Reminder: Watermark Required on PHIS-Generated Export Certificates

Earlier this year, FSIS issued a notice that went into effect May 16, 2022 stating that PHIS-generated export certificates could be printed on plain white paper – rather than security paper – and would include a new watermark that stated “Approved Certificate – Available for Validation in PHIS.”  The notice also instructs that industry will now print approved digitally signed copies of the export certificates unless that establishment does not have functional printers or access to PHIS.

FSIS has recently found that some countries – Vietnam in particular – have received a large volume of certificates that do not include the printed watermark. USDA is working with the Vietnamese government to resolve this issue and prevent broader clearance issues. However, we encourage all GCCA members to check all certificates and ensure, regardless of the country of destination, that the watermark is printed on the certificate before exporting the product.