Using certificates as commercial documents is discouraged. Contract requirements, letter of credit, or consular visas are not phytosanitary conditions and are not certified using export certificates. Below are frequently requested statements that may not be entered on a phytosanitary certificate

• Grade or quality
• Fitness for human consumption
• Pesticide or other chemical residues
• Freedom from animal diseases (Refer to USDA, APHIS - Veterinary Services)
• Level of radioactivity (Refer to USDA/FAS, Office of Food Safety and Technical Services (202 720-1301)
• Genetic composition
• Aflatoxin or other mycotoxins
• Intended use such as “for scientific purposes”
• Letter of Credit number (If a letter or credit number is emblazoned on the outer surface of every bag, box, etc. it may be listed as a distinguishing mark.
• Advice number
• Import reference number
• Import tariff item number
  Authorization number
• Letter of commitment number
• Purchase contract number
• References to a permit issued by the Office of Management Authority for protected plant species

No Changes Allowed – Exporters may NOT make any changes or corrections to a certificate. If a change is required, it may only be made by the certifying official.

Original Phytosanitary Certificates Required - The original phytosanitary certificate must be presented to the plant quarantine officials in the foreign country. Photocopies are not acceptable, although customs officials may retain copies.