USDA’s Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) has enhanced the Electronic Document Creation System (eDOCs) to include the issuance of Chile Sanitary Export Certificate. eDOCs works in conjunction with the Electronic Trade Document Exchange (eTDE) system, and prior to utilizing these systems all users must register for eTDE which includes physically going to your nearest USDA Service Center office with a government-issued ID to prove your identity. U.S. exporters must obtain a Level 2 USDA E-Authentication account in order to access the eDOCs application system and view the final certificates on eTDE. A link to registration instructions is on the second page of this letter.
eDOCs allows the dairy industry to request a Chile Sanitary Export Certificate using a secure web-based service. AMS Dairy Programs will electronically review and approve each request. Certificates created in eDOCs flow automatically to eTDE, so that the foreign port authorities and U.S. exporters can view the electronic certificates online.
Deployment of eDOCs improves business efficiencies throughout the government and dairy industry. The eDOCs application system allows exporters to create 60 customer templates and re-use some data from old certificates, eliminating the need to input all data with each new certificate request resulting in cost and time savings. AMS will continue to issue paper health certificates until Chile advises that electronic certificates are sufficient, but we are transitioning in that direction with eTDE.
Where can the Industry Receive Assistance and Training to Facilitate a Smooth Transition?
AMS has developed several resources to assist the industry during this interim period. You can find information on how to register with USDA and access this system at https://www.ams.usda.gov/services/imports-exports/dairy-exports. However, before using eDOCs, you must register for eTDE. You can find information on registration at http://www.etde.usda.gov/eTDEHelpCenter_Dairy.aspx. Each individual that requests certificates should obtain their own individual log-in and password to eTDE. There can be more than one login per company and there is no cost to register.
AMS/Information Technology Services (ITS) is hosting the eTDE / eDOCs systems and is the Subject Matter Expert (SME) for these Trade applications. The eTDE / eDOCs demo and briefing sessions will be conducted by USDA/ITS. Please contact Fariba.Tacoukjou@ams.usda.gov for issues and questions with eTDE and eDOCs.
Sign up for eTDE and eDOCs Webinar Training
Training sessions are offered on both eTDE and the eDOCs application systems Thursdays or Fridays at 4pm EST (days and times are subject to change). To register, please e-mail the USDA AMS National Field Office (dairynfo@ams.usda.gov). Registration will be first-come, first served, and spots in each session are limited.
We appreciate feedback you might have on this new system. It is our pleasure to continue serving your needs and we are working every day to improve this process. AMS is at the point of expanding this technology to other importing countries.
With warm regards,
William Frances
Acting Director, Dairy Grading and Standardization Division
Dairy Programs, Agricultural Marketing Service