Phytosanitary control in Georgia is an important requirement when importing certain goods of plant origin, including flowers, fruit, vegetables, seeds, seedlings, timber and wooden products. Importers need to prepare the correct documentation and complete the required border control procedures before the cargo can be released.
Importing plant-based products involves additional requirements that do not apply to every type of cargo. The purpose of phytosanitary control is to prevent harmful organisms, pests and plant diseases from entering and spreading within Georgia.
For importers, one of the most important aspects is understanding the difference between a phytosanitary certificate issued in the country of origin and Form 3, which is completed in Georgia during the import process.
What Is Phytosanitary Control?
Phytosanitary control is a border inspection procedure applied to certain goods of plant origin. The purpose is to verify that imported plant products meet the relevant phytosanitary requirements and do not present an unacceptable risk to agriculture and the environment.
The inspection may include checking documents, identifying the cargo, conducting a visual inspection and, where necessary, taking samples for laboratory analysis.
Phytosanitary control is carried out where the cargo is located, such as a customs checkpoint or another authorised location.
What Is Form 3 in Georgia?
Form 3 is the common phytosanitary entry document used in Georgia when eligible plant cargo is imported.
The document is completed in Georgia on the basis of the phytosanitary certificate issued by the competent authority in the country of origin. It confirms that the relevant phytosanitary border control procedure has been completed.
Without the required phytosanitary documentation and control, eligible plant products cannot complete the import clearance process.
Important: The phytosanitary certificate is obtained by the exporter in the country of origin. Form 3 is prepared in Georgia during the import process based on that certificate.
Phytosanitary Certificate vs. Form 3
| Document | Where it is issued | When it is required |
|---|---|---|
| Phytosanitary Certificate | Country of origin | Before the cargo is shipped |
| Form 3 | Georgia | During import, before customs clearance |
The exporter is responsible for obtaining the phytosanitary certificate in the country of origin. Once the shipment arrives in Georgia, the relevant information can be used to prepare Form 3 and complete the local phytosanitary control procedure.
Which Goods Require Phytosanitary Control?
A wide range of plant-origin goods can be subject to phytosanitary requirements. Common examples include:
🌸 Flowers & Live Plants
Cut flowers, potted plants and nursery stock.
🥬 Fruit & Vegetables
Fresh and dried produce, including citrus products.
🌱 Seeds & Seedlings
Sowing material, seedlings, saplings and related plant material.
🪵 Timber & Wood
Timber, wood materials, wooden houses and wood packaging.
🌾 Grain
Wheat, corn and other relevant plant-origin products.
🥜 Nuts & Dried Products
Hazelnuts, dried fruit and other plant-origin products.
The exact requirements depend on the type and classification of the goods. Importers should therefore check the applicable requirements before shipping their cargo to Georgia.
Documents Required for Phytosanitary Control
The required documentation can vary depending on the product and shipment. Common documents include:
- Phytosanitary certificate issued in the country of origin;
- Commercial invoice describing the goods and their value;
- Transport document such as CMR, AWB or Bill of Lading;
- Packing list, where applicable;
- Import permit if required for the specific plant product.
All documents should contain consistent information about the product, quantity, weight, origin and shipment details. Discrepancies between documents may result in additional checks or delays.
How Does Phytosanitary Control Work in Georgia?
01. Prepare the documents
The importer obtains the phytosanitary certificate and prepares the invoice, transport documents and any additional paperwork.
02. Prepare Form 3
The relevant information from the phytosanitary certificate is used to prepare the Form 3 entry document in Georgia.
03. Border phytosanitary inspection
The cargo undergoes the required inspection. If necessary, additional examination or laboratory analysis may be performed.
04. Customs clearance
After the relevant phytosanitary procedures are completed, the customs declaration can be submitted and the cargo can proceed through the customs clearance process.
05. Release of the cargo
Once the required customs obligations and controls have been completed, the cargo can be released according to the applicable procedures.
How Long Does Form 3 Take?
The current service information states that Form 3 can be prepared within 1 business day. The exact timing of the overall import process may depend on the cargo, documentation, border procedures and whether additional inspection or laboratory analysis is required.
Preparing the required documents before the cargo arrives can help make the process more efficient and reduce the possibility of unnecessary delays.
Phytosanitary Control Fees in Georgia
| Service | Current Fee |
|---|---|
| Phytosanitary control | 100 GEL per declaration |
| Phytosanitary control with laboratory test | 150 GEL |
| Form 3 preparation | 1 business day |
These phytosanitary charges should be distinguished from customs duties, taxes and customs brokerage fees. The total import cost depends on the characteristics and value of the shipment.
Importing Timber and Wooden Houses
Importers of timber and wooden products should pay particular attention to phytosanitary requirements. This can include timber, wood materials, wooden houses, cottages and certain types of wood packaging.
Wood packaging may also be subject to the requirements of ISPM 15, an international standard concerning the phytosanitary treatment and marking of wood packaging material used in international trade.
Before shipping a wooden structure or timber product to Georgia, importers should verify the applicable documentation and phytosanitary requirements.
What Happens If Form 3 Contains an Error?
Incorrect or incomplete information in phytosanitary documentation can cause a shipment to be held while the information is clarified or corrected. Depending on the circumstances, this may result in additional costs and delays.
For this reason, it is advisable to review the phytosanitary certificate and accompanying documents before the cargo reaches the Georgian border.
Particular attention should be paid to the product description, quantity, weight, country of origin and other information used for the import declaration.
How to Avoid Delays During Plant Cargo Import
Good preparation is one of the most effective ways to make phytosanitary and customs procedures smoother.
- Check whether the product is subject to phytosanitary control.
- Confirm the correct HS code before shipping.
- Make sure the exporter obtains the phytosanitary certificate.
- Review the invoice and transport documents.
- Check whether an import permit is required.
- Make sure all documents contain matching information.
- Prepare Form 3 and other import documentation as early as possible.
Early preparation is particularly important for businesses importing plant products for the first time.
Phytosanitary Control and Customs Clearance
Phytosanitary control and customs clearance are related but separate procedures. Phytosanitary control focuses on the plant health requirements of eligible cargo, while customs clearance involves declaration of the goods, calculation and payment of applicable taxes and completion of customs formalities.
For importers, coordinating both processes is important because a shipment may require phytosanitary clearance before the customs procedure can be completed.
Professional assistance can help importers prepare the required documents, identify potential problems and coordinate the different stages of the import process.
Why Professional Assistance Can Be Useful
Plant cargo imports often involve more documentation than standard commercial shipments. An experienced customs declarant can review the available documents, help determine whether phytosanitary procedures apply and prepare the necessary customs declaration after the relevant controls have been completed.
This is especially useful when importing timber, wooden structures, plants, seeds or mixed shipments containing several different products.
Conclusion
Phytosanitary control in Georgia is an important part of importing eligible goods of plant origin. Flowers, fruit, vegetables, seeds, seedlings, timber and certain wooden products may require additional documentation and border inspection before they can be released for import.
The phytosanitary certificate must generally be obtained in the country of origin, while Form 3 is prepared in Georgia based on that certificate. Preparing these documents correctly and checking the requirements before shipment can help reduce delays and additional costs.
For importers, the most effective approach is to verify the product requirements, HS code and documentation before the cargo leaves the country of origin. Proper preparation makes the phytosanitary control and subsequent customs clearance process more predictable and efficient.
Not sure whether your cargo needs phytosanitary control? Send us the HS code or invoice — we will tell you in advance. If your cargo falls under technical regulations, you will also need an import prior notification.