(a) whether the revival of the Phytosanitary Protocol with China will help to revitalise tobacco export to China;
(b) if so, the details thereof;
(c) whether this move will prove economically beneficial to the country; and
(d) if so, the details thereof along with the details of said protocol?
THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY
(SHRI C. R. CHAUDHARY)
(a) & (b) : Yes Madam. China is one of the largest importer of tobacco in the world, including Flue Cured Virgina (FCV) Tobacco. India is one of the major producer of FCV Tobacco and is significant exporter of the same. It is expected that signing of Protocol of Phytosanitary requirement for export of tobacco leaves from India to China will help India’s tobacco export to China.
(c) : India’s total export of unmanufactured tobacco during 2017-18 was to the tune of 181.59 million Kgs valued at Rs.3870.52 crores. It is expected that tobacco exports from India is likely to increase on account of tobacco export to China.
(d) India has signed the Protocol of Phytosanitary requirements for the export of tobacco leaves from India to China, with the General Administration of Customs of the People’s Republic of China (GACC) on 21.01.2019. The salient features of the protocol are as under:
? The protocol was signed on 21.01.2019 and the same will be in force for a period of four years from the date of signing of the protocol.
? The tobacco leaves exported to China, which must be produced in Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka of India and have been cured and re-dried, must comply with the relevant phytosanitary and sanitary laws and regulations of China, and meet the requirements as stipulated in the Protocol.
? The importers of tobacco must obtain the import quarantine permit from GACC before trade contracts are signed. The tobacco leaves must be securely packaged in airproof way to prevent the contamination of quarantine pests.
? Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare (MOA&FW) will take effective monitoring measures in the field to ensure that the tobacco producing area is free of tobacco blue mold.
? MOA&FW shall conduct export quarantine inspection for tobacco leaves. For the consignment of tobacco leaves which meets the requirement stipulated in this protocol, MOA&FW shall issue a Phytosanitary Certificate according to the standards of International Plant Protection Convention (IPPC).
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