Compliance of International Standards for Phytosanitary Measures (ISPM-15) in respect of wood packaging material by exporters - Customs - PUBLIC NOTICE NO. 31/2017

OFFICE OF THE COMMISSIONER OF CUSTOMS CUSTOM HOUSE: PORT AREA: VISAKHAPATNAM: 530 035 F. No. P3/06/2017-Stats Date: 27.07.2017 PUBLIC NOTICE NO. 31/2017 Sub:- Compliance of International Standards for Phytosanitary Measures (ISPM-15) in respect of wood packaging material by exporters - reg. Attention of all officers, trade and industry is invited to Customs Circular No. 13/2011, dated 28.2.2011 wherein para 3 emphasises the interception of a large number of export consignments by importing countries for non-compliance of ISPM-15 Standards relating to wood packaging materials used for export consignments. Considering the rejection of such export consignments, Board conveyed its decision in para 5 that it is mandatory for all such consignments of export to be packed with wood packaging materials conforming to requirements of ISPM-15. Further, the export / imported consignment with wood packaging material are to be inspected by Customs and wherever it is found without ISPM-15 mark or with doubtful marking the same should be reported to Plant Quarantine Officer / authorities for taking necessary action. Even after issue of the above mentioned Customs Circular, Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare have again reported now that consignments leaving India to various destinations have been found to contain wood packing material which are non-compliant with ISPM-15 and have expressed concern in this regard as they are to reply to the National Plant Protection Organizations of the concerned foreign countries. In view of the above, trade and industry are requested to scrupulously follow the instructions contained in Customs Circular No. 13/2011, dated 28.2.2011 and ensure that wood packaging materials used for export consignments conform to ISPM-15. All field officers of Customs are also directed to carefully inspect export / imported consignments with wood packaging material and wherever it is found without ISPM-15 mark or with doubtful marking, the same should be reported to Plant Quarantine Officer / authorities for taking necessary action. (Authority:- CBEC F.NO. 450/16/2015-Cus-lV, dt. 22.6.2017) (Dr. D.K. Srinivas) Commissioner of Customs