Plant Standards Branch

Interstate Certification Assurance Arrangements

Background | ICA Arrangements | Benefits | Accreditation | Plant Standards Home

Background

The Interstate Certification Assurance (ICA) Scheme is a national system which permits accredited business to issue plant health assurance certificates (PHAC). The PHAC is accepted as evidence of conformance with the quarantine requirements of the State to which the produce is being sent.

More information on the Scheme and the types of accreditation available can be found at the national Interstate Certification Assurance Scheme site (external link).

ICA Arrangements
An ICA arrangement is an agreement between a business and DPI Plant Standards Branch. The accredited business assumes responsibility for treating and/or inspecting produce and then issuing a PHAC.

DPI ensures that the ICA arrangement is working effectively through a program of regular audits.

Benefits
The benefits obtained by individual businesses will vary according to the type of operation and the produce covered by the ICA arrangement. However, benefits can include:

• increased flexibility (businesses can plan operations without the need to arrange for a DPI inspector to be present);
• improved awareness of quality issues (documented staff responsibilities and duties);
• improved operational control (procedures documented);
• reduced certification costs.