Export Certification

Phytosanitary Certificate (PC)

If you intend to ship plants or plant products out of the state or country, you may need a State or Federal Phytosanitary Certificate (PC).

Prior to being exported, certain commodities may require phytosanitary certification for freedom from insects and diseases, depending on the commodity and destination. Our Accredited Certifying Officials provide both quarantine inspection and certification services and are qualified to issue State and Federal Phytosanitary Certificates. Please see The Export Process Guide for more details.

 

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  • The Export Process Guide

    The Export Process Guide

    1. Contact Us

    Contact the County of San Diego Department of Agriculture, Weights and Measures at (760) 752-4700 for all export certification questions and requests for inspection. 

    2. Gather Your Documents

    Provide supporting documentation. This includes translated communication, import permits, shipping invoices, certificates, etc. For reexports, provide origin phytosanitary certificates and third country import requirements. 

    3. Submit Application

    Apply for a phytosanitary certificate in PCIT*. If you don’t have an account, fill out PPQ form 572 and submit your form to phpp.awm@sdcounty.ca.gov Include supporting documentation with your application. Your application will be reviewed and an inspector will contact you.

    Phytosanitary Certificate Issuance & Tracking System (PCIT) can be accessed at https://pcit.aphis.usda.gov/pcit/faces/signIn.jsf

    4. Get Inspected

    Ensure the shipment is complete and located in a suitable and safe area for inspection, sampling, testing, etc. Have staff available to assist with the inspection. Some commodities may require treatments. Contact us for details. 

    5. Ship Commodities 

    Only export the commodities mentioned on your phytosanitary certificate. Ensure the shipment is safeguarded until its departure date and pay close attention to the time limits specified by the country of import. 

 

Types of Federal PCs

State and Federal Phytosanitary Certificates are issued through the USDA Phytosanitary Certificate and Issuance Tracking System (PCIT).

There are two types of federal certificates:

  1. certificates for domestic commodities (PPQ Form 577) and 
  2. Reexported Foreign Commodities (PPQ Form 579).

For one-time phytosanitary certificate requests, please complete the Application for Phytosanitary Certificate and email your completed form to PHPP.AWM@sdcounty.ca.gov. Your application will be reviewed, and you will be contacted by an inspector within 24-48 hours. Plan to provide at least two full business days’ notice for inspection and preparation of certificates.

There is a nominal charge for the inspector’s travel and time to perform this type of inspection, as well as fees for the certificate itself. Fees must be paid in full upon delivery of the certificate. For questions about fees, please refer to the fee schedule (below) or contact your assigned inspector.

For more information, please contact the Pest Exclusion Division at (760) 752-4700.

 

Breakdown of Fees

Pest Exclusion Fees FY 2025-26

Certification of Plant Shipments for Quarantine Compliance

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Domestic Plant Shipment Certification

$53/certificate

International Plant Shipment Certification

$118/certificate

Domestic Counter Service Certification

$46/certificate

International Counter Service Certification

$93/certificate

Specialized Field Inspections including: Field Growing Season, Sealed Load, Export/Import Treatment /Inspection

$164/hour

After Hours Inspection

$246/hour

Missed Appointment Fee

$82

 

Additional Resources

USDA Import & Export Information – General information about importing or exporting agricultural products.

National Plant Board – State summaries of plant protection laws and regulations.

ePermits – Web-based system that allows users to submit import /interstate movement/transit/release permit applications, track applications, apply for renewals and amendments, and receive copies of their permits.

National Plant Diagnostic Network – Summary of private labs authorized to perform commodity testing to meet export requirements.

How to Sell Plants and Seeds Online – Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service