Topic 10 · Export Compliance

Sanitary & Phytosanitary Requirements

SPS measures protect human, animal, and plant health. Every food, plant, or animal product you export must comply with both Nepal's and the destination country's SPS rules.

Certifications → Export Guide →

⚠️

SPS non-compliance = shipment destruction. Unlike documentation errors that can be corrected, SPS violations often result in immediate destruction of the consignment at the port of entry — at the exporter's cost. Get inspected before you ship.

Application Process

Apply at DFTQC / PQPO

Department of Food Technology and Quality Control (DFTQC) or Plant Quarantine & Pesticide Management Office (PQPMO). Apply at least 5 working days before planned shipment date.

Prepare Documentation

Export invoice, packing list, TEPC export code, consignee details, product description with HS code, previous treatment records (fumigation etc.).

Physical Inspection

Inspector visits the consignment. Checks for pests, diseases, prohibited substances. May take random samples for lab testing (1–3 days).

Fumigation (if required)

Many markets require methyl bromide or heat treatment for wood, timber, and some NTFP. Certified fumigators in Biratnagar, Birgunj, Kathmandu.

Certificate Issued

Phytosanitary Certificate issued in IPPC format (international). Valid 14–21 days from issue date. Attach to export documents.

Key Information

Issuing Authority

PQPMO (Plant Quarantine & Pesticide Mgmt. Office)
Kathmandu: 01-4331714
Birgunj: 051-521451
Biratnagar: 021-524891
Bhairahawa: 071-521234

Fees

Inspection fee	NPR 500–2,000
Certificate fee	NPR 500–1,500
Lab testing	NPR 1,000–5,000
Fumigation	NPR 5,000–50,000

Products requiring Phytosanitary Certificate: Fresh fruits & vegetables, tea, cardamom, ginger, turmeric, large cardamom, NTFP, medicinal herbs (MAP), seeds, cut flowers, timber, bamboo, rattan, packaging straw.

What DFTQC Tests For

MicroSalmonella, E. coli, Listeria, Aflatoxin

ChemicalPesticide residues (MRL compliance)

ChemicalHeavy metals (Lead, Mercury, Cadmium, Arsenic)

PhysicalForeign matter, moisture content

PhysicalNet weight verification

NutritionalFat, protein, carbohydrate composition

DFTQC Offices for Testing

Office	Location	Phone
DFTQC Central Lab	Babarmahal, KTM	01-4222615
DFTQC Koshi	Biratnagar	021-527890
DFTQC Lumbini	Butwal	071-547890
DFTQC Karnali	Surkhet	083-521100

Maximum Residue Limits (MRL) — Key Markets

Pesticide	Nepal (DFTQC)	EU	Japan	USA (FDA)
Chlorpyrifos	0.5 mg/kg	0.01 mg/kg (default)	Varies by crop	Varies
Glyphosate	0.1 mg/kg	0.1 mg/kg	0.2 mg/kg	70 mg/kg (oats)
Aflatoxin (total)	10 ppb	4 ppb (direct consumption)	10 ppb	20 ppb
Lead (Pb)	0.2 mg/kg	0.1 mg/kg (most food)	0.1 mg/kg	FDA guidance

ℹ️

EU applies the "default MRL of 0.01 mg/kg" for any pesticide not specifically set — far stricter than Nepal's domestic limits. Test against EU limits even for pesticides approved in Nepal.

Export Quarantine Clearance

Pre-inspection at origin

Inspector visits farm/warehouse. Checks for regulated pests (Fruit Fly, Thrips, Mealybug etc.). 1–3 days.

Treatment (if required)

Methyl bromide fumigation: Required for most wood, timber, and some dried herbs. 2–4 hours treatment + 24h aeration.
Heat treatment: For organic products where methyl bromide is restricted.
Cold treatment: For certain fresh fruits destined for Japan/Korea.

Border Clearance

At ICP (Birgunj, Biratnagar, Bhairahawa, Tatopani, Rasuwagadhi) — Customs + Quarantine simultaneous. Present Phytosanitary + Sanitary certificates.

Prohibited & Restricted Items

🚫 Prohibited Exports (no exceptions)

• Yarsagumba (Cordyceps) — export banned since 2016

• Wildlife and wildlife products (CITES)

• Antiques (>100 years old)

• Endangered medicinal plants (Schedule I)

⚠️ Restricted Exports (licence required)

• Timber & forest products — DFO licence + royalty

• Some NTFP (Jatamansi, Kutki, Satuwa) — quota system

• Live plants & seeds — PQPMO permit

• Animal products — Veterinary certificate from DoLS

• Precious stones — Mines Dept. licence

Market	Phytosanitary Cert	Sanitary / Health Cert	Special Requirements	Stricter on
🇮🇳 India	Required	FSSAI import	FSSAI registration of importer. PQ clearance at Land Customs Station.	Aflatoxin in spices, nuts
🇨🇳 China	Required	GACC Required	GACC registration. Chinese label on inner pack. Possible quarantine inspection on arrival.	Heavy metals, pesticide MRL
🇪🇺 European Union	Required	Health cert required	Minimum EU MRL (often 0.01 mg/kg default). EU organic cert if claiming organic.	Pesticide MRL (strictest globally)
🇺🇸 USA	Required	FDA registration	FDA Prior Notice 24h before entry. Importer of Record registered with FDA.	Aflatoxin, FDA identity standards
🇯🇵 Japan	Required	Ministry of Health	Positive list system — only approved pesticides allowed. Cold treatment may apply.	Pesticide positive list (3,000 substances)
🕌 Middle East	Required	HALAL cert + Health	HALAL mandatory for all animal-derived products. Certificate authentication by Embassy.	HALAL compliance, shelf life (6mo min.)
🇧🇩 Bangladesh	Often required	BSTI import	BSTI registration of product. Close MRL limits to India.	Colour additives, preservatives

Tip: Contact TEPC (Trade and Export Promotion Centre) before your first export to a new market. They provide up-to-date import requirements for specific products. Phone: 01-5525464 · Email: info@tepc.gov.np

Sanitary & Phytosanitary Requirements

Phytosanitary Certificate

Application Process

Key Information

Sanitary Certificate — Food Safety

What DFTQC Tests For

DFTQC Offices for Testing

Maximum Residue Limits (MRL) — Key Markets

Quarantine Procedures

Export Quarantine Clearance

Prohibited & Restricted Items

SPS Requirements by Destination

Pre-shipment SPS Checklist

🌱 Plant Products

🧪 Food / Processed Products