Trinidad and Tobago has introduced a new digital service designed to make agricultural exports faster, more traceable and less dependent on paperwork.

The Ministry of Trade, Investment and Tourism, working with the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries, launched an Export ePhytosanitary Certificate (ePhyto) service through the TTBizLink platform. The system became fully operational on October 1, 2026.

The new platform allows exporters to apply for, process and track phytosanitary certificates online. These certificates confirm that regulated plant products meet the importing country’s plant-health requirements.

According to the ministries, entering information digitally in advance is expected to reduce processing time from 30 minutes to approximately 12 minutes per certificate—a potential 60% improvement. The Plant Quarantine Service currently handles about 100 phytosanitary certificates each month.

The service also connects Trinidad and Tobago to the International Plant Protection Convention (IPPC) ePhyto Hub, allowing certificates to be transmitted securely to customs and quarantine authorities overseas.

The system supports exports and re-exports involving fresh produce, ornamental plants, seeds, planting materials, lumber and other regulated plant products. Exporters must still obtain a valid import permit from the destination jurisdiction where required.

The digital upgrade could help local farmers, nurseries and exporters spend less time on administrative procedures while improving the traceability of agricultural shipments. It also supports the country’s wider push to expand non-energy exports.