Feathers Export: Mandates Veterinary Health Certification

Health Certification, Export Mandates for feathers and related products have undergone significant revisions, as introduced by the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) through Notification No: 08/2026-27, dated April 10, 2026, which will have immediate effect on exporters dealing in these items. The revision aims to align export policies with international standards, particularly those of the European Union and the United Kingdom, thereby ensuring compliance with health and safety norms of importing countries.

Key Facts

• Notification No: 08/2026-27
• Date of Notification: April 10, 2026
• Affected products: Feathers, down, and similar products under specific ITC(HS) codes
• New compliance requirement: Veterinary health certification
• Issuing authority for Veterinary Certificate or Shipment Clearance Certificate: CAPEXIL
• Additional certificate required: Production Process Certificate or Veterinary Health Certificate for each consignment
• Joint issuance of Veterinary Health Certificate: CAPEXIL and the Animal Quarantine Officer under the Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying, where required by the importing country

Statutory Context & Tax Analysis

The DGFT’s revision of export policy for feathers and related products is governed by the Export Policy, specifically Chapter 5, which outlines the policy conditions for exports. The notification is issued under the powers vested in the DGFT by the Foreign Trade (Development and Regulation) Act, 1992. The requirement for veterinary health certification is in line with international standards, ensuring that Indian exporters comply with the health and safety norms of importing countries, particularly the European Union and the United Kingdom. This move is expected to enhance the credibility of Indian exports and facilitate smoother customs clearance in destination countries. The Export Policy conditions under Chapter 5 have been updated to include the new policy conditions for ITC(HS) codes related to feathers and similar items, which remain classified under the "Free" export category. However, exporters must now adhere to the newly inserted policy conditions, which include obtaining the necessary health certifications.

The veterinary health certification requirement is a critical aspect of the revised policy. The Veterinary Certificate or Shipment Clearance Certificate must be issued consignment-wise by CAPEXIL, including details such as exporter name, IEC, plant approval number, and other shipment details. Additionally, exporters must provide a Production Process Certificate or Veterinary Health Certificate for each consignment, containing details like product description, HS code, packaging, origin, destination, vessel name, and date of departure. The joint issuance of the Veterinary Health Certificate by CAPEXIL and the Animal Quarantine Officer under the Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying, where required by the importing country, ensures a robust certification process.

Client Impact & Compliance Procedure

The revised export policy for feathers and related products will have a significant impact on exporters dealing in these items. To ensure compliance with the new policy conditions, exporters must obtain the necessary veterinary health certifications for each consignment. The step-by-step compliance procedure is as follows:

1. Obtain a Veterinary Certificate or Shipment Clearance Certificate from CAPEXIL for each consignment, including the required details.
2. Provide a Production Process Certificate or Veterinary Health Certificate for each consignment, containing the specified details.
3. Ensure that the Veterinary Health Certificate is issued jointly by CAPEXIL and the Animal Quarantine Officer under the Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying, where required by the importing country.
4. Maintain accurate records of all certifications obtained, including the Veterinary Certificate, Shipment Clearance Certificate, and Production Process Certificate or Veterinary Health Certificate.
5. File the necessary declarations and returns, such as the Shipping Bill, with the customs authorities, ensuring that all required documents, including the health certifications, are attached.
6. Comply with the updated policy conditions under Chapter 5 of the Export Policy, including the new requirements for ITC(HS) codes related to feathers and similar items.
   By following these steps, exporters can ensure compliance with the revised export policy and avoid any potential penalties or delays in customs clearance. It is essential for exporters to stay informed about the latest developments in export policies and regulations to maintain a competitive edge in the global market.

Reference: Click here to view the official source