The Department of Agricultural Extension (DAE) of the Ministry of Agriculture plays a vital role in advancing Bangladesh’s agricultural sector by introducing modern technology to farmers and encouraging sustainable farming practices for socioeconomic development. By prioritizing crops such as rice and wheat, the DAE aims to improve food security and self sufficiency
The Plant Quarantine Wing (PQW) operates under the DAE with a focus on regulating the movement of plants and plant products across borders to prevent the introduction of pests and diseases of agricultural significance. Its responsibilities include inspecting plant and plant products for pests and diseases, thus ensuring the health of domestic agriculture.
There are three (3) sections under the PQW namely:
The PQW manages 30 quarantine stations distributed across 3 airports, 3 seaports, 20 land border check post, 1 river port, 2 ICD, and 1 pack house. These stations ensure that plant materials are inspected and certified before the entry or exit from the country.
To ensure sanitary and phytosanitary conditions of trade partners, the DAE - PQW promulgated several policies and guidelines governing the movement of seeds. In addition to the seed movement policies, the following related phytosanitary regulations/guidelines are also enforced.
According to the Plant Quarantine Act of 2011, a phytosanitary certificate (PC) serves as an official document certifying that a plant or plant product is certified free from pests and diseases. The process for obtaining a PC includes:
The phytosanitary import for seeds under the Plant Quarantine Act of 2011, emphasizes the strict r7egulation regarding the entry of plants, plant products, beneficial organisms, soil, or packing materials into Bangladesh. These items cannot be imported without obtaining a special permit called an import permit.
The relevant legal framework for obtaining this permit includes:
The following key points must be considered in importing plants or plant products into Bangladesh:
The procedure for the importation of seeds is outlined in Figure 1.
Figure 1. Process flow for the Importation of seeds
The process for securing an Import Permit for seeds involves several steps to ensure compliance with phytosanitary regulations:
The Import permit (IP) as outlined in PQ rules 2018, clause 6 is valid for 4 months from its issuance date. Importers may apply for an extension of up to 2 months upon application, if needed. The PQW can change the designated port of entry stated in the IP, depending on circumstances If any of the conditions stated in the IP are violated, the PQW can revoke the IP. For laboratory testing, samples may be collected to ensure compliance of importers to the phytosanitary conditions
The import policy order shall apply to all imports into Bangladesh.
Pest risk analysis (PRA) is crucial for seed-related trade in the region, helping to prevent the introduction and spread of quarantine pests. The PQW has conducted and published PRAs for several key agricultural products and pests , including: Globodera spp, Mealybug, Cucurbits spp, cut flower & foliage, Mango, Wheat, Potato, Groundnut etc. These PRA’s were conducted following the International Standard for Phytosanitary Measures (ISPM) 38 “International movement for seeds”. Following the ISPM 11, "Pest Risk Analysis for Quarantine Pests", the specific plant quarantine pests are indicated in the (abovementioned linked PRA reports). The PRA for import permit is described in PQ Rules 2018, clause 4.
According to PQ Act 2011 Section 8, an exporter may export plants or plant products provided that a PC is secured from the PQW. The Plant Quarantine Rules of 2018 outlines the procedures for obtaining a Phytosanitary Certificate (PC) for the export and re-export of plant products from Bangladesh.
Application for PC:
Reasons for Non-Issuance of PC:
Phytosanitary Export Certification: The procedure for inspection and testing for the export of seeds is outlined in Figure 2.
Figure 2. Process flow for phytosanitary certification
The general process for processing PC for seeds typically involves the following steps:
According to PQ rules 2018, 16 (1), the validity of the Phytosanitary certificat (PC) is as follows:
All fees and duties related to the issuance of PC, Import Permit (IP), Release Order (RO), fumigation, and treatments are outlined in Schedule 6 of the Plant Quarantine Rules 2018.
Importers/Exporters can submit an application for various permits and certificates, including the IP, PC, RO, IP Time Extension & Anchorage Permit through the online automation software provided by the PQW. Moreover, the PQW published instructional videos to guide stakeholders in their phytosanitary regulations and procedures.
The Plant Quarantine Wing (PQW) has not any in-house accredited seed testing laboratories. PQW is working on government laboratory for accreditation. Instead, it relies on the services of accredited seed testing laboratories in the country to conduct the necessary tests for phytosanitary certification.
The following private and public laboratories are capable of seed health testing for phytosanitary certification of seeds following the ISPM 45 guidelines.
These laboratories play a crucial role in supporting the PQW by providing reliable seed health testing to meet the requirements for phytosanitary certification in international seed trade.
The implementation of the ePhyto system is still in development, with no current data available regarding the feasibility and challenges encountered by the NPPO. The NPPO, has expressed interest in adopting the system but requires support in redeveloping its national information infrastructure to ensure seamless connectivity with the IPPC's ePhyto system.