Plant Quarantine

Export Inspections

When exporting plants or agricultural products from Japan, it is essential to ensure compliance with the quarantine requirements of the destination country or region. Successful export inspections result in the issuance of a Phytosanitary Certificate (PC) by the Plant Protection Station, which must accompany exported items and ensures their acceptance in the importing country.

Following revisions to Japan’s Plant Protection Act on 1 April 2023, certain export inspection duties previously performed exclusively by Plant Protection Stations can now be conducted by registered inspection agencies approved by the Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries.

JEVIC was recognized as the first agency under this system and offers nationwide export inspection services, providing certified, reliable support for exporters.

Types of Export Inspections

Quarantine requirements for exported plants vary depending on the species and the destination country or region. Consequently, the type of export inspection required may differ for each shipment. JEVIC Plant Inspection Services Group offers the following core inspection services:

Field Inspection

Conducted at cultivation sites during the growing season

Disinfection Inspection

Focuses on controlling quarantine pests and pathogens

Diagnostic Testing

Utilizes advanced technologies, including genetic testing, to perform detailed analyses

Visual Inspection

Conducted on plants, seedlings, and used agricultural machinery to assess external condition through careful observation

As of 8 January 2025, 13 inspection agencies throughout Japan are officially registered with the Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries. Among them, JEVIC is the only agency capable of handling all types of export inspections. With our comprehensive inspection capabilities and nationwide service network, JEVIC ensures exporters receive reliable, full-spectrum support for safe and efficient export processes across Japan.

We perform diagnostic testing for viruses and other pathogens exclusively at our dedicated laboratory in JEVIC Yokohama Headquarters:
Plants for testing (primarily seeds) can be sent from anywhere in Japan.
Please arrange delivery to avoid weekends and public holidays.
Shipping Address: 15 Daikoku-futo, Tsurumi-ku, Yokohama City, Kanagawa Prefecture 230-0054 Japan

Export Inspection Process and Our Support

Export inspections include many steps — such as preparing documents, applying for inspections, getting phytosanitary certificates, and arranging transport.

The chart below shows each step of the process. Steps where JEVIC helps directly or acts for clients are marked with ✓ for easy reference.

Export documents (including PC applications) and export arrangements are handled by our partner administrative scrivener office

Export Inspections
Step-by-Step Process

Please Check Quarantine Rules Before Exporting

If you plan to export plants, plant products, flour, seasonings, or used farm equipment, please make sure your shipment follows the quarantine rules of the destination country.

Each country has its own rules, including required inspections and documents. These rules are set by the government of the importing country and can be different from Japan’s. You can check general information on Japan’s Plant Protection Station website, but rules may change, so we strongly recommend checking with the local plant quarantine office in the destination country before shipping.

Also, some items may be restricted or banned under the Washington Convention (CITES) or local laws. Please confirm in advance whether your items can be imported into the destination country.