India’s government has granted Canada another three month exemption from its rule requiring fumigation of pulse crops before they arrive in India, according to Canada’s agriculture and trade ministers.
Lawrence MacAulay, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food, and François-Philippe Champagne, Minister of International Trade, issued the following statement on Wednesday:
Since 2004, India has granted Canada a series of exemptions to an import regulation regarding mandatory fumigation for pulses. Another exemption has been granted which will allow continued access to the Indian market for Canadian pulse exporters. Exports leaving Canada on or before September 30, 2017, will not require fumigation in Canada. We will maintain on-going trade while officials on both sides continue to work towards a long-term, systems-based solution.
India’s most recent three month exemption expired on June 30.
India’s government also gave notice of a proposed six-month exemption (through the end of December) last week. There were reports it would be accompanied by higher inspection fees at port in India, for which Saskatchewan Pulse Growers said it was seeking “additional clarity.”
The federal government says the three month extension confirmed on Wednesday does not include any new fees, and that it’s the same extension previously granted.
In 2016, Canada’s pulse crop exports to India were worth over $1.1 billion and accounted for 27.7 percent of global pulse exports, according to Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada.
For more on the India pulse fumigation issue:
- Pulse sector seeks clarity on fees as India plans six-month extension
- India takes “positive step” toward loosening looming restrictions on Canadian pulses
- India Issues Three Month Exemption Allowing Canadian Pulse Imports
- Pulse School: Sorting Out the Pulse Export Problem With India
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