Introduction of Checks to verify compliance of ISPM Standards-reg. - Customs - 16/2016

OFFICE OF THE COMMISSIONER OF CUSTOMS NEW CUSTOMS HOUSE, PANAMBUR, MANGALORE-10 C.No.S-49/07/2015 EDI Date:17.05.2016 PUBLIC NOTICE No.16/2016 Subject: Introduction of Checks to verify compliance of ISPM Standards-reg. Attention of the Importers, Exporters, Steamer Agents, Custom Brokers and other stakeholders is invited to the Board Circular Nos.14/2009-Cus dated 06.05.2009 and 13/2011-Cus dated 28.02.2011, which provide that Customs field formations should verify whether export goods packed with raw or solid packaging material comply with the International Standards for Phytosanitary Measures(ISPM No.15) or are accompanied by a phytosanitary certificate with the treatment endorsed, issued by the agencies which are accredited/certified by Department of Agriculture and Co-operation(DAC). 2. Despite these explicit provisions, it has been reported that a number of export consignments have been found non-compliant by other Customs administrations especially the European Union on the ground of non-adherence/infringement of ISPM-15. Ministry of Agriculture has repeatedly expressed concerns over increasing number of such cases and desired remedial action be taken to check export consignments not meeting required phytosanitary standards i.e. ISPM-15. 3. Board has taken serious note of it and reiterates that no export consignments packed with raw or solid wood packaging material shall be allowed clearance which is found deficient in meeting with International Standards of Phytosanitary Measures (ISPM-15). 4. In order to facilitate the compliance to the ISPM-15 in the system, the following questions would be asked as a part of the examination report by Inspector in EDI:- i. Whether wooden material is used in cargo packaging? ii. Whether certificate of compliance to ISPM-15 standards is produced? 5. The Let Export Order would be allowed only if answers to Q. No. i is No and to Q. No. ii is Yes in case of answer to Q. No. i being Yes . 6. In case the answer to Q. No. 1 is Yes, then the officers in the Docks are required to verify the particulars prescribed in the above mentioned Board Circulars and record the same in ICES. 7. Difficulties faced, if any, may be brought to the notice of the undersigned. (DR. SUBRAMANYAM) COMMISSIONER