Subject : Compliance of International Standards for Phytosanitary Measures (ISPM-15) in respect of wood packing material by exporters - Regarding. - Customs - 14 / 2017

OFFICE OF THE COMMISSIONER OF CUSTOMS (PREVENTIVE) 55-17-3, C-14, 2nd Floor, Road No.2, Industrial Estate, Autonagar 520 007 Vijayawada - 520 007 Phone : 0866-2551261 am / Fax: 0866-2551156 C. No. VIII/48/117/2o17-Cus.Tech. Date: 04.08.2017 PUBLIC NOTICE NO. 14 / 2017 Subject : Compliance of International Standards for Phytosanitary Measures (ISPM-15) in respect of wood packing material by exporters - Regarding. Attention of all the Importers, Customs Brokers and the Members of the Trade is invited to Board s Circular No. 14/2009/Cus dated 06-05-2009 and Circular No. 13/2011-Cus dated 28-02-2011 wherein guidelines for compliance of International Standards for Phytosanitary Measures (ISPM-15) in respect of wood packaging material by exporters are stipulated. 2. ISPM is International Standards for Phytosanitary Measures as per IPPC convention of PAC to reduce the risk of introduction / 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 08.04.2010 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 requirement of the Public Notice No. 54/ 2009-2014 dated 08.04.2010 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 requirement 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-15 Certification on wood packaging material have been duly accredited by Directorate of Plant Protection, Quarantine Storage (DPPQ S). 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. Similarly, in respect of import consignments, it is reiterated that the provisions of sub-clause (2oA) prescribing compliance of ISPM-15 standards by wood packaging material may be enforced in terms of Plant Quarantine (Regulation of import into India) Order, 2003. Consignments that are found to be non-compliant or not carrying prescribed treatment mark on the wood packaging materials shall be referred to the Plant Quarantine authorities for proper treatment or destruction or deportation to the country of export. The details of such non-compliance shall also be informed in the prescribed format for reporting of non-compliance to the DPPQ S. 8. Accordingly, as per the mandatory requirements of the Public Notice No. 54/2009-2014 dated 08.04.2010 issued by DGFI , it is reiterated that export goods packed with wood packaging materials would be allowed clearance only if the wood packaging materials conform to requirements of ISPM-15. The export or import consignments with wood packaging material are to be inspected by Customs. If any export or import consignment is found without ISPM-15 mark or with doubtful marking, it should be reported to Plant quarantine authority for necessary action. 9. CBEC vide letter F.No 450/19/2005-Cus IV, New Delhi, dated 16.09.2013 had reiterated that field formations shall ensure compliance of phytosanitary norms for imported/ export consignments and no agriculture commodity is allowed to be exported without phytosanitary certificate and no cargo using wood packaging material is allowed to be exported without ascertaining compliance with ISPM-15. Strict compliance of Public Notice may be ensured. SUDHA KOKA COMMISSIONER