Plant trade has come a long way in recent decades, but it still poses certain challenges and risks. Countries in Europe and Central Asia learned about a cutting-edge tool today, the ePhyto Solution – an electronic system for phytosanitary certification that makes trade between countries safer, faster, and cheaper. The ePhyto system is voluntary and all countries can join.

The regional webinar featured success stories from the region and elsewhere on joining the ePhyto system, which helps to generate and send electronic equivalents of paper phytosanitary certificates. The webinar provided detailed information about the ePhyto system, and on the technical support being offered to countries wishing to join it.

The event was organized jointly by FAO, the secretariat of the International Plant Protection Convention (IPPC), the ePhyto Industry Advisory Group, and the Global Alliance for Trade Facilitation.