Information for the 2008 Olympic and Paralympic Equestrian Events

Export of Feed and Bedding Material of Plant Origin

General information

Importer or user of horse feed and bedding material of plant origin may export the unused material to his/her home country or other places. The Plant (Importation and Pest Control) Ordinance Cap. 207 of the Laws of Hong Kong does not impose export requirement on plant or plant products. However, many countries require that a Phytosanitary Certificate issued by the plant protection authority of the exporting country should accompany the imported plants or plant products. In Hong Kong, the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department is the designated authority to provide a charged service of phytosanitary certification.

Phytosanitary Certificate application procedures (Attention: Application fee has been waived)

Application must be made at least 7 days before the day of departure of the horse feed and bedding material of plant origin. Applicant must check with the importing country for the importation requirement such as treatment on pests and diseases, examination for specific pests and diseases, or declaration on the Phytosanitary Certificate with regard to the treatment done or freedom from specific pests and diseases. The applicant must inform the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department of the importation requirement at the time of application. The Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department is not responsible for providing pest treatment or pest analysis services. Applicant must make arrangement himself/herself or with local service providers at his/her own cost. The applicant has to show to the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department that he/she has met the importation requirement by any proof of the work done.

The issue of Phytosanitary Certificate depends entirely on the sanitary condition of the horse feed and bedding material. Applicant is advised to check that the material is completely free from soil, injurious pests and diseases before sending in an application. The Plant Health Inspector of the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department will conduct inspection before a Phytosanitary Certificate is issued.

Application can be made by (a) submitting electronic form or (b) in person or by post: fill in the Form of Application for Phytosanitary Certificate and submit it with information of the importation requirement to the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department. The application form is obtainable from the interactive telephone number (852) 2708 8885.

If the application is accepted, the Plant Health Inspector of the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department will arrange for inspection at the storage site within 7 days. The applicant must ensure easy accessibility to the horse feed and bedding material and provide labour to move and unpack the material.

If the inspection result is in order and the importation requirement is met, a Phytosanitary Certificate will be issued in 2 working days after inspection. The applicant is advised not to load the horse feed and bedding material until the results of inspection is known.

The Phytosanitary Certificate can be collected in person or by a person authorized by the applicant. It can also be mailed to the applicant by ordinary post upon a request is made. The Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department accepts no responsibility if the Phytosanitary Certificate is lost in the mailing process.

The Phytosanitary Certificate is valid only if it is issued within 14 days prior to export of the horse feed and bedding material.

Further information is provided in the "Phytosanitary Certificate - Guidelines for the Applicants"

The official shipping agent of 2008 Olympic and Paralympic Equestrian Events is able to make arrangement for all participating teams.