Guidelines for import of live seaweed into India

REGD. No. D. L.-33004/99 The Gazette of India CG-DL-E-23102024-258171 EXTRAORDINARY PART I-Section 1 PUBLISHED BY AUTHORITY No. 298] NEW DELHI, MONDAY, OCTOBER 21, 2024/ASVINA 29, 1946 MINISTRY OF FISHERIES, ANIMAL HUSBANDRY AND DAIRYING (Department of Fisheries) NOTIFICATION New Delhi, the 21st October, 2024 Subject: Guidelines for Import of Live Seaweeds into India. F.No. j-1503529/5/2024-DOF (E-24345)—Whereas, Department of Fisheries, Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying is the Nodal Department for development of fisheries and aquaculture sector in India; and develop the guidelines for import of live seaweeds into India in consultation with stakeholders. 2. Now, Department of Fisheries, Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying hereby notifies the following guidelines, namely 'the guidelines for import of live seaweeds into India'. NEETU PRASAD, Jt. Secy. 1. PREAMBLE 1.1 The global production of seaweed was 35 million tonnes (wet weight), worth around 16.5 billion USD according to FAO (2022). Almost 94% of the total production was contributed by 8 seaweed species viz., Laminaria japonica, Eucheuma spp., Gracilaria spp., Undaria pinnatifida, Porphyra spp., Kappaphycus alvarezii, Sargassum fusiforme and Eucheuma denticulatum. According to ICAR-Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (ICAR-CMFRI), the quantity of wild-harvested seaweed in India was 0.03 million tonnes (2021). As per the recent estimate by CMFRI, India has the potential to produce around 9.7 million tonnes of seaweed per year, while the current seaweed production is only 34 thousand tonnes. The major industrial applications of seaweeds are as a source of agar, agarose and carrageenan used in laboratories, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, cardboard, paper, paint and processed foods. Currently, seaweed-based industries are not functioning up to their rated capacity, due to short-supply of raw materials. 1.2 India has a rich diversity of about 844 seaweed species of which the Red Algae Gelidiella acerosa, Gracilaria edulis, G. crassa, G. foliifera and G. verrucosa are farmed for manufacturing Agar and the Brown Algae Sargassum spp., Turbinaria spp. and Cystoseira trinodis for the production of alginates and liquid seaweed fertilizer. Seaweed cultivation is a highly income yielding activity involving simple, low cost, low maintenance technology with short grow-out cycle. 1.3 The flagship scheme of Government of India namely Pradhan Mantri Matsya sampada Yoiana (PMMSY) envisaged to revolutionize the seaweed sector, aiming to increase seaweed production of the country over 1.12 million tonnes by 2025. To carry out the culture activities, recently ICAR-CMFRI has geotagged 342 potential sites for cultivating marine plants and algae along the Indian coast. However, Indian seaweed production is mostly depended upon culture of Kappaphycus alvarezii and other few native varieties. Over-dependence on K. alvarezii, which is losing its vigour of fast growth and became disease-prone over the years. This call for the import of new varieties and strains of seaweeds to improve production and productivity. 1.4 At present live seaweed materials are not included under the import and export guidelines of India for agriculture articles framed by the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT), Government of India. Our country has Indian plant quarantine regulations in place legislated under ‘Destructive Insects and Pests Act, 1914' and 'Plant Quarantine (regulation of import into India) order 2003' for the purpose of regulating the import of agricultural articles into India. The existing PQ Order-2003 regulates the import of 'Seaweeds – Chondrus spp./ Ecklonia maxima/ Eucheuma spp./Gelidium spp./ Gelidiella spp./ Gracilaria spp./ Kappaphycus spp./ Pteroclodia spp.' in dried form for consumption under Schedule VII. 1.5 There are several factors that necessitate distinct quarantine and import guidelines for seaweed, as compared to the existing guidelines for terrestrial plants. i. Unique characteristics of seaweeds: Seaweeds have distinct characteristics that differentiate them from terrestrial plants. Seaweeds are submerged in water and are exposed to different environmental conditions, such as varying salinity levels, water currents, and temperature fluctuations. ii. Biosecurity risks: Seaweeds can harbour various diseases, pests, and pathogens that can spread rapidly in marine environments. These biosecurity risks can pose threats to wild seaweed populations, as well as to other aquaculture operations. iii. Biological factors: Differences in reproductive strategies and genetics can impact the potential for spread, establishment, and persistence of seaweed in new environments iv. Regulatory and Policy Factors: Different countries like Philippines, Indonesia, Malaysia, and Tanzania have specific regulations and policies in place for the import, export, and release of seaweed and terrestrial plants. Hence, specific quarantine guidelines for seaweeds can help regulate the international trade and movement of seaweeds to minimize the risk of spreading diseases and pests across different regions 1.6 In summary, the unique ecological, environmental, biological, genetic, regulatory, and policy factors associated with seaweed and terrestrial plants necessitate separate quarantine guidelines. These guidelines are required to effectively manage the risks associated with seaweed introductions and ensure responsible management of this valuable marine resource. 2. DEFINITIONS 2.1 Authorized officer means a person authorised by the Competent Authority to sign health/quarantine/phytosanitary certificates for seaweeds 2.2 Biosecurity means a strategic and integrated approach to analyzing and managing relevant risks to human, animal (including aquatic), plant life and health and associated risks to the environment 2.3 Consignment (also termed "shipment") – a group/packages of live seaweed material described in a phytosanitary certificate and/or in a permit to import. 2.4 Competent Authority means the Authority responsible for management of aquatic plant germplasm health as may be notified by the Department of Fisheries, Government of India. 2.5 Exporting country means a country from which live seaweed materials are sent to a destination in another country. 2.6 International trade means import, export or transit of various forms of live seaweed material and biological products. 2.7 Import means an act of bringing into any part or place of territory of Republic of India any kind of seaweed material and other regulated article from a place outside India either by sea, land, air or across any customs frontier. 2.8 Import permit means an official document authorizing importation of a consignment in accordance with specified phytosanitary requirements. 2.9 Importer means person/company/government agency importing various forms of live seaweed material from outside the country. 3.0 Invasive species means non-indigenous species that adversely affect the habitats they invade economically, environmentally or ecologically. 3.1 Live seaweed material means any living seaweed that are collected from wild or genetically improved under laboratory conditions for commercial culture purposes. 3.2 Pest means any biotic agent capable of causing any injury or damage to plants and plant products and include any form or stage of insects, mites, snails, slugs, worms, nematodes, algae, fungi, protozoa, bacteria, actinomycetes, viruses, viroids and molecutes and also include genetically engineered or modified organisms and weeds. 3.3 Phytosanitary certificate means a certificate issued in the model format prescribed under the International Plant Protection Convention of the Food & Agricultural Organization and issued by an authorized officer at the country of origin of consignment or re-export. 3.4 Point of entry means any sea port, airport, or land-border check-post or rail station, river port, foreign post office, courier terminal, container freight station or inland container depot notified by Department of Fisheries, Government of India. 3.5 Quarantine means maintaining a live seaweed material in isolation with no direct or indirect contact with other aquatic biota/wild environments, in order to undergo observation for a specified length of time and, if appropriate, testing and treatment, including proper treatment of the effluent waters. 3.6 Quarantine officer means a technically competent person authorized by the Competent Authority for purposes of inspecting and certifying compliance with the health requirements of the Competent Authority concerning the import and export of various forms of live seaweed material. 3.7 Quarantine period means a minimum period of quarantine, typically as specified in a seaweed quarantine guidelines or other legally binding document (e.g. national or state regulations). 3.8 Risk analysis means the complete process composed of hazard identification, risk assessment, risk management and risk communication. 3.9 Seaweed means marine macroalgae which are photosynthetic aquatic organisms 4.0 Seaweed Germplasm means seaweed in whole or in parts and their propagules including seeds, vegetative parts, tissue cultures, cell cultures, genes and DNA based sequences that are held in a repository or collected from wild as the case may be and are utilized in genetic studies or breeding programmes for its improvement. 4.1 Shipment means a group of aquatic animals or products thereof destined for transportation. 4.2 Surveillance means a systematic series of investigations of a given population of aquatic animals to detect the occurrence of disease for control purposes, and which may involve testing samples of a population. 4.3 Susceptible species/organism means a species of aquatic biota/seaweed in which infection has been demonstrated by natural cases or by experimental exposures to the disease agent that mimics the natural pathways for infection. 3. GENERAL CONDITIONS FOR IMPORT 3.1 No import of the seaweed live material shall be allowed if the seaweed is found to be fall under the following categories i. Seaweed is known to be a vector or carrier of pathogens or listed under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) or in the threatened list of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) or that of the exporting country's threatened list. However, if the exporting country's competent authority certifies it, it can be permitted. ii. Species under any other ban imposed on the import due to national legislation or international treaties/conventions. iii. Invasive species exhibiting well-documented deleterious impacts in India or other countries having environmental conditions similar to India. 3.2 No import of seaweed live material is permitted without a valid permit from Department of Fisheries, Government of India. 3.3 No seaweed shall be imported into India without complying the phytosanitary conditions as stipulated in the pre-import permit. 3.4 The issue of permit may be refused or withheld by the issuing authority after giving reasonable notice to the applicant and for reasons to be recorded in writing. 3.5 The import permit issued shall be valid for six months from the date of issue and valid for listed port access as per Annexure-VI and for multiple part shipments provided the exporter, importer and country of origin are the same for the entire consignment. Suppression of the facts or any material information while issue of import permit is liable to be cancelled or withdrawn. 3.6 The import permit issued shall not be transferable and no amendments to the permit shall be issued except for change of point of entry subject to reasons to be recorded in writing. 3.7 The seaweeds can be either from wild or genetically modified strains of certified laboratories The indicative list of seaweed species to be considered for import is given in Annexure-I. 3.8 It should be devoid of epiphytes, any biotic agent capable of causing any injury or damage to seaweed and seaweed products and include any form or stage of insects, mites, snails, slugs, worms, nematodes, algae, fungi, protozoa, bacteria, actinomycetes, viruses and viroids, and also include genetically engineered or modified organisms and weeds. The indicative list of diseases is given in Annexure-II. 3.9 Request for import of a live seaweed shall be subject to clearance from National Committee on Introduction of Exotic Aquatic Species into Indian Waters. 3.10 The Phytosanitary clearance from the exporting country for the seaweed live material is required in the prescribed format as in Annexure- III 3.11 Direct sale of imported seaweed in the domestic market or international market shall not be allowed. 3.12 All the consignments of live seaweed material shall be imported into India only through ports of entry and falling within the jurisdiction of Plant Quarantine Station /Animal Quarantine Certification & Services namely Chennai, Kochi and Ahmedabad or those notified by the Department of Fisheries from time to time. 3.13 On arrival, at the first point of entry the consignment shall be inspected by any officer duly authorized by Department of Fisheries, Government of India and appropriate samples shall be drawn for laboratory testing, in accordance with the guidelines issued by Department of Fisheries from time to time. 3.14 After inspection and laboratory testing, fumigation, disinfection or disinfestation, successful quarantine period as may be considered necessary, accord quarantine clearance for farming/grow out/research as per Annexure-VII and or order deportation or destruction of the consignment as per Annexure-VIII in the event of non-compliance with the restrictions and conditions specified in this Order. 3.15 Where fumigation or disinfestation or disinfection is considered necessary in respect of a consignment of live seaweed the importer shall on his own and at his cost arrange for the fumigation, disinfection or disinfestation of the consignment, through an agency approved by the any relevant Govt. agencies. 3.16 Neither the exporter nor the importer shall claim any intellectual property or other right on the imported material. 4. MODE OF APPLICATION 4.1 The importer intending to import live exotic seaweed material shall apply in the prescribed format as per Annexure- IV accompanied with particulars like scientific and common name of the seaweed, photographs of the seaweed including various body parts. Without these, the application for permit shall be rejected. 4.2. The permission of import shall be issued by the Competent Authority in the Department of Fisheries, Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying, Government of India, after examination of the proposal and due consideration of the recommendation of the National committee on introduction of exotic aquatic species into Indian waters. The permission in approved cases shall be communicated to the applicant within four weeks from the date of receipt of the complete proposal. 4.3 The import permit issued shall be non-transferable and valid for six months from the date of issue. 4.4 The issuing authority might consider one revalidation not exceeding maximum of three months provided such request for extension of validity is made to the issuing authority before the expiry of the permit with adequate justification. 4.5 Import of seaweed live material shall be allowed only through designated seaports/airports as per Annexure-VI. 5. APPLICATION FEE 5.1 Online payment of Rs. 300/- per application can be made to the Bharatkosh through the online payment gateway and the receipt of the same shall be attached with the application. 6. PACKAGING AND TRANSPORT 6.1 Seaweed live material must be packaged in leak-proof bags and must enable proper inspection and identification. 6.2 The packaging shall facilitate easy inspection of the consignment by the officer duly authorized by Department of Fisheries, Government of India at the port of entry. 6.3 Each box or carton must be clearly identified with label mentioning name and quantity of seaweed live material and identification number of each box/carton. In case, any preservative kind of material has been used during transport, it should be clearly mentioned in the packaging list. 6.4 The consignment must be accompanied by relevant documents including phytosanitary certificate and photograph of species, copy of import permit, copy of quarantine certificate (if applicable), invoices, certificate of origin, bill of lading and other documents issued by the transport authority of exporting country. 7. STANDARD OPERATING PROCEDURES (SOPs) FOR SEAWEED QUARANTINE (where needed, detailed procedure and / or authorized institutes shall be notified) 7.1 Every species/strain of live seaweed imported into the country shall have to be subjected to the quarantine procedures in a quarantine facility designated by the Department of Fisheries, Government of India. 7.2 The quarantine fee shall be prescribed by the Quarantine facility in consultation with the Department of Fisheries, Government of India. 7.3 The cost of screening and testing shall be borne by the importer. The testing of samples shall be undertaken in the Institutes of Indian Council of Agricultural Research or the laboratory approved by the Directorate of Plant protection, Quarantine & Storage / Department of Fisheries, Government of India. 7.4 Receiving and Transport of Consignment from Airport i. Upon arrival of the Consignment, accompanying pre-import permit and Phytosanitary Certificate and other relevant documents issued by the competent authority of exporting country should be verified and imported species should be rechecked at the quarantine facility and certificate of quarantine be issued by the the designated authority. ii. Consignment, containing seaweed should be cleared in presence of the Aquatic Plant Quarantine Officer or any officer duly authorized by Department of Fisheries, Government of India who will take charge of the consignment. Gross observation of the consignment, damages if any will be recorded by the authorized officer in the presence of the importer or his representative. iii. Upon clearance from the port of entry, consignment shall be transferred immediately to the approved quarantine facility in a sanitised truck by the route designated by officer duly authorized by Department of Fisheries, Government of India. The quarantine of the imported material may be undertaken by the in-house quarantine facilities established by the importer and approved by Government of India or any designated facility by Department of Fisheries, Government of India. The basic requirements for the quarantine facility are annexed as Annexure-X. 7.5 Permitting the consignment at Aquatic Plant Quarantine Facility i. Only the bags with seaweed should be taken inside the quarantine unit. ii. Representative of the importing firm/agency shall be permitted to observe the condition of the seaweed. The representative will acknowledge the status of the consignment. iii. Except the seaweeds, other materials used for transport shall be incinerated by officials of Aquatic Plant Quarantine Facility or staff of any other facility designated for the similar purpose. 7.6 Inspection and sampling of consignments i. A representative sample from the seaweed will be drawn for each species / strain / variety to carry out laboratory testing ii. Sampling regime for carrying out various laboratory testing of Seaweeds +----------------------------+--------------------------------------------------------------------+ | Seaweed Quantity (kg) | Sample to be drawn for each species / strain / variety to carry out | | | laboratory testing | +============================+====================================================================+ | Less than 10 | 1% sample | +----------------------------+--------------------------------------------------------------------+ | 11-100 | 2% sample | +----------------------------+--------------------------------------------------------------------+ | 101-1000 | 2.5% smple | +----------------------------+--------------------------------------------------------------------+ | 1001-10000 | 1% sample | +----------------------------+--------------------------------------------------------------------+ iii. The inspecting officer shall ensure that the inspection/sampling procedures adopted are adequate for the detection of quarantine pests and /or regulated non-quarantine pests and are consistent with phytosanitary requirements of India. iv. The sample collected/forwarded for laboratory testing will be appropriately packed to prevent any escape of pest, sealed and labelled. The sampling label will provide detailed information viz., Lot/Batch Number, Name of the consignment (species/variety), Sample size, Place of inspection, Date of inspection, Name/Signature of Inspector v. Samples should be tested for insects, worms and other infections due to fungi, bacteria and viruses. vi. Laboratory expert upon conducting all the tests will submit a detailed report. The report should indicate the type of tests carried out, seaweed species/variety examined and the degree of infestation/infection and quarantine status of the pest noticed along with recommendations, if any, and submit to the authorized officer. vii. The authorized officer, immediately after the receipt of inspection/testing report will verify with concerned laboratory expert. viii. If any risks are detected, the consignment will be recommended for deportation/destruction and the importer or his agent will be communicated the action taken in the prescribed format as per Annexure-VII ix. In case no risks are detected, the Authorised officer shall issue a Quarantine Certificate. 7.7 Maintenance at Quarantine Facility i. The seaweed quarantine unit should be isolated from other aquaculture facilities for seaweed. ii. Quarantine process should be done in tank culture system to minimize risks caused by the exotic pathogen/pests that may be associated with imported seaweeds and have potential to be transferred into the local marine environment. iii. Seawater that is used in the tank system should be filtered with an appropriate water filtration system through 1 micron sieve and be treated with UV light. iv. Tank should be cleaned and disinfected (may use Chlorine solutions as disinfectant with appropriate concentrations). v. Prior to the quarantine process, the seawater should be checked for inorganic nutrients (e.g., NH4, NO3, and PO4), salinity and temperature, to ensure that these parameters are optimum for seaweed culture (Values and Concentrations may differ according to the species). vi. The tank system should be adequately aerated, depending on the volume of the tank and checked to ensure optimum light intensity for photosynthesis (60 – 80 µmol photons m² s⁻¹) vii. Equipment used in the quarantine facility, such as scrubbing brushes, thermometers, filters etc are to be treated with a chlorine dip after use. viii. Holding tanks are to be drained, scrubbed and clean at least twice a week ix. Seaweed is to be thoroughly rinsed with fresh seawater before placement into holding tanks to remove any unwanted microorganisms. x. The imported seaweed stock would undergo quarantine in approved quarantine facility for two weeks (14 days). xi. The in-charge of quarantine facility shall ensure the optimal water quality for maintenance of imported seaweed. xii. During the process, the seedlings should be monitored daily for signs of color change, appearance of filamentous algae, and for growth performance. xiii. A log book shall be maintained for recording details of treatment, observations and clinical abnormalities if any on a daily basis. xiv. The discharged water from the quarantine should be held temporarily and treated with hypochloride solution (> 20 PPM active chlorine for not less than 60 minutes) or other effective disinfectant prior to discharge. This is particularly crucial where the water is to be discharged to the same location as the abstraction point. xv. There should be means provided for disinfection of vehicle tyre (tyre bath at gate) feet (foot bath containing hypochlorite solution at > 50 ppm active chlorine) and hands (bottles containing iodine-PVP 20 PPM and/or 70% alcohol) to be used upon entering and exiting the facility. xvi. Entry of unauthorized person to be restricted. xvii. If the stock shows no signs of mortality or infections the stock shall be released to the importer packed in polythene bags. xviii. The importer shall be provided with delivery challan along with quarantine certificate. 8. POST QUARANTINE INSPECTION 8.1 Competent Authority have right to carry out the post quarantine inspection of rearing facility, farms, laboratories of the importers to confirm the specified norms for assuring the imported seaweed materials are used for the purpose for which they are imported 8.2 The importer shall submit quarterly status report on transport, propagation, culture, laboratory experiments etc. after the import to Department of Fisheries, Government of India as per Annexure-IX. 9. ACTIONS AGAINST VIOLATIONS OF THE GUIDELINES 9.1 The importer shall keep in mind the biosafety, biohazards and economic interest of the nation. Any biosafety and other related hazards arising out of release of the imported seaweed live material into the natural waters shall entirely be the responsibility of importer/importing organization and shall be liable to be proceeded against in accordance with the relevant rules of Government of India. 9.2 If during the course of inspection, it comes to the notice of the Competent Authority that the importer wilfully suppressed certain important information/deliberately furnished wrong information or that the species sought to be imported and the one actually imported are not the same or that the imported specimens also consist of species for which approval has not been obtained, the import permit shall be cancelled forthwith and all the specimens imported destroyed without any notice to or permission of the importer. 9.3 The importer shall take abundant care to prevent any accidental escape and wilful release of the seaweed from the farm/growing areas. In the event of accidental escape/ wilful release of seaweed away from the growing areas or farm, the matter should be reported to the competent authority. ANNEXURE-I INDICATIVE LIST OF SEAWEED SPECIES/STRAINS TO BE CONSIDERED FOR IMPORT +----+--------------------------+-----------------+ | # | Scientific name | Class | +====+==========================+=================+ | 1. | Eucheuma spp | Red seaweed | +----+--------------------------+-----------------+ | 2. | Eucheuma denticulatum | Red seaweed | +----+--------------------------+-----------------+ | 3. | Gracilaria dura | Red seaweed | +----+--------------------------+-----------------+ | 4. | Gracilaria debilis | Red seaweed | +----+--------------------------+-----------------+ | 5. | Gracilaria spp | Red seaweed | +----+--------------------------+-----------------+ | 6. | Gracilaria verrucosa | Red seaweed | +----+--------------------------+-----------------+ | 7. | Gelidium amansii | Red seaweed | +----+--------------------------+-----------------+ | 8. | Kappaphycus alvarezii | Red seaweed | +----+--------------------------+-----------------+ | 9. | Caulerpa spp. | Green seaweeds | +----+--------------------------+-----------------+ | 10.| Enteromorpha clathrata | Green seaweeds | +----+--------------------------+-----------------+ | 11.| Monostroma nitidum | Green seaweeds | +----+--------------------------+-----------------+ | 12.| Sargassum fusiforme | Brown seaweed | +----+--------------------------+-----------------+ | 13.| Codium fragile | Green seaweeds | +----+--------------------------+-----------------+ | 14.| Laminaria japonica | Brown seaweed | +----+--------------------------+-----------------+ | 15.| Undaria pinnatifida | Brown seaweed | +----+--------------------------+-----------------+ | 16.| Porphyra spp | Red seaweed | +----+--------------------------+-----------------+ *The species are indicative and are of commercial value. The list may be expanded by the Department of fisheries, Government of India as per the requirement in the Government, which may also notify a negative list for import from any specific country or a geographic region. ANNEXURE-II INDICATIVE LIST OF PESTS/DISEASES IN SEAWEEDS 1) Rotten thallus syndrome 2) Epiphytic filamentous algae 3) Ice-ice disease 4) Pitting 5) Sedimentation 6) Red rot disease 7) Tip Discolouration 8) Olpidiopsis disease 9) White spot disease 10) Anaaki disease 11) Diatom felt 12) Cyanobacteria felt 13) Green-spot diseases 14) White blight disease 15) Hole-rotten disease 16) Twisted frond diseases 17) Shot-hole disease 18) Spot-rotting diseases 19) Yellow- hole disease 20) Spot decay 21) Green Decay diseases 22) Pin-hole disease 23) Brown endophytic disease *The above list of diseases is indicative and the exporter, importer and inspection authority should check for any diseases/abnormalities than those which are listed here ANNEXURE-III PHYTOSANITARY CERTIFICATE No: +---------------------------------------------------------------------------------+---------------------------------------------------+ | From | To | +=================================================================================+===================================================+ | Plant Protection Organisation of | Joint Secretary, Department of Fisheries | +---------------------------------------------------------------------------------+---------------------------------------------------+ | Or any other authority as designated by competent authority of exporting country| Govt. of India / Plant Protection Organisation (s) of | | | …… | +---------------------------------------------------------------------------------+---------------------------------------------------+ | Description of Consignment | | +---------------------------------------------------------------------------------+---------------------------------------------------+ | Name and address of exporter | | +---------------------------------------------------------------------------------+---------------------------------------------------+ | Name and Address of consignee | | +---------------------------------------------------------------------------------+---------------------------------------------------+ | Number and description of packages | | +---------------------------------------------------------------------------------+---------------------------------------------------+ | Place of origin | | +---------------------------------------------------------------------------------+---------------------------------------------------+ | Declared means of conveyance | | +---------------------------------------------------------------------------------+---------------------------------------------------+ | Declared point of entry into India | | +---------------------------------------------------------------------------------+---------------------------------------------------+ | Name of produce and quantity declared | | +---------------------------------------------------------------------------------+---------------------------------------------------+ | Scientific name of the species | | +---------------------------------------------------------------------------------+---------------------------------------------------+ | This is to certify that the seaweed materials described above have been inspected according to appropriate procedures | | and are considered to be free from quarantine pests and practically free from injurious pests and that they are | | considered to conform to the current phytosanitary regulations at the importing country | +---------------------------------------------------------------------------------+---------------------------------------------------+ Details of Disinfestation and/ or Disinfection Treatment +-------------------------+-------------------------+ | Date | Temperature | +-------------------------+-------------------------+ | Duration | Chemical (active ingredient) | +-------------------------+-------------------------+ | Treatment | Concentration | +-------------------------+-------------------------+ | Additional information | | +-------------------------+-------------------------+ | Additional Declarations:| | +-------------------------+-------------------------+ Place of issue: Date of issue: Stamp of Organization Name, Signature and Seal of Authorized officer No financial liability with respect to this certificate shall attach to......... (Name of Plant Protecntion Organization/ any other authority as designated by competent authority of exporting country)) ......... or to any of its officers or representatives *.*Optional clause ANNEXURE-IV APPLICATION FOR PERMIT TO IMPORT LIVE SEAWEED INTO INDIA To, Joint Secretary, Department of Fisheries, Govt of India (Issuing Authority) I/We hereby make an application in accordance with the guidelines of Import of Live Seaweeds into India for permission to import following live seaweed / seaweed material. +-----------------------------------------------+-------------------------------------------+ | 1.Name and Address of Importer | 2.Name and Address of Exporter | +-----------------------------------------------+-------------------------------------------+ | 3.Country of origin / re-export | 4.Foreign port of shipment | +-----------------------------------------------+-------------------------------------------+ | 5.Approximate date of arrival of shipment | 7. Means of conveyance | +-----------------------------------------------+-------------------------------------------+ | 6. Point of entry into India | | +-----------------------------------------------+-------------------------------------------+ | 8.Description of seaweed (Species name/ Common name) | 9.Variety / Hybrid | 10. Quantity (Wt/Nos) | 11. No. of. Packages | 12.Mode of packing | +-----------------------------------------------+-------------------------------------------+ | 13. Whether Transgenic or not? | | +-----------------------------------------------+-------------------------------------------+ | 14.Name of location of post-entry quarantine facility, where applicable? | | +-----------------------------------------------+-------------------------------------------+ | 15.Purpose of import | | +-----------------------------------------------+-------------------------------------------+ | 16.Precise Culture/Propagation/ Research location | | +-----------------------------------------------+-------------------------------------------+ | 17. Particulars of documents, if any attached | | +-----------------------------------------------+-------------------------------------------+ Declaration I/We hereby declare that the information furnished above is correct and complete in all respects and undertake to pay to an officer duly authorized by Department of Fisheries, Government of India, the prescribed fees towards inspection, treatment or post-entry quarantine inspection of the above consignment and abide by the instructions/guidelines issued by him. Date: Place: Seal (Name, Signature and seal of Importer or his authorized Agent) Essential Enclosure: Photographs of seaweed species to be imported (the photograph should be of the specimens of the seaweed from where the import is proposed and not from published or sources). Instruction for filling proforma : No column/row should be left blank. If information is not available if N.A and if the item is not relevant, N.A. ANNEXURE- V Government of India Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying Department of Fisheries PERMIT FOR IMPORT OF LIVE SEAWEEDS INTO INDIA Permit No. Date of issue Valid up to In accordance with the guidelines for Import of Live Seaweeds into India, I hereby grant permission to import the following live seaweed / seaweed material as detailed below: +-----------------------------------------------+-------------------------------------------+ | 1.Name & Address of Importer | 2.Name & Address of Exporter | +-----------------------------------------------+-------------------------------------------+ | 3.Country of origin / re-export | 4. Point of Entry into India | +-----------------------------------------------+-------------------------------------------+ | 5.Description of seaweed (Species name/ Common name) | 6. Variety / Hybrid | 7. Quantity (Wt/Nos) | 8. No. of. Packages | 9. Mode of packing | +-----------------------------------------------+-------------------------------------------+ 10. The above permission is granted subject to the following conditions: - 1) The consignment of seaweed materials shall be free from weed species and diseases 2) (i) The consignment shall be accompanied by a Phytosanitary Certificate/ Phytosanitary Certificate for re-export issued by an authorized officer in the country of origin / re-export as the case may be with an additional declaration for the freedom from a) b) c) (or) that the above-specified pests do not occur in the country or state of origin. 5) (ii) Certified that the seaweed materials as described above obtained from the mother crop/stock which was inspected on regular intervals by an appropriate authority in the country of origin and found free from 6) The consignment shall be grown in an approved post-entry quarantine facility designated by the Department of Fisheries, Government of India for a period of (days/month) 7) The permit is not transferable and shall be valid for six months from the date of issue and valid for multiple port access and multiple part shipments provided the exporter, importer and country of origin are the same for the entire consignment. The permit number shall be quoted on the phytosanitary certificate issued at the country of origin/re-export, as the case may be. Date: Place: (Seal) Name Signature Designation of Issuing Authority ANNEXURE-VI DESIGNATED SEAPORTS/AIRPORTS FOR IMPORT OF LIVE SEAWEEDS INTO INDIA 1. All consignments of live seaweed/seaweed material shall only be imported into India through following port of entry or other points of entry as may be notified from time to time for this purpose. I. Ahmedabad, Gujarat II. Mumbai Airport/Seaport, Maharashtra III. Bangalore, Karnataka IV. Cochin Airport/Seaport, Kerala V. Chennai Airport/Seaport, Tamil Nadu VI. Kolkata Airport/Seaport, West Bengal Note: All the imports are only allowed through seaports/airport designated by Government of India and this may increase at later stage. ANNEXURE-VII Government of India Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying Department of Fisheries RELEASE ORDER Ref No: Date of Issue: In accordance with the guidelines of Import of Live Seaweeds into India, the following consignment of live seaweed / seaweed material referred to this station has been inspected or treated and the same has been accorded quarantine clearance as detailed below: +-------------------------------------------------------------+-----------------------+ | 1.Name of the consignment (Common/scientific name) | | +-------------------------------------------------------------+-----------------------+ | 2.Quantity (Wt./nos.) | | +-------------------------------------------------------------+-----------------------+ | 3.Number of packages/containers and mode of packing | | +-------------------------------------------------------------+-----------------------+ | 4.Country of origin/re-export and foreign port of shipment | | +-------------------------------------------------------------+-----------------------+ | 5.Distinguishing marks | | +-------------------------------------------------------------+-----------------------+ | 6.Means of conveyance & date of arrival | | +-------------------------------------------------------------+-----------------------+ | 7.Point of entry into India | | +-------------------------------------------------------------+-----------------------+ | 8.Name and address of the importer | | +-------------------------------------------------------------+-----------------------+ | 9.Bill of entry no./shipping or airway bill no. and date | | +-------------------------------------------------------------+-----------------------+ | 10. Date of sampling/inspection/treatment | | +-------------------------------------------------------------+-----------------------+ Date: Place: Name: Signature: Competent Authority Copy to: i) Collector of Customs: ii) Inspection Authority iii) Deputy Director (Aquatic Quarantine), New Delhi *Strike out which is not applicable ANNEXURE -VIII Government of India Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying Department of Fisheries DEPORTATION / DESTRUCTION ORDER No: Date of Issue: In accordance with the guidelines of Live Seaweeds into India, the following consignment of Live seaweed / seaweed material referred to this station has been inspected or treated and the same has been ordered for eportation/destruction as the same was imported in violation of the provisions of the above guidelines. The details are as under +-------------------------------------------------------------+-----------------------+ | 1.Name of the consignment (Common/scientific name) | | +-------------------------------------------------------------+-----------------------+ | 2.Quantity (Wt./nos.) | | +-------------------------------------------------------------+-----------------------+ | 3.Number of packages/containers | | +-------------------------------------------------------------+-----------------------+ | 4.Country of origin/re-export and foreign port of shipment | | +-------------------------------------------------------------+-----------------------+ | 5.Distinguishing marks, if any | | +-------------------------------------------------------------+-----------------------+ | 6.Means of conveyance & date of arrival | | +-------------------------------------------------------------+-----------------------+ | 7.Point of entry into India | | +-------------------------------------------------------------+-----------------------+ | 8.Name and address of the importer | | +-------------------------------------------------------------+-----------------------+ +----------------------------------------------------------+-----------------------+ | 9.Bill of entry no./shipping or airway bill no. and date | | +----------------------------------------------------------+-----------------------+ | 10.Date of sampling/inspection/treatment | | +----------------------------------------------------------+-----------------------+ Nature of Non-Compliance (i) Consignment has been imported without valid Import Permit or Phytosanitary Certificate as stated in the guidelines of Import of Live Seaweeds into India. (ii) Consignment on inspection found to be infested/infected with a pest/diseases stated in the guidelines for Import of Live Seaweeds into India. (iii) Consignment on inspection found to be contaminated with quarantine weed (iv) Consignment is prohibited entry (v) Consignment found to be substantially contaminated with epiphytic algae/sand (vi) Consignment found packed with objectionable package material (vii) Any other reason (specify): Note: Tick-out, which ever applicable. Date : Place: Name: Signature: Competent Authority Action to be taken by the importer or his authorized Agent. The above stated consignment/container shall be deported within days from the date of issue of this order for which the importer or his authorised agent shall submit the re-shipping bills for necessary endorsement failing which the same shall be arranged for destruction at his own cost in manner prescribed by the Department of Fisheries, Govt. of India Date : Place : Authorised Officers Name Designation Signature: Seal Copy to 1. Commissioner of (Address of Commissioner ate of Customs) 2. Port Trust Authority/Airport Authority of 3. Deputy Director (Aquatic Quarantine), New Delhi ANNEXURE -IX FORMAT FOR QUARTERLY REPORT FROM SEAWEED IMPORTER +----+-----------------------------------------------------------------+-----------------+ | 1. | Name and address of the importer | | +----+-----------------------------------------------------------------+-----------------+ | 2. | Contact number & email address | | +----+-----------------------------------------------------------------+-----------------+ | 3. | Permit number and date | | +----+-----------------------------------------------------------------+-----------------+ | 4. | Location of the farm/ laboratory | | +----+-----------------------------------------------------------------+-----------------+ | 5. | Common and scientific name of the imported species | | +----+-----------------------------------------------------------------+-----------------+ | 6. | Total quantity imported (in kgs) | | +----+-----------------------------------------------------------------+-----------------+ | 7. | Origination of imported live seaweed | | +----+-----------------------------------------------------------------+-----------------+ | 8. | Transport mortality (in kgs) | | +----+-----------------------------------------------------------------+-----------------+ | 9. | Quarantine mortality (in kgs) | | +----+-----------------------------------------------------------------+-----------------+ | 10.| Types of seaweed culture method | | +----+-----------------------------------------------------------------+-----------------+ +----+-----------------------------------------------------------------+-----------------+ | 11.| Report on general aquatic health monitoring and any unusual | | | | mortality | | +----+-----------------------------------------------------------------+-----------------+ | 12.| Any changes observed in water quality parameters after | | | | introducing the imported live seaweed in the aquatic environment| | +----+-----------------------------------------------------------------+-----------------+ | 13.| Any pest or disease is observed | | +----+-----------------------------------------------------------------+-----------------+ | 14.| Is any invasiveness observed on the surrounding environment | | | | from imported live seaweed | | +----+-----------------------------------------------------------------+-----------------+ | 15.| Total number of seaweed seeds/spores/seedlings sold to the | | | | farmers | | +----+-----------------------------------------------------------------+-----------------+ | 16.| Details of the farmers to whom sold (shall include information on| | | | the name, address, and registration number) and a copy of the | | | | registration certificate for culturing seaweed issued by coastal| | | | aquaculture authority. | | +----+-----------------------------------------------------------------+-----------------+ Place: Date: Signature Name of the authorised signatory ANNEXURE-X BASIC REQUIREMENTS OF QUARANTINE FACILITY* 1) The facility should be isolated from the aquaculture operations 2) Adequate quality and quantity of seawater 3) Proper system for handling and disposing of waste 4) Tank with appropriate size for holding seaweed material 5) Adequate filtration system to maintain water quality 6) Aeration system to ensure adequate oxygen levels 7) Instruments for measuring water quality parameters 8) Laboratory for conducting tests and analyses on seaweed specimens 9) Power supplies 10) Strict quarantine and hygiene protocol 11) Train staff in biosecurity practices and proper handling of seaweed 12) Pest control measures 13) Adequate biosecurity measures 14) Adequate Security measures should be in place to prevent unauthorized access 15) Any other relevant requirement that required to maintain quarantine facility *The above list requirements are indicative ****** Uploaded by Dte. of Printing at Government of India Press, Ring Road, Mayapuri, New Delhi-110064 and Published by the Controller of Publications, Delhi-110054.