China and Chile set up a fully digital phytosanitary certification system for exports

Starting April 20, 2026, Chile began using a fully electronic phytosanitary certification system for all its agricultural and forestry exports to China, which will be rolling out across every port in the country. 

This marks the first time the Asian giant has adopted a fully digital inspection process with a trade partner.

The Chilean Minister of Agriculture, Jaime Campos, said this achievement is the result of careful technical work and years of cooperation between the local Agricultural and Livestock Service (SAG) and China’s General Administration of Customs (GACC). He also said the project demonstrates the Latin American country’s strong phytosanitary standards and its commitment to modernization.

Chile and China’s trade shift

The system was developed through deep collaboration between SAG and Chinese customs officials, starting with a pilot program that began on August 1, 2025.

SAG director Domingo Rojas said switching to a paperless system is a major change in trade between the two countries, with benefits including a reduced risk of document fraud, improved traceability, and faster border processing.

Additionally, the representative said that this will make operations more efficient, secure, and transparent for both the authorities and exporters.

How does this affect agricultural exports

This project is expected to build greater trust in food safety between Chile and China and help move international trade toward more digital processes. Moreover, the authorities from both countries expect the system to also become a model for other trade partners.

In this 2025–26 export season, Chile has already certified over 663,000 tons of fresh fruit headed to China, with cherries, plums, and nectarines among the top products.

*All images are referential. 

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