E-Certification Colombia

The purpose of this project is to improve the certification process in the Netherlands and Colombia at both in- and export. Electronic exchange of data is more efficient and secure than on paper. This purpose is achieved when the IT systems and procedures to replace paper certificates by electronic information and communication are developed checked and accepted. In order to comply with the new standardisation (ePhyto) of eCertification the existing IT system in Colombia (SISPAP) should be modified.

In world trade, more and more importing countries and/or ports develop systems for electronic communication, for instance pre-arrival and/or pre-departure information for better risk management. It is the expectation that in the coming years in international trade a shift will be made from 'second hand information' (paper certificates) to 'first hand – digital – information resulting in exchange of electronic data from competent authority to competent authority.

Exchange of electronic data between Competent Authorities will not only simplify the transfer of guarantees but also simplify the inspections of the Competent Authority by comparing the relevant data electronically. On top of that, electronic communication provides an excellent opportunity to adapt procedures for issuing and checking of phytosanitary certificates by Competent Authorities.

This trend has been recognised by the phytosanitary legislator (IPPC) who has now started to standardise eCertification as part of the legislation on certification (ISPM12) in a new standard (ePhyto), intended to replace the paper certificate.

Colombia (the local competent authority ICA) expressed the intention to start with eCertification for agricultural products and has decided to embrace the IPPC initiative by starting cooperation with the Dutch NVWA.