Consultations on Draft National Quarantine and Pre Shipment Policy

 

Trinidad and Tobago acceded to the Montreal Protocol in 1989, and is committed to the obligations under the Protocol which are aimed at the phasing-out of chemicals damaging to the ozone layer. The control of the ozone depleting fumigant methyl bromide for quarantine and pre shipment use, has been achieved nationally since January 1, 2015 through successful and ongoing collaboration between the National Ozone Unit- Ministry of Planning and Development, the Trade Licensing Unit- Ministry of Trade and Industry, the Pesticides and Toxic Chemicals Inspectorate - Ministry of Health, and the Plant Quarantine Division, Ministry of Agriculture Land and Fisheries. Several pieces of legislation are used to effect the import and export controls of these chemicals, with the Pesticides and Toxic Chemical Act, Chap. 30:03, Legal Notice # 225 of 1987 – The Pesticides (Registration and Import Licensing Regulations) 1987, and the Food and Drugs Regulations specifically employed to control the import and use of methyl bromide.

 The draft National Quarantine and Pre-Shipment Fumigation, which has been endorsed by the Ministry of Agriculture Land and Fisheries, has been developed as a key instrument to ensure that this country’s obligations under the Montreal Protocol are maintained. The document aims to ensure that all fumigations conducted in Trinidad and Tobago are done within the scope of International Standards and any relevant national regulation. The Policy outlines the mechanisms to ensure effective treatment of the consignment to meet the specific quarantine requirements related to the import of specific commodity to reduce hazards. Additionally, the policy provides guidance on quarantine treatments and application procedures, prescribed in the Policy are followed whenever any fumigation is performed.

Consultations on the Draft Policy have begun with the aim to finalize the document and submit for approval.