Amendment to India's Plant Quarantine Regulation: New Import Conditions for Timber and Plant Species from Bhutan

“Indirect Tax I Indirect Tax Litigation I Customs & FTP I Central Licensing I Arbitration I Advisory”

Dated: 31.08.2026

Amendment to India’s Plant Quarantine Regulation: New Import Conditions for Timber and Plant Species from Bhutan

India’s Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare has issued a significant amendment to the Plant Quarantine (Regulation of Import into India) Order, 2003, introducing new import conditions for various timber and plant species originating from Bhutan. This update, effective from August 25, 2026, aims to strengthen biosecurity measures and ensure the safe import of plant materials into India.

Key Highlights of the Amendment

1. Expanded List of Regulated Species

The amendment adds several new plant and timber species from Bhutan to the regulated list. Notable inclusions are:

Alnus nepalensis
Lagerstroemia parviflora
Acacia catechu (Khari)
Acrocarpus fraxinifolius
Altingia excelsa
Betula utilis
Beilschmiedia roxburghiana
Castanopsis hystrix
Cupressus cashmeriana
Duabanga grandiflora
Exbucklandia populnea
Engelhardia spicata
Populus ciliata
Schima wallichii
Syzigium cumini
Tetrameles nudiflora
Toona ciliata

2. Category and Origin

All the newly listed species are categorized as “Timber wood” or “Timbers/Wood- with or without bark” and are specifically regulated when imported from Bhutan.

3. Phytosanitary Certificate Requirements

For these imports, no additional declarations are required to be incorporated into the Phytosanitary Certificate. However, the certificate must endorse the specific treatment applied to the timber or plant material.

4. Mandatory Treatment Conditions

To prevent the introduction of destructive insects and pests, the following treatments are mandated for all listed species:

Fumigation with Methyl Bromide at 48 g/m³ for 24 hours at 21°C and above, or
Heat Treatment at 56°C (core temperature) for 30 minutes, or
Any other treatment approved by the Plant Protection Adviser to the Government of India.

The treatment details must be clearly endorsed on the Phytosanitary Certificate issued at the country of origin or re-export.

Implications for Importers and Exporters

Compliance: Importers must ensure that all timber and plant materials from Bhutan listed in the amendment are treated as specified and accompanied by a properly endorsed Phytosanitary Certificate.
Inspection: Indian authorities will verify compliance at the port of entry. Non-compliance may result in rejection or destruction of the consignment.
Trade Facilitation: By specifying clear treatment protocols, the amendment facilitates smoother trade while safeguarding India’s agriculture and forestry sectors.

Background and Legal Framework

This amendment is issued under the Destructive Insects and Pests Act, 1914, and forms part of a series of updates to the Plant Quarantine (Regulation of Import into India) Order, 2003. The regulation is periodically revised to address emerging biosecurity risks and align with international best practices.

Conclusion

The latest amendment underscores India’s commitment to protecting its ecosystem from invasive pests and diseases. Importers and exporters dealing with timber and plant materials from Bhutan must familiarize themselves with the new requirements to ensure seamless trade and compliance with Indian regulations.

In case you face any issues related to Indirect Tax-Customs, GST, Foreign Trade Policy (FTP), Arbitration matters and Central Licensing and related advisory matters in India then please feel free to get in touch with SJ EXIM Services.

We offer Legal advice and litigation support in matters related to Indirect Tax-Customs, FTP, other Indirect Tax matters & Arbitration law, all sorts of Central licensing and related matters. Come and explore the new way of doing business with us!

We specialize in paralegal services, litigation support, tax and regulatory matters, delivering reliable, efficient, and result-oriented legal assistance.

Source: Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare

Disclaimer

Handy Download:

Plant Quarantine (Regulation of Import into India) ( Seventh Amendment) Order- 2026Download

Connect with us for more-

@ Team S J EXIM SERVICES, New Delhi, IN

CP: Ms. Shubhra Jha, Founder

Tel: +91-11-4999 2707 I +91-9999005693

Web: www.sjexim.services

EMAIL: operations@sjexim.services I shubhra@sjexim.services

Facebook: www.facebook.com/sjeximservices

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/90794255/admin/feed/posts/