The Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare has issued the Plant Quarantine (Regulation of Import into India) (Eighth Amendment) Order, 2025, on April 16, 2025, to strengthen phytosanitary standards for citrus fruit imports from Brazil.
Issued under the Destructive Insects and Pests Act, 1914, the amendment introduces stricter requirements for several citrus species, namely:
- Citrus limon (Lemon)
- Citrus sinensis (Sweet Orange)
- Citrus latifolia (Tahiti Lime)
- Citrus reticulata/C. deliciosa (Mandarin)
🛑 Key Highlights:
- Applicable Category: Fresh fruits for consumption
- Country of Origin: Brazil
- Requirement: Fruits must be free from over 15 listed pests, including Citrus black spot, Mediterranean fruit fly, South American fruit fly, and Brown rot.
- Phytosanitary Certificate: Must include specific pest-free declarations.
- Special Conditions:
- Cold treatment: As low as 0.55°C for 18 days or 1.1°C for 20 days.
- Methyl bromide fumigation: Up to 40 g/m³ for 2 hours at 21°C.
- Pest-free area certification per ISPM standards is an alternative compliance route.
These revised norms aim to prevent the entry of quarantine pests that threaten domestic citrus production and ensure safe trade practices in line with international standards.
