Guidelines For Import Of Live Seaweeds Into India

The new guidelines outline specific conditions for importing live seaweed, including mandatory permits and phytosanitary certificates. The import of certain seaweed species will be restricted to prevent the introduction of invasive species and diseases. Imported seaweed will be subjected to rigorous quarantine procedures, including inspection, testing, and potential fumigation or disinfection.

Government Amends Plant Quarantine Rules to Strengthen Import Regulations

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.

Plant Quarantine Requirements For Import Of Citruses, Berries and Stone Fruits

This Order has introduced revised the additional declarations required to be incorporated into Phytosanitary Certificate and Special conditions of import of fruits for consumption from Australia. These fruits include Lemon, lime, orange, grapefruit, mandarins, etc. and other Rutaceous, Blue berry and Cranberry and Stone fruits.

Seed Import To Get Easier In India

Previously, seeds of coarse cereals, pulses, oilseeds, fodder plants, and fruit species could only be imported based on the recommendations of EXIM Committee of Department of Agriculture, Cooperation & Farmers Welfare (DAC&FW). Now, by the present amendment order, the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare has eliminated this requirement.

Central Government Designates Ports for Red Sanders Repatriation from Nepal

The Central Government has designated specific ports for the repatriation of red sanders from Nepal. The ports of entry and exist have been designated for the purpose of regulation of International Trade of red sanders between India and Nepal, ensuring strict adherence to environmental regulations and international trade norms.


Presidential Amendment Enhances Plant Protection Officer Recruitment Rules

This change signifies a reclassification of the service group for the Plant Protection Officer (Toxicology) role, reflecting a nuanced adjustment to the administrative structure within the Directorate. The move is expected to enhance the efficiency and functionality of the Directorate of Plant Protection, Quarantine, and Storage, aligning it with evolving needs and standards.

Plant Quarantine (Twelfth, Thirteenth and Fourteenth) Orders

These Amendment Orders have revised the Plant Quarantine (Regulation of Import into India) Order, 2003. The Twelfth Amendment Order has revised the points of entry for imports of plants/plant materials and other articles. The Thirteenth and Fourteenth Amendment Orders have revised the list of plants/plant materials permitted import with additional declarations and special conditions.

Plant Quarantine (Regulation of Import into India) (Tenth Amendment) Order, 2023

The Amendment Order is now permitting the import of specified plant species from Nigeria, Netherlands, Spain and Hungary However, such import shall comply with the additional declarations that are required to be incorporated into Phytosanitary Certificate and shall also comply with special conditions as may be applicable.