Application for Issue of Phytosanitary Certificate for Export of Agriculture Commodity
The Phytosanitary Certificate (PSC) is an official document required for exporting/re-exporting plants, plant products, or other regulated articles. PSC is issued to indicate that the consignments meet specified Phytosanitary import requirements of importing countries. The Ministry of Agriculture and Farmer Welfare, Government of India, gives PSC following the guidelines of the International Plant Protection Convention (IPPC). Purpose of Phytosanitary Certificate for Export The purpose of the Phytosanitary certificate for export is explained in detail below: A phytosanitary certificate is issued to attest that the plant, plant product, or other regulated articles meet the importing country’s phytosanitary requirements. The phytosanitary certificate may also support re-export certification to other countries. Type of Phytosanitary certificate This certificate is classified into two types, as mentioned below: Phytosanitary certificate for export purposes Phytosanitary certificate for re-export purposes Phytosanitary certificate for export purposes- The NPPO of the country of origin issues a Phytosanitary certificate for export. A Phytosanitary certificate for export declares that the consignment meets the country’s Phytosanitary requirements. PSC for export is also provided in certain re-export situations for regulated articles in a country other than the country of re-export if compliance with the Phytosanitary import. Phytosanitary certificate for re-export purposes- A Phytosanitary Certificate for re-export will be issued by the NPPO of the re-exporting countries where the commodity was not grown or processed to change its nature in that country and only where an original phytosanitary certificate for export is available. Products Covered The exporter needs to obtain the Phytosanitary Certificate for exporting the following types of products: A phytosanitary Certificate is an important document to export regulated articles such as plants, bulks, and tubers For importing seeds for propagation, fruits and vegetables, cut flowers and branches, grain, and growing medium. The phytosanitary certificate is also needed for certain plant products that have been processed and have a potential for introducing regulated pests (For example, cotton or wood). PSC is needed to export contaminated articles such as empty shipping containers, vehicles, or other organisms. Prescribed Authority The prescribed authority for issuing the Phytosanitary Certificate for Export is the Plant Quarantine Information System, Department of Agriculture, Co-operation and Farmer Welfare, Government of India. Validity Details To ensure the Phytosanitary integrity and physical integrity of consignment, the validity of PSC before export is limited to a maximum period of 7 days for perishable consignments and 30 days for non-perishable consignments should be ensured that the goods will be shipped immediately after certification. Time Limit to Apply- The applicant needs to apply at least 2-3 days before the actual date of the shipment of the consignment. In the case of the export of seed consignments, such applications need to be filed 8-10 days before the actual date of shipment. Note: Export of perishable commodities such as cut flowers, fresh fruits, and vegetables, the above conditions may not apply. Documents Required Permit issued by the importing countries for exporting the seeds or propagating plant material The wildlife clearance certificate is needed if the export commodity is covered under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) of Wild Flora and Fauna. Copy of invoice Packing list Shipping or airway bill Letter of credit Trade Agreement Purchase order Export license Fumigation certificate Export inspection fee and Fumigation charges Additional Inspection Fee In the specific request from the exporter, the consignment will be inspected at places outside the Plant Quarantine station on payment of Rs.10 per visit towards outside inspection charges within the municipal limits of a town or corporation limits of the city. The exporter must pay the traveling and dearness allowances of the PQ officer and staff deputed for inspection outside the city or town as per the entitlement and accommodation charges. The exporter must pay storage charges of Rs.10 per cubic meter space per day if the consignment is not immediately removed after re-inspection. Additional Fumigation Charges The exporter must pay an additional Rs.25 per container for fumigation and Treatment of the consignment. The inspection fees need to be paid in advance or immediately upon completion of the inspection tour but before issuance of PSC. Application Procedure for Phytosanitary Certificate Registration of Application The exporter must submit an application in the prescribed format to the officer-in-charge of the concerned Plant Quarantine station at the designated port through which they intend to export. On receipt of the application Plant Quarantine officer will scrutinize the application and, if found complete in all respects, will register the application and assess the inspection fee as mentioned above. Note: The applications made in respect of the export or import-prohibited consignments will be refused for issuance of Phytosanitary Certificates (PSC) and also applications made in respect of preserved or pickled, or frozen plant products. On receipt of inspection fees, a quarantine order will be granted by the officer-in-charge of the prescribed PQ station for presenting the commodity for inspection by the applicant. The inspection fee will not be refunded in the case of a canceled or rejected application. Inspection of Consignment The exporter needs to present the consignment either at the office of the PQ station or arrange for an inspection at his premises or give the containers at any other approved place on the scheduled date and time of inspection as per the quarantine order issued. Note: The exporter or agent must provide necessary transport, labor, and other facilities for opening, sampling, repacking, and sealing. A sampling of seed for propagation A sampling of seeds for propagation will follow the International Seed Testing Association (ISTA) Rules, 1976. A sampling of pulses, cereals, oilseeds, and others for consumption will be inspected as per the Bureau of Indian Standards. Laboratory Testing The Plant Quarantine officer deputed for inspection will draw the appropriate size of the sample for detailed laboratory testing. The samples of grain, pulses, nuts, spices, dry fruits, fresh fruits and vegetables, cut flowers, groundnut, turmeric, coffee beans, etc. that are meant for consumption will be visually inspected using the illuminated magnifier for live insect infestation. Pulses are usually inspected using
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