Customs Circular No- 34/2011 dated 03.08.2011
Prohibition on Carrying rice in baggage by air passengers travelling to USA -
Regarding.
Ministry of Agriculture, Department of Agriculture and Cooperation has informed
that the U. S. Department of Agriculture, Animal and Plant Health Inspection
Service (USDA - APHIS) has notified new phytosanitary regulations for the entry
of rice from countries including India where Khapra beetle (Trogoderma granarium)
is known to occur. These regulations, inter alia prohibit non-commercial rice
consignment including passenger baggage and mail with effect from 30th July,
2011.
2. It is, therefore, clarified that all air passengers travelling to USA should
not carry rice in their baggage. The prohibition would also be applicable in
dispatch of rice through other means such as courier or mail.
3. A suitable public notice / advisory may be issued by the Commissioner of
Customs concerned for guidance of staff, trade and passengers.
Yours faithfully,
(Subodh Singh)
OSD (Customs), Tariff Unit
F.No. 528/34/2011-STO (TU)