Update on Indian Import Controls: BIR calls for support

(see also BIR news dated 29/07/09, 25/06/09 and of 24/04/09)

BIR and some of its members have made considerable efforts in promoting necessary changes regarding the controls of imports into India. Some minor improvements were obtained but more efforts are necessary, namely by national trade delegations of exporting countries who should meet one-to-one with the Indian ministries, and also by Indian companies and their national trade associations who should make representations to their own Government for rule changes.

The new Indian rules restricting imports to end-users and thereby excluding traders represent a prime issue for Indian trading companies and their business associations to seek amended rules.

Improvements in the rules for pre-shipment inspection certificates were made in the notification of 21st July 2009 by the Indian Ministry of Environment and Forests (MOEF). However, not every exporting country has the services of an inspection agency, and certain inspection agencies refuse to provide certificates for India (due to the required certificate wording and its liability). Apparently there is no fall-back arrangement in the new rules for allowing inspection at the port of entry or alternately allowing companies to "self-certify" if for example they are certified to ISO 9001 or ISO 14001 or equivalent.

BIR will keep its members informed on any future developments.

Links to key Indian rules are: [ http://www.envfor.nic.in/legis/hsm/SO1799E.pdf ]
which amends ...
[ http://envfor.nic.in/legis/hsm/HAZMAT_2265_eng.pdf ]
and is an improvement on ...
[ http://164.100.9.245/exim/2000/apndxftp0809/appnd-5.pdf ]

(if the link does not work automatically, just copy and paste it into your browser window)

*WARNING BEWARE OF TEMPORARY SUSPENSIONS AND ADDITIONS TO THE INDIAN GOVERNMENT APPROVED LIST IN APPENDIX 5.

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