Ethiopia Introduces Electronic Phytosanitary Certification for Agricultural Exports

An EU- and TradeMark Africa-funded platform launched this week introduces electronic phytosanitary (ePhyto) certification to Ethiopia’s export sector a change expected to most strongly affect the country’s horticulture industry, long plagued by compliance challenges.

The Integrated Export and Import Certification System (IEICS) – e-Phyto Project aims to cut certification times from several days to just a few hours, while introducing internal traceability across the system. Set to be rolled out nationwide within a month, the new compliance platform also seeks to eliminate costs tied to lost certificates, forgery, corruption, and the need for physical travel.

Over the past two years, Ethiopian flower exports to Europe have faced intensified inspections following concerns over the False Coddling Moth (FCM), a pest classified by the European Union as a quarantine threat.

Tewodros Zewdie, Executive Director of the Ethiopian Horticulture Producer Exporters Association (EHPEA), said phytosanitary compliance remains critical to maintaining export integrity, even as volumes grow. He recalled the bureaucratic hurdles exporters faced under the former paper-based system.

“A digital system saves both time and resources for the private sector,” Tewodros told Shega.

He emphasized that scaling up the ePhyto system will allow Ethiopia to fully leverage its agroecological advantages.

Ethiopia’s horticulture exports reached $564.9 million in the 2024/25 fiscal year, reflecting year-on-year growth amid rising global demand for flowers more than half of which are destined for Europe. Last year, TradeMark Africa signed an agreement with the Ethiopian Agricultural Authority (EAA) to provide 9 million Birr in support of developing the IEICS, also known as the e-Phyto system.

Driba Kuma, Director General of the EAA and one of the project partners, stressed the need for adherence to international safety standards to preserve the credibility of Ethiopian exports. He noted that many developing nations tend to prioritize yields over safety and health measures.

“Challenges posed by cross-border pests are becoming an imminent risk,” Driba said. “Stringent biosecurity procedures are essential.”

He also underscored the role of international cooperation, through technical assistance, information sharing, and standard formulation, in mitigating biosafety threats.

The e-Phyto platform was unveiled at the Sheraton Addis during a ceremony organized by EHPEA. The initiative aligns with the International Plant Protection Convention (IPPC) and reinforces Ethiopia’s commitment to international biosecurity protocols.

Wondale Habtamu (PhD), Deputy Director of the EAA, recalled that Ethiopia joined the IPPC in 1971, committing to the biosafety standards adopted by 188 countries. The new digital compliance system, he said, is a continuation of that pledge.

“Our exports can obtain international credibility regarding safety,” Wondale said.

He added that the system also creates safeguards against pests that adapt to new environments during the import and export of goods. Referring to the FCM issue, Wondale noted that while the insect may be harmless in Ethiopia, where it is seen as little more than a butterfly, it can become a destructive pest to more than 100 plant species in Europe’s temperate climates.