an appointment.
- Any discrepancies or missing documents can delay processing.
Other Uses of the Certificate
- Used as an official record of inspection and compliance for trade authorities.
- May be required by customs for clearance of agricultural shipments.
- Acts as proof of adherence to UAE’s environmental and agricultural regulations.
External Links
READ MORE: How to Apply for a Pet Passport in the UAE (Dogs & Cats)
