Phytosanitary Export Certificates

Commodities with a destination other than California may require Phytosanitary Certification. These certificates attest that shipments of plants and plant products are free from regulated pests, and conform to other phytosanitary requirements as specified by the importing state or country. Certification depends on the type of commodity and destination. Federal Phytosanitary Certificates may be required for shipments going to other countries while State Phytosanitary Certificates may be required for shipments going to other states within the USA. Pest Exclusion staff are qualified to issue State and Federal Phytosanitary Certificates. Certificates are issued after inspections determine the shipments are free from pest of quarantine concern to the importing state or country.

Phytosanitary Certification clients are required to obtain an account with the U.S Department of Agriculture Phytosanitary Certificate Issuance & Tracking System (PCIT).

For more information, call the Quarantine Duty Officer at (805) 781-5910.

Who can use this service?

Anyone can use this service.

Is there a charge for this service?

County of San Luis Obispo, California Department of Food and Agriculture, and U.S. Department of Agriculture fees apply.  
Refer to the County of San Luis Obispo Department of Agriculture/Weights and Measures Fee Schedule.

When and where is this service offered?

Monday-Friday as follows:
San Luis Obispo office: 8:00 am-5:00 pm
•    Applications must be received by 5:00 pm on day prior to inspection/delivery.

Templeton office: 8:00 am-4:00 pm
•    Applications must be received by 3:00 pm on day prior to inspection/delivery.

Arroyo Grande office: 8:00 am-4:00 pm
•    Applications must be received before 12:00 pm for same day inspection/phyto delivery in the afternoon.  
•    Applications must be received by 5:00 pm on day prior for morning inspection/phyto delivery.

Saturdays and minor holidays:
All offices 10:00 am - 2:00 pm
•    Applications must be received by 12:00 pm on day prior for inspection/phyto delivery on Sat or minor holiday.

Not available Sundays or major holidays

24 hours or more prior notice may be required, depending on the complexity of the phytosanitary certificate request.

Location, directions and hours of operation

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