ISPM-15
Certification Mandatory for Wood Packaging Material in Exports
[CBEC
Circular No. 13 dated 28th February 2011]
Subject: Compliance of International Standards for Phytosanitary
Measures (ISPM-15) in respect of wood packaging material by exporters.
Attention is invited to the provisions of Plant Quarantine (Import of
Goods in India) Order, 2003 which outlines mandatory requirements of compliance
of ISPM for imported goods. Accordingly, Board Circular No.39/2004-Customs
dated 30.6.2004 and instructions dated 2.4.2009 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. 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 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.
5. Considering that the large
number of agricultural consignments are rejected being non-compliant with
international standards and also mandatory requirements of the Notification
No.54/2009-2014 dated 3.8.2010 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 requirements
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 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 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. Board desires that the Customs
staff posted at different ports and airports are trained in respect of inspection
of wood packaging material for ISPM-15 compliance in respect of export /
imported consignments. The periodical training programme
should be imparted by NACEN in coordination with
Plant Protection Advisor, Faridabad.
8. Suitable trade notice /
standing order may be issued to guide the trade and industry.
9. Difficulty, if any, faced in
implementation of these instructions may be brought to the notice of the
undersigned.
F.No.450/19/2005-Cus.IV