Navigating Domestic and Global Markets: How MDARD Supports Your Export Success

Amber Neils, MDARD Export Specialist

Navigating Domestic and Global Markets: How MDARD Supports Your Export Success

Adhering to export requirements is more than a formality. Meeting those specifications helps safeguard your industry, protect the environment and maintain other countries’ trust in the strength of the U.S. phytosanitary (plant health) export inspection program. The Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) is committed to helping Michigan exporters meet phytosanitary certification requirements and grow their businesses. The assistance we provide goes beyond fulfilling a procedural obligation; it’s about supporting trade while protecting the environment, agriculture, and forest health across the globe.  

Through an agreement with the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), MDARD inspectors are authorized and equipped to provide exporters with compliance assistance and certification for international exports. In 2024, MDARD supported Michigan exporters with more than 8,000 international shipments to 80 countries. We’re proud of the strength and diversity of Michigan’s plant-based industries, and equally proud to play a role in their continued success.

MDARD employs 18 Plant Health Inspectors located across the state. Inspectors are trained and certified by the USDA to inspect plants and plant products for international export. Among other responsibilities, inspectors perform shipping-point inspections, routine field inspections, witnessing and verifying treatments, and/or sample collection for laboratory testing for disease or insect infestation. Inspectors assist in the export of a wide variety of commodities, including:

• Lumber/wood products
• Live plants
• Dry beans
• Grain
• Christmas trees
• Agricultural equipment

After inspectors complete the required inspections and , collect samples, and ensure the results satisfy the destination country’s requirements, they generate phytosanitary certificates through the USDA Phytosanitary Certificate Issuance and Tracking system (PCIT).

To ensure a timely, effective, and precise export process, it’s important to understand your responsibilities as an exporter. Firms seeking phytosanitary certificates must fill out an online application through the PCIT system for each certificate and inspection. If you do not have an account, follow the instructions available on the USDA’s PCIT web page.  

After you apply for an export inspection via PCIT, an MDARD inspector will contact you within two business days to schedule an inspection. Upon applying, you may contact the appropriate district inspector via email or phone. Your district inspector can help arrange details for the inspection and advise you about the destination country’s import requirements. Inspectors work Monday-Friday, 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.

To ensure adequate time for inspection and certification, you should apply for a phytosanitary certificate at least five business days prior to the date that you need the certificate in hand. If laboratory analysis is required, results will take at least five additional business days to be returned. MDARD recognizes that scheduling changes can occur due to the nature of your business. However, a lack of adequate notice may lead to scheduling conflicts, inefficiencies and increased costs for your firm. For current inspection fees, please visit the MDARD website.

Prior to the inspection, please gather all necessary documentation, including import permits, shipping invoices, treatment records, any required inspection certificates, and English translations of any foreign documents. Make sure the commodities to be inspected are readily available for inspection and that the designated inspection location is accessible and safe for MDARD inspectors.

Following the inspection, ensure that only those commodities properly inspected and certified will be shipped and that the load is safeguarded from any potential infestation between the date the shipment was inspected and the actual shipping date. Finally, ensure your certified shipment departs within the timeframe specified by the importing country to avoid any delays or complications at the border.

Whether you’re a regular exporter of plant products or looking to grow your business, the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development’s (MDARD) Authorized Certification Officials (ACOs) are here to help ensure your products reach their destinations! For any questions regarding export inspections, please contact our Export Specialist, Amber Neils, at 517-449-0786 or NeilsA@michigan.gov.

For additional Phytosanitary Certificate Issuance and Tracking (PCIT) support, please contact pcithelpdesk@usda.gov.