The Plant Protection Directorate (PPD) of MAFWM is the competent authority for phytosanitary matters, including plant health (harmful organisms), seed and propagating material, plant breeders' rights, genetically modified organisms (GMOs), plant protection products (PPPs), plant nutrition products and soil improvers. PPD is responsible for establishing test methods for residues of PPPs in food and feed of plant and animal origin, the control of residues of PPPs in food of plant and composite origin, and the control in the area of the safety of non-processed and processed food of plant origin upon import, and feed of plant origin upon import.

PPD monitors the implementation of legislation and the enforcement of official controls in these areas.

The Phytosanitary Inspection division is an integral part of PPD. Phytosanitary inspectors are in charge of official controls on plant origin products in primary production. Plant protection institutes and agricultural services throughout the country support the work of PPD.