Indian Fumigators Meet PPA Amid Rising Non-Compliance Reports; Rates Revised with Immediate Effect
New Delhi:
Port Wings News Network:
The Federation of Indian Fumigators Associations, an umbrella body of fumigator associations from across India, met the Plant Protection Adviser (PPA) to the Government of India on 23 September 2026 in Faridabad to address growing non-compliance reports from importing countries on phytosanitary fumigation treatments carried out in India. The PPA stressed strict adherence to prescribed procedures and warned of stringent action against violators.
During the meeting, the Plant Protection Adviser emphasised the need for strict compliance with prescribed fumigation procedures and warned that stringent action would be taken against agencies found violating the stipulated treatment standards.
Impact of Recent AFAS Audit and Suspensions
The recent AFAS audit resulted in the suspension of several Indian fumigation agencies due to reported non-compliances. Consequently, containers that were already in transit to importing countries had to undergo additional treatment upon arrival.
This situation resulted in substantial additional expenditure, costing exporters thousands of US dollars in additional foreign-exchange outgo. It has also created significant concerns regarding India’s export credibility, compliance standards, and the financial burden on the exporting community.
Mandatory Compliance and Enhanced Safety Measures
In view of the increasing non-compliance reports, the Plant Protection Adviser stressed the importance of having strict adherence to prescribed Methyl Bromide dosages and fumigation procedures, maintaining proper and verifiable gas monitoring records for every treatment, ensuring the availability and use of appropriate fumigation monitoring equipment, strengthening safety measures and adopting the necessary additional equipment during fumigation operations, and ensuring that all treatments are carried out in accordance with applicable phytosanitary standards and importing-country requirements.
Responding to the PPA’s point, the Association also acknowledged that these enhanced compliance requirements are essential to safeguard the credibility of Indian fumigation agencies and protect the interests of Indian exporters.
Revision of Fumigation Rates with Immediate Effect
In view of the recent developments, enhanced compliance requirements, additional monitoring obligations, increased equipment and safety requirements, and the need to maintain the prescribed treatment standards, the members of the NSPM Treatment Providers Association have announced a revision of fumigation rates with immediate effect.
The revised rates will apply to fumigation services for export consignments destined for the United Kingdom, USA, Canada, Australia, Vietnam, Malaysia, Singapore, Japan, Indonesia, and other international destinations.
Besides, the Association also stated that the revision is necessary to enable treatment providers to meet the enhanced regulatory and operational requirements while ensuring that fumigation treatments are carried out safely, effectively, and in strict accordance with prescribed standards.
Exporters are requested to take note of this development and coordinate with their respective fumigation service providers regarding the revised rates applicable to their consignments.
NSPM Treatment Providers Association Okays Revision
The announcement has been confirmed by the office-bearers of the NSPM Treatment Providers Association — Johnson Chacko, President, C. Vincent, Vice President, K. Radha Krishnan, Secretary, and J. Karikalan, Joint Secretary.
The Association reiterated its commitment to maintaining high standards of phytosanitary compliance, ensuring safe and effective fumigation practices, and protecting the reputation of Indian exporters in the international market.
About The Author
