International Standards for Phytosanitary Measures (ISPM-15) - CBEC's Customs Manual 2023 - Customs

12. International Standards for Phytosanitary Measures (ISPM-15): 12.1 International Standards for Phytosanitary Measures (ISPM) are prescribed 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. 12.2 DGFT, vide 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. 12.3 On export side, a large number of consignments are intercepted abroad for non- compliance of ISPM-15 Standards relating to wood packaging materials used for export of materials, as informed by Department of Agriculture and Cooperation. Thus, the Board has decided that export / imported consignment with wood packaging material is to be inspected by Customs and if any export / imported consignment is found without ISPM15 mark or with doubtful marking, it should be reported to Plant Quarantine Officer / authorities for taking necessary action. It is also clarified that exporters should specifically indicate in the Shipping Bill, 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. 12.4 Department of Agriculture and Cooperation has informed 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 agencies is available at www.plantquarantineindia.org. [Refer Circular No.13/2011-Cus., dated 28-2-2011 ] 12.5 Cases of non-adherence/infringement of prescribed phytosanitary standards have been reported by other Customs administrations especially EU. Ministry of Agriculture has repeatedly expressed concerns over increasing number of such cases and desired remedial action be taken to check export of consignments not meeting required phytosanitary specifications i.e. ISPM 15. Board has reiterated that no export consignments packed with raw or solid wood packaging material that is found deficient in meeting phytosanitary requirements ISPM 15 shall be allowed clearance. [Refer Instruction F.No.450/19/2005-CusIV., dated 16-9-2013 ]