Mandatory requirements of compliance of ISPM for imported goods - Customs - PUBLIC NOTICE NO. 11/2014

OFFICE OF THE COMMISSIONER OF CUSTOMS (EXPORT), JAWAHARLAL NEHRU CUSTOM HOUSE, NHAVA SHEVA TAL.URAN, DIST. RAIGAD, MAHARASHTRA 400 707. F. No. S/12 -Gen-53/2013-14AM(X) Date: 01.04.2014 PUBLIC NOTICE NO. 11/2014 Sub: Mandatory requirements of compliance of ISPM for imported goods Attention of all concerned 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 attention was invited to Provision of Plant Quarantine (Import of Goods in India) Order, 2003 which also outlines mandatory requirements of compliance of ISPM for imported goods. Accordingly, Board Circular No.39/2004-Customs dated 30-06-2004 and instructions dated 02-04-2009 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. Some export consignments have recently been intercepted by importing countries for non-compliance of ISPM-15 Standards relating to wood packaging materials used for export of materials. 4. DGFT, vide Notification No. 54/2009-2014 dated 03-08-2010 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, pallet collars shall be allowed subject to compliance of ISPM-15. 5. Agencies authorized to provide ISPM Certification on wood packaging material have been duly accredited by Directorate of Plant Protection, Quarantine and Storage. These agencies issue ISPM-15 certification after providing treatment with Methyl Bromide or Forced Hot Air as per prescribed norms. The list or these accredited treatment providers of Methyl Bromide and Forced Hot Air are available on the Directorate s website www.plantquarantineindia.org. It is clarified that exporters shall submit the Fumigation Certification for packaging material/ wooden packaging material that warrants mandatory compliance with ISPM-15 Standards, from Department of Plant Quarantine, Mumbai at the time of presentation of checklist to the Customs Officer for export clearance. 6. Accordingly, as per the mandatory requirements of the Notification No. 54/2009-2014 dated 03-08-2010 issued by DGFT, it is once again 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 / imported consignments 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 /authority for necessary action. 7. CBEC vide letter F.No 450/19/2005-Cus IV (Pt.1), New Delhi, dated 28.01.2014 have reiterated that field formations will 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. 7. Strict compliance of Public Notice may be ensured. Sd/- (S.H.HASAN) Commissioner of Customs (Export) JNCH, Nhava Sheva.