Guidance for Exporters
Preparation of Export Documents

3. Document Expediting

Expediting of Fruits & Vegetables Export Documents

On completion of the Customs document by the Broker, it is then forwarded to the GRA Customs and Trade Administration where it is assessed, stamped and signed by the Comptroller of Customs.

The Phytosanitary Certificate

The Phytosanitary certificate is a health certificate for the fruits & vegetables. This document would be issued at the port of lading, except for produce destined for Barbados or Antigua; produce for these two destinations must be taken to the GMC's Central Packaging Facility, where it will be inspected by Plant Quarantine Officers.

Expediting of Seafood Export Documents

After a Customs Broker has completed the Customs document the exporter should take the document to the following organizations for further processing:

• Ministry of Health Annex (formerly GAHEF) for a health certificate (no cost).
• Ministry of Fisheries, Crops & Livestock, Fisheries Department, Brickdam, for a license to export seafood (cost: $1,000). This license is valid for one (1) month.
• The Customs & Trade Administration Department for the documents to be assessed, stamped, and signed by the Comptroller of Customs.

Note that to uplift the Health Certificate and the Licence to Export Seafood exporters must have the following:

• Receipts of purchase
• Letter of storage
• Customs documents prepared by a Broker

All persons desirous of exporting seafood to any part of the world must adhere to the following:

• All seafood must be purchased from a licenced dealer, whether processed or unprocessed, fresh or frozen. GAHEF will need to verify that a licensed processor(s) dealt with the commodity.
• Fresh or frozen seafood must be stored at a licenced storage house
• Exporters desirous of purchasing from small fishing boats are free to do so but the exporters must ensure that these small fishing boats are registered vessels and that a receipt of purchase is issued.

Expediting of Craft or Condiments Export Documents

After the Broker writes up the export document, the Expediter of GMC processes the document. In cases where wood is used for large items or as sample pieces, the exporter will have to take the document to the Guyana Forestry Commission, to be stamped and endorsed.

NOTE: The GMC can assist with linking exporters and suppliers of fruits, vegetables or seafood. The GMC has no control over prices that farmers/ suppliers may charge for produce/ seafood.

Disclaimer: Mention of companies or individuals on this website does not imply any endorsement by the Guyana Marketing Corporation.