The Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare has recently announced a relaxation of fumigation norms applicable to the import of onions. Coming into force for a limited time frame, this relaxation aims to facilitate the private import of onions from countries such as Afghanistan, Egypt, Turkey, and Iran.
These liberalised norms are being seen as instrumental in elevating the availability of onions in the country, thereby ensuring a check on the rising prices of onions. They also provide freedom from the endorsement on the Phytosanitary Certificate (PSC) as per the Plant Quarantine Order, 2003, specifically relating to onion imports.
Furthermore, the modified norms may allow onions arriving at Indian ports without prior fumigation or endorsement stating the same on their PSCs to be fumigated locally by the importer via an accredited treatment provider.
Usual Import Procedures and Current Exceptions
Under standard circumstances, imported onions are granted entry into India only after having been fumigated and certified by the exporting nation. Importers failing to comply with these stipulations are typically levied four times the regular inspection fees as a penalty. However, the consignments of onions currently entering India under the revised norms will not be subjected to any penalties for non-compliance.
Understanding Fumigation
Fumigation refers to the pest control process whereby the airspace within a confined structure is filled with toxic gas, such as Methyl Bromide or Phosphine, to eliminate pests. Despite its prohibition in developed nations due to its depletion of ozone, Methyl bromide is widely used to control pests in storage buildings, soil, and grains, and during the processing of goods slated for import or export to prevent the transfer of foreign organisms. It is widely acknowledged as the most effective method for eradicating pests, insects, and nematodes.
The Role of the Phytosanitary Certificate
Phytosanitary certificates are issued to signify that shipments of plants or plant products satisfy the specified phytosanitary import requirements under the International Plant Protection Convention (IPPC), 1951. These measures aim to safeguard human, animal, and plant health from diseases, pests, and contaminants.
In general, PSCs are generated by the exporting country and can only be issued by an authorized officer from a government department with authorization from a National Plant Protection Agency (NPPO). The NPPO’s primary mission is to prevent the introduction of pests, contamination, or diseases into the importing country.
Understanding the Plant Quarantine Order, 2003
Implemented to assure the import of pest and fungus free agricultural commodities in the country, the Plant Quarantine Order, 2003 aims at preventing destruction to crops. Plant quarantine technqiues focus on ensuring that the imported plants are disease- and pest-free. During the quarantine process, a plant is isolated while tests are performed to detect any presence of problem.
Summary of Facts
| Country | Onion Imports |
|---|---|
| Afghanistan | Allowed Under New Norms |
| Egypt | Allowed Under New Norms |
| Turkey | Allowed Under New Norms |
| Iran | Allowed Under New Norms |