Benefits of a globally harmonized approach for ePhyto through an international hub:

• Globally harmonized approach for for electronic phytosanitary certification (ePhyto) in accordance with an adopted International Standard for Phytosanitary Measures (ISPM) 12 Phytosanitary Certificates
• Reduced potential for fraudulent certificates
• reduced data entry and validation activities by national plant protection organizations (NPPO) improving efficiencies
• Improved security in the transmission of certificates when compared with paper certificates
• Efficiencies in arrival and clearance of plants and plant products at the point of entry
• Reduced delays in receiving replacement phytosanitary certificates when required
• Use of existing systems in facilitating electronic certification reduces development costs
• Avoids bilateral agreements required for direct NPPO to NPPO transfer of electronic certificates
• Potential to link with the World Customs Organization “Single Window” initiative and to harmonize codes and processes
• Use of harmonized international e-business standards between governments (UN/CEFACT)