It has been decided, in the light of public concern over high prices of onion in the market, to extend the derogation allowed from the condition of fumigation and endorsement of PSC as per the Plant Quarantine Order, 2003 for onion imports up to 30th November, 2013 on the following conditions:

i. Such consignments of imported onion which arrive in Indian port without fumigation and endorsement to that effect on the PSC (Phytosanitary Certificate) would be fumigated in India by the importer through an accredited treatment provider. The consignment would be inspected thoroughly by quarantine officials and released only if found free from pests and diseases of concern to India.

ii. Such consignments of onion for consumption will not be subjected to the four times penal fees on account of non compliance of conditions of import under the PQ Order, 2003.

The decision was taken after the onion prices touched Rs 90-100 at many places, including Delhi, Mumbai and Patna along with other parts of the country. India will import onions from China and Egypt in the first phase.