India’s Insistance on Methyl Bromide Fumigation Disrupts Trade

As previously reported, Indian Plant Protection authorities continue to insist on the use of methyl bromide for fumigation of agricultural imports.  Methyl Bromide (MB) is no longer used for fumigation except in critical cases, in many parts of the world, including the US. Indian authorities have given until April 1, 2017 for the trade to come into compliance with this regulation, no exceptions. This means that any cargo arriving without MB fumigation from load port will be rejected by the Indian Plant quarantine Department.

A few options have been presented by Indian authorities for countries not utilizing MB;  countries using alternate fumigants need to submit technical efficacy data to Indian authorities proving that the fumigant is effective in eradicating pests. If they are satisfied with the results, the Department will allow the use of the said fumigant; The Indian plant quarantine Department is willing to explore allowing Indian authorities to conduct a detailed study of other systems from cultivation until export. If the entire system/process gives the team the confidence that it will not allow pests and insects, etc. to be present in the cargo, the Department will allow such cargo fumigated by that country to be imported without MB fumigation.  The last option is pre-inspection of cargo.  All options require that the exporting country take the initiative to approach Indian authorities and propose a solution.  It is anticipated that until a permanent solution is found, there could be significant disruption to trade, including products from the U.S.  We are working with our agricultural representatives in India to find a solution.