The Government of India has amended the Plant Quarantine (Regulation of Import into India) Order, 2003, to strengthen regulations governing the import of plants, seeds, and other regulated agricultural materials.
This amendment was brought through the notification of the Plant Quarantine (Regulation of Import into India) (Fourteenth Amendment) Order, 2024.
Key Changes to the Order
Imports of seeds, plants for propagation, and regulated articles like insects, microbial cultures, and soil must now be made through specific Regional Plant Quarantine Stations (RPQS) in Amritsar, Chennai, Kolkata, Mumbai, New Delhi, Bengaluru, Kandla, or other notified points of entry.
Imports of germplasm, transgenic plant material, and genetically modified organisms are now restricted to New Delhi Airport only.
The Plant Quarantine Station in Kandla has been renamed as the Regional Plant Quarantine Station, Kandla, specifically for imports of seeds and plants for propagation and consumption.
These amendments aim to enhance biosecurity and prevent the introduction of harmful plant pests and diseases into India.
