The Ministry of Agrarian Development and Irrigation (MIDAGRI) announced that Peru and the United States can now exchange phytosanitary certificates electronically through the IPPC's e-Phyto platform. This measure, the result of negotiations between Peru's National Agrarian Health Service (SENASA) and the U.S. Agency for Plant and Animal Health Inspection Service (APHIS), is projected to save more than US$2.7 million annually in certificate shipping costs.

In 2021, 183,591 printed certificates were issued, of which 54,275 corresponded to the U.S. Miguel Quevedo, head of Senasa, stated that a paper certificate will no longer be required for shipments of blueberries, grapes, mangoes, avocados, asparagus, and other products to the U.S.

Peru already exchanges electronic certificates with Colombia, Mexico, Chile, and, starting in December, with Argentina. Certification with the European Union is expected to be finalized by 2024. The United States accounts for approximately 30% of total exports, including fresh produce such as grapes, blueberries, citrus fruits, avocados, mangoes, and bananas.

This measure benefits more than 700 exporters, streamlining and securing the process from Senasa to APHIS-USDA, consolidating Senasa in technological innovation and facilitating exports, boosting the national agricultural sector.

Source: https://agraria.pe/noticias/midagri-peru-y-ee-uu-inician-intercambio-de-certificados-fit-34207