No Indian Rice for Indians in USA - Rice in Baggage Prohibited
A few kgs of rice lovingly packed by mother is an essential item in the baggage of almost every South Indian student/professional proceeding to USA, but no more. CBEC in its latest Circular informs that:
“The US Department of Agriculture, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (USDA – APHIS) has notified new phytosanitary regulations for the entry of rice from countries including India where Khapra beetle (Trogoderma granarium) is known to occur. These regulations, inter alia prohibit non-commercial rice consignment including passenger baggage and mail with effect from 30 th July 2011.
It is, therefore, clarified that all air passengers travelling to USA should not carry rice in their baggage. The prohibition would also be applicable in dispatch of rice through other means such as courier or mail”.
The USDA – APHIS informs, “In the past year, an increasing number of rice shipments from these countries have been found to be infested with Khapra beetle at U.S. ports of entry. In order to protect U.S. agriculture and natural resources from the introduction and spread of Khapra beetle, APHIS has restricted or prohibited the importation of rice from countries where the beetle is known to occur ”.
Legal Corner Icon — the image was hosted by the publisher and was not captured.The APHIS adds,
The Khapra beetle is a small, brown beetle between 2 and 3 millimeters long. It will feed on grains, cereal products, and almost any dried plant or animal matter. The introduction and establishment of this beetle into the United States poses a serious threat to stored agricultural products, including spices, grains, and packaged foods.
Previous detections of Khapra beetle have resulted in massive, long-term control and eradication efforts at great cost to the American taxpayer. Established infestations are difficult to control because the beetle can survive without food for long periods of time, requires little moisture, hides in tiny cracks and crevices, and is relatively resistant to many insecticides and fumigants. These factors, combined with its small size, make the Khapra beetle one of the world's most destructive pests.
Restrictions on the Importation of Non-commercial Quantities of Rice: Non-commercial quantities of rice from countries where Khapra beetle is known to occur are prohibited from entering the United States. This includes rice for personal use including those transported in international passenger baggage, by mail, or by courier. The Khapra beetle's size and other characteristics make it very difficult for members of the general public to identify. Returning travellers must declare all agricultural items on their Customs Declaration Form or verbally to a U.S. Customs and Border Protection officer or agriculture specialist at the first U.S. port of entry. Failure to declare agricultural items can result in up to USD 10,000 in fines and penalties.
Restrictions on the Importation of Commercial Shipments of Rice: Commercial shipments of rice originating from countries where Khapra beetle is known to occur must be inspected and accompanied by a phytosanitary certificate with an additional declaration stating that the shipment has been inspected and found free of Khapra beetle. A phytosanitary certificate or phytosanitary certificate of re-export with the same additional declaration is also required for commercial shipments of rice originating from countries known to have Khapra beetle that make entry into another country before re-exportation to the United States. The means of conveyance must also be inspected.
CBEC Circular No. 34/2011- Cus., Dated: August 3, 2011