The Government of India has amended the export policy for Prepared Culture Media under ITC(HS) Code 38210000. The amendment allows the issuance of a Shipment Clearance Certificate and a Health Certificate wherever these documents are required or mandated by the importing country.

Prepared Culture Media is used for the development or maintenance of microorganisms, including viruses, and plant, human, or animal cells. For exporters dealing with these products, the amendment clarifies the procedure for obtaining the relevant export documentation when the destination country requires additional certificates.

The amendment has been issued under the Foreign Trade (Development and Regulation) Act, 1992, read with the Foreign Trade Policy (FTP), 2023.

What Has Changed in the Export Policy for Prepared Culture Media?

The revised export policy applies to the following product:

• ITC(HS) Code: 38210000

• Product description: Prepared Culture Media for the development or maintenance of microorganisms, including viruses and the like, or plant, human, or animal cells.

• Export policy: Free

• Key change: A procedure has been specified for issuing Shipment Clearance Certificates and Health Certificates wherever required by the importing country.

The amendment does not make these certificates mandatory for every export. The requirement depends on the conditions imposed by the importing country.

What Is the Procedure for Obtaining a Shipment Clearance Certificate?

If the importing country requires a Shipment Clearance Certificate, the certificate is to be issued by the Chemical and Allied Products Export Promotion Council (CAPEXIL) on a consignment-wise basis.

The certificate will contain relevant shipment and exporter information, including:

• Exporter’s name and address

• Address of the registered plant

• Importer Exporter Code (IEC) number

• Plant Approval Number

• Nature of the export product

• Quantity of the consignment

• Invoice number and date

• Port of loading

• Destination

Exporters should ensure that the required information is accurate and consistent with their shipment documents.

When Is a Health Certificate Required?

The revised policy also provides for a Health Certificate when the importing country requires or mandates one.

After the shipment is made, the exporter must provide the buyer with a consignment-wise Health Certificate containing relevant product and shipment information. The details may include:

• Product description and HS Code

• Packaging details

• Origin and destination

• Vessel name

• Date of departure

• Applicable health requirements

As specified in the notification, the Health Certificate is to be issued jointly by CAPEXIL and the Regional Animal Quarantine Officer of the Department of Animal Husbandry, Dairying and Fisheries, Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Government of India, wherever the importing country requires or mandates the certificate.

Exporters should confirm the applicable requirements for their destination market before dispatching the consignment.

What Should Exporters of Prepared Culture Media Do?

Businesses exporting Prepared Culture Media under ITC(HS) Code 38210000 should take the following steps:

1. Check the importing country’s requirements: Confirm whether a Shipment Clearance Certificate, Health Certificate, or both are required.

2. Verify exporter and plant details: Keep the IEC number, registered plant address, and Plant Approval Number ready.

3. Maintain accurate shipment records: Ensure the invoice, product description, quantity, port of loading, and destination details are correct.

4. Coordinate with CAPEXIL: Follow the prescribed process for obtaining the applicable certificates.

5. Arrange post-shipment documentation: Where required, provide the buyer with the consignment-wise Health Certificate after shipment.

6. Retain supporting documents: Keep copies of relevant certificates and shipment records for future reference.

These steps can help exporters prepare the required documentation and reduce the risk of delays arising from incomplete or inconsistent paperwork.

What Is the Impact of This Export Policy Amendment?

The amendment establishes a procedure for issuing Shipment Clearance Certificates and Health Certificates for Prepared Culture Media exports when the importing country requires these documents.

For exporters, the key point is to distinguish between the product’s Free export status and the documentation requirements of the destination market. Free export status does not automatically remove the need to comply with importing-country requirements.

Businesses should therefore review destination-specific requirements and coordinate with the relevant authorities before completing their export documentation.

Conclusion

The amendment to the export policy for Prepared Culture Media under ITC(HS) Code 38210000 provides a defined procedure for issuing Shipment Clearance Certificates and Health Certificates wherever required by the importing country.

Exporters should verify destination-market requirements, maintain accurate consignment details, and coordinate with CAPEXIL and the relevant authorities to complete the required documentation.

For businesses involved in the export of Prepared Culture Media, understanding these requirements is an important part of managing export documentation and complying with applicable trade procedures.