Imported Onion Allowed to be Fumigated in India: Norm Extended Till November End

It has been decided, in the light of public concern over high prices of onion in the market, to extend the derogation allowed from the condition of fumigation and endorsement of PSC as per the Plant Quarantine Order, 2003 for onion imports upto 30th November, 2013 on the following conditions:

i. Such consignments of imported onion which arrive in Indian port without fumigation and endorsement to that effect on the PSC (Phytosanitary Certificate) would be fumigated in India by the importer through an accredited treatment provider. The consignment would be inspected thoroughly by quarantine officials and released only if found free from pests and diseases of concern to India.

ii. Such consignments of onion for consumption will not be subjected to the four times penal fees on account of non compliance of conditions of import under the PQ Order, 2003.

[Source: PIB (MoA) Press Release dated 23^rd October 2013]