Customs Circular No. 13/2011 dated 28/02/2011
Compliance of International Standards for Phytosanitary Measures (ISPM-15) in
respect of wood packaging material by exporters – regarding.
Attention is invited to the provisions of Plant Quarantine (Import of Goods in
India) Order, 2003 which outlines mandatory requirements of compliance of ISPM
for imported goods. Accordingly, Board Circular No.39/2004-Customs dated
30.6.2004 and instructions dated 2.4.2009 were issued to Customs field
formations to implement the provisions of ISPM compliance.
2. ISPM is International Standards for Phytosanitary Measures as per IPPC
convention of FAO to reduce the risk of introduction / or spread of quarantine
pest associated with wood packaging material (including dunnage) made of
coniferous and non coniferous raw wood, in use in international trade.
3. However, on export side, a large number of export consignments are
intercepted by importing countries for non-compliance of ISPM-15 Standards
relating to wood packaging materials used for export of materials. It has also
been reported by Department of Agriculture and Co- operation that they are
receiving numerous notifications regarding interception of consignments due to
non-compliance of ISPM-15 standards in respect of export consignments.
4. The DGFT, vide the Notification No 54/2009-2014 dated 3.8.2010 has made it
mandatory that export of goods including plant and plant products using wood
packaging materials such as pallet, dunnage, crating, packing blocks, drums,
cases load boards, pellet collars shall be allowed subject to compliance of
ISPM-15.
5. Considering that the large number of agricultural consignments are rejected
being non-compliant with international standards and also mandatory requirements
of the Notification No.54/2009-2014 dated 3.8.2010 issued by DGFT, it is decided
by the Board that all consignments of export packed with wood packaging
materials should be allowed clearance only if the wood packaging materials
conform to requirements of ISPM-15. The export / imported consignment with wood
packaging material are to be inspected by Customs. If any export / imported
consignment is found without ISPM-15 mark or with doubtful marking, it should be
reported to Plant Quarantine Officer / authorities for taking necessary action.
6. Ministry of Agriculture, Department of Agriculture & Cooperation has also
reported that all the agencies authorized to provide ISPM Certification on wood
packaging material have been duly accredited by Directorate of Plant Protection,
Quarantine & Storage. These agencies issue ISPM-15 certification after providing
treatment with Methyl Bromide or Forced Hot Air as per prescribed norms. The
list of these accredited treatment providers of Methyl Bromide and Forced Hot
Air are available on the Directorate's website www.plantquarantineindia.org. It
is also clarified that exporters should specifically indicate in the Shipping
Bill filed for export, the description of packaging material so as to ensure
whether any consignment with wooden packaging material warrants mandatory
compliance with ISPM-15 standards or not.
7. Board desires that the Customs staff posted at different ports and airports
are trained in respect of inspection of wood packaging material for ISPM-15
compliance in respect of export / imported consignments. The periodical training
programme should be imparted by NACEN in coordination with Plant Protection
Advisor, Faridabad.
8. Suitable trade notice / standing order may be issued to guide the trade and
industry.
9. Difficulty, if any, faced in implementation of these instructions may be
brought to the notice of the undersigned.
F.No.450/19/2005-Cus.IVYours faithfully,
( G.S. Sinha )
OSD (Customs IV)