The Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare issued a notification on August 22nd 2024 concerning the import regulations for specific plant products. It , introduces the Plant Quarantine (Regulation of Import into India) (Twelfth Amendment) Order, 2024. This amendment to the existing Plant Quarantine Order aims to enhance the safety and quality of imported blueberries by imposing additional import conditions for fruits from Poland.
Amendment Details
The primary modification involves changes to Schedule VI of the Plant Quarantine (Regulation of Import into India) Order, 2003. The amendment specifically addresses the import conditions for blueberries and cranberries from Poland.
Schedule VI Updates:
S.No. 292: The entries for “Blueberry and Cranberry (Vaccinium spp.)” have been updated.
Column (2): Concerns entries related to the “Fresh fruit for consumption.”
Column (3): New entries have been added under the columns detailing the country of origin, additional declarations required, and special conditions for import.
New Requirements for Polish Blueberries
For blueberries (Vaccinium corymbosum) imported from Poland, the following additional conditions are now required:
Country of Origin: Poland
Additional Declarations Required to be Incorporated into the Phytosanitary Certificate:
Free from:
Acalitus vaccinii: Blueberry bud mites.
Pseudomonas viridiflava: Blossom blight.
Special Conditions of Import:
Sourcing Requirements:
– Blueberry fruit must be sourced from NPPO (National Plant Protection Organization), Poland registered orchards.
– Orchards must have effective pest management practices for the specified quarantine pests.
– Processing must occur in NPPO, Poland registered packhouses.
Condition of Import: Fruit must be free from soil and other plant debris.
Impact and Implementation: This amendment aims to prevent the introduction and spread of specific pests and diseases that could affect local blueberry cultivation and the broader agricultural ecosystem. By setting stringent import conditions, the amendment ensures that imported blueberries meet high standards of phytosanitary safety.
Importers and stakeholders involved in the blueberry trade should take note of these updated regulations to ensure compliance. Proper documentation and adherence to the new conditions will be essential for the smooth importation of blueberries from Poland.
Conclusion
The Plant Quarantine (Regulation of Import into India) (Twelfth Amendment) Order, 2024, reflects the government’s commitment to maintaining agricultural health and preventing the spread of pests and diseases. By implementing these new import conditions, the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare is reinforcing its efforts to safeguard India’s agricultural sector from potential threats.
