For imported consignments, the phytosanitary certificate may be received in English or any European language, in capital letters or entirely in typescript (except in stamp/signature cases) and filled in English. The inspectorate insists on the botanical names of the plant and plant products on the phytosanitary certificate. Uncertified alterations or erasures invalidate the certificate. Copies of the certificate should be marked “copy” or “duplicate” – printed or stamped thereon. This goes in accordance with Council Directive 2000/29/EC article 7(1). The inspectorate also insists that plants, plant products and other objects comply with special provisions and special requirements, such as stripping of the bark in the case of wood (Council Directive 2000/29/EC Annex IV, A).

The plant quarantine inspectorate issues two types of certificates. Export Phytosanitary Certificate and the Reforwarding Phytosanitary Certificate. The Export Certificate is used to certify approved processed products, affirming that, based on inspection or processing, the product is believed to be free from harmful organisms. A Reforwarding Phytosanitary Certificate or a Phytosanitary Certificate for Re-Export is based on the original foreign phytosanitary certificate and / or an additional inspection, the plants or plant products officially entered Malta, are considered to conform to the current phytosanitary regulations of the importing country, and have not been subjected to the risk of infestation of infection during storage in Malta. If more than one certificate has been issued the latest phytosanitary certificate or a certified copy thereof and the latest reforwarding phytosanitary certificate is supplied according to Council Directive 2000/29/EC article 8(3). A phytosanitary certificate issued by the plant quarantine inspectorate accompanies each consignment and is valid for a period of 14 days before leaving Malta, according to Council Directive 2000/29/EC article 7(2).