Plant health compliance for imports

Phytosanitary declarations

When plants, plant products or certain related goods are imported into a country, they must comply with plant health regulations designed to prevent the introduction and spread of harmful pests and diseases. These regulations help protect agriculture, natural ecosystems and local plant production systems from biological risks associated with international trade.

To meet these requirements, consignments may need to be accompanied by specific documentation such as phytosanitary certificates issued by the relevant authorities in the exporting country. In many cases, shipments are also subject to inspection upon arrival to verify that the goods meet the applicable plant health standards before they can be released for further distribution. In the Netherlands, these inspections are carried out by the NVWA/VWA (Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority), which supervises plant health controls and verifies compliance with import requirements.

During the import process, authorities review phytosanitary documentation and assess whether the goods fall under plant health regulations. Certain plants and plant products must be validated or inspected before they can enter the market. Compliance with plant health regulations therefore forms an important step within the broader import process and must be properly coordinated with customs procedures to ensure that goods can move through the supply chain without unnecessary delays.

Customs plant health controls

Phytosanitary declarations are part of the plant health control system that applies to the import of certain plants and plant products. Before these goods can be released, the required documentation must be submitted and inspections may need to be completed.

In some regions, digital platforms manage this process. For example, within the European Union phytosanitary documentation is submitted through TRACES, where authorities review documents, organize inspections and approve consignments. For plant-based consignments, phytosanitary controls apply, often in combination with TRACES procedures such as the CHED-PP (Common Health Entry Document for plants), which may also be referred to as a GGB in practical use.

Accurate documentation and timely submission help ensure that regulated goods move through the import process without unnecessary delays.

Phytosanitary compliance within the import process

Phytosanitary declarations are part of a plant health control system that applies to the import of certain plants and plant products. Before these goods can enter the market, the required documentation must be submitted in advance and inspections may need to take place at the point of entry.

In many countries, digital platforms are used to manage this process. For example, within the European Union phytosanitary documentation is submitted through TRACES, a system used to handle plant and animal health certification and import documentation. Authorities use these systems to review documents, schedule inspections and approve consignments.

Accurate documentation and proper coordination of inspections help ensure that regulated plant products move through the import process efficiently and without unnecessary delays.

Oversight across your customs activities

NLD Customs operates independently and organizes declarations and regulatory procedures within a structured compliance framework.

Through system integration and continuous monitoring of legislative developments, we ensure that customs processes remain transparent, consistent and aligned with current regulations. Our approach helps businesses maintain compliance while keeping logistics operations predictable and efficient. Feel free to contact us if you wish to learn more about our approach.

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