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(i) Post-parcels:
The seeds/plant materials imported through post-parcels are intercepted by the Customs
(Postal Appraising) located at foreign post offices as notified vide
Schedule-III of Plant Quarantine (Regulation of Import into India)
Order, 2003 and the same referred to the respective plant quarantine station under
suitable postal detention note. On receipt of the post-parcels at the plant quarantine
station, the particulars of imports are entered in the register. The packages are
visually examined to ensure freedom from live insect infestation, nematode galls,
bunt balls, soil clods and weed seeds etc., as well as subject to X-Ray test to
ascertain freedom from hidden infestation. The seeds/plant materials of restricted
plant species are subject to detailed laboratory testing to ascertain free from
the notified pests. If found infested/infected, the parcels shall be fumigated/treated
before the same returned to foreign post office for release. The importer is required
to pay the inspection fees/fumigation charges to the Plant Quarantine Authority
as per
Schedule-IX(A) & (B) of The Plant Quarantine (Regulation of
Import into India) Order, 2003 before the same recommended for clearance to the
foreign post office.
If found infested/infected by a notified pest or found to be prohibited plant material,
the same shall be destroyed by incineration in the presence of Customs (Postal Appraising)
under intimation to the importer.
(ii) Couriers:
The importer or his agent is required to file a bill of entry with the Customs posted
at the Air cargo Unit of international Airports at Amritsar / Chennai / Kolkata
/ Mumbai / New Delhi. The seeds & plant material intercepted through courier
shall be referred to Plant Quarantine Authority under customs endorsement of Bill
of Entry. The importer or his agent required to file an application in the
PQ Form-15 along with attached documents with respective PQ Station
for inspection and clearance. The application will be registered after the payment
of inspection fees in the favor of Pay and Accounts Officer, Department of Agriculture,
Directorate of Plant Protection, Quarantine and Storage by a Demand Draft / Pay
Order as per Schedule-XI(A) & (B). The packages of seed/plant material subject
to visual examination to ascertain free from live insect infestation, nematode galls,
bunt balls, soil clods, and weed seeds and if necessary subject to X-ray to detect
hidden infestation. If found infested/infected, the same shall be fumigated/treated
before granting clearance. If contained prohibited plant material or infested/infected
with a notified pest the same shall be destroyed by incineration in presence of
customs under intimation to the importer.
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