PH improves ePhyto exchange with Australia and Thailand
Photo from Bureau of Plant Industry – National Plant Quarantine Services Division
  • The Philippines has shifted to an enhanced exchange of electronic phytosanitary certification with Australia and Thailand
  • The Bureau of Plant Industry successfully transitioned to ePhyto exchanges with Australia’s Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry through the International Plant Protection Convention ePhyto Hub
  • BPI and Thailand have launched a first-of-its-kind business-to-business ePhyto exchange between traders
  • To date, the Philippines has successfully exchanged over 9,000 ePhyto certificates with more than 25 trading partners

The Philippines has shifted to an enhanced exchange of electronic phytosanitary (ePhyto) certification with Australia and Thailand.

The Bureau of Plant Industry (BPI) has successfully transitioned to ePhyto exchanges with Australia’s Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry through the International Plant Protection Convention (IPPC) ePhyto Hub, BPI and partner value-added service provider InterCommerce Network Services, Inc. said in a joint statement.

With Thailand, the Philippines now has a first-of-its-kind business-to-business (B2B) ePhyto exchange between traders.

These advancements bring the Philippines closer to its vision of smarter, faster, and more transparent agricultural trade, benefiting Filipino exporters, importers, and farmers alike, said BPI and InterCommerce Network.

Following the successful completion of testing on October 1, 2025, the Philippines will now exchange ePhyto certificates with Australia through the global digital platform IPPC ePhyto Hub.

Since 2019, the Philippines and Australia have exchanged ePhyto certificates through a bilateral arrangement. This arrangement embeds the sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) import clearance number into the ePhyto certificate, facilitating faster customs processing and enabling efficient cross-checking of data between regulatory systems.

By transitioning to the IPPC ePhyto Hub, BPI said the Philippines gains access to a centralized system that uses standardized formats, automated validation, and a single interface for connecting with multiple trading partners. This reduces system complexity, makes it easier to onboard new partners, and improves compatibility. The Hub also strengthens data accuracy and traceability, allowing for faster and more secure handling of agricultural shipments.

READ: PH starts shipping mangoes to Australia  

The IPPC ePhyto Hub improves trade resilience by reducing dependence on country-specific technical setups.

For BPI, this means greater flexibility in adapting to regulatory changes and system improvements. For traders, it offers better visibility and confidence in the certificate exchange process, helping reduce delays and improve shipment planning.

By aligning with international standards, BPI said the Hub also boosts the Philippines’ credibility as a trading partner, opening opportunities in new markets and lowering barriers for agricultural exports.

Meanwhile, marking a regional breakthrough, the Philippines and Thailand have launched a direct B2B ePhyto exchange, allowing importers and exporters to seamlessly share ePhyto certificates, followed by other trade, commercial and shipping documents, such as the SPS import clearances, invoices, and transport documents.

BPI said this initiative sets a new benchmark for digital collaboration between traders in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations — simplifying trade processes, improving data accuracy, and cutting processing times from days to hours.

READ: e-Phyto Exchange System launched in Thailand

To date, the Philippines has successfully exchanged over 9,000 ePhyto certificates with more than 25 trading partners. The top exchange partners include the United States, India, Thailand, Australia, and Pakistan.

Interoperability testing is currently underway with Japan, Ukraine, and Ecuador, further expanding the country’s global phytosanitary network and reinforcing its commitment to safe, efficient, and trusted agricultural trade

“These developments reflect our deep commitment to digital transformation and regulatory excellence,” BPI National Plant Quarantine Services Division chief Joan-May Tolentino said.

“By embracing technology, we’re not only improving trade efficiency — we’re also safeguarding the integrity and quality of our country’s agricultural products,” she added.

The rollout will begin with a pilot group of trusted exporters, including DLA Naturals, East-West Seed, JT International Asia, Pacific Royal Basic Foods, Peter Paul Philippines, PMFTC, W. Hydrocolloids, Kaelen Phils. Inc, and Primex Coco Products Inc. — companies that BPI said shares its vision for modern, paperless trade.

BPI said the Philippines’ expanding ePhyto network positions the bureau as a regional leader in digital phytosanitary innovation.

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