Regarding prohibition on carrying rice in baggage by air passengers travelling to USA

Circular No.34 / 2011- Customs

F.No. 528/34/2011-STO (TU)

Government of India

Ministry of Finance

Department of Revenue

Central Board of Excise & Customs

Tariff Unit

***

 229A, North Block, New Delhi - 1,

   3^rd August, 2011.

To

All Chief Commissioners of Customs / Customs (Prev.),

All Chief Commissioners of Customs & Central Excise,

All Commissioners of Customs / Customs (Prev.),

All Commissioners of Customs & Central Excise,

All Director Generals under CBEC.

Sir / Madam, 

Subject:        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 30^th 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

Internal Circulation: As usual