Since 2021, I have imported avocado plants from Israel to India nine times. Never once have I had to apply for a relaxation during the import process. I had actually planned my first import of avocado plants from Israel to India in 2019. However, it took me an entire year to understand the import procedure end to end. I knew that failing to get this right could result in a total loss of the consignment because Plant Quarantine regulations are strict, and they could end up destroying the consignment if the documentation isn’t bulletproof.
The entire import procedure actually begins roughly one year prior to the actual import date and can be broken down into five simple steps:
Step 1: Constructing Your Quarantine Facility
For importing avocado plants from Israel to India, you need both a closed-field as well as an open-field post-entry quarantine facility. This is the first step towards importing your plants.
Step 2: Get Your Pre-Import Procedure in Place
Once the quarantine facility is constructed, you then have to apply for and receive all the licenses before you can actually import your avocado plants. Procedures for licenses such as the Nursery License, Seed Dealer License, and NSC Certificate are fairly straightforward. However, PQ Forms 18 and 19 are challenging for first-timers.
Step 3: Importing Your Avocado Plants from Israel to India
The import process itself can cause anxiety. After having imported avocado plants from Israel to India nine times successfully, I still get anxious whenever I am about to receive a consignment. This is partly due to the perishable nature of the product.
It is also incredibly important to choose a trusted supplier in Israel who can fulfill all the documentation requirements of Customs and the Quarantine Department. If you have carefully completed the pre-import procedure, chosen a reputable nursery in Israel, and have the right CHA, then this step becomes easier.
However, I can guarantee that you will still feel overwhelmed every time you import your plants.
Step 4: Fulfilling Post-Import Regulations
Your work is not done after you have successfully imported your plants. You still need to complete the Plant Quarantine requirements and the RBI formalities.
Step 5: Managing Your Files
Odds are that once you have successfully imported avocado plants from Israel to India, you will want to do it again. This is why managing your files and records is incredibly important. While some licenses can be reused, others need renewal.
If you have a document trail managed efficiently in different files and folders, you will be able to retrieve those documents at a future date when you plan on importing again.
Conclusion
These steps are carefully explained in my course, How to Import Avocado Plants from Israel to India? The price of the course is ₹50,000. You can purchase the course by clicking here.
The course is divided into six modules. Each module includes a video lecture in Hinglish with English subtitles, along with PDF notes in English that go in depth into explaining each step.
Thank you for reading.
– Harshit Godha
