Prepared culture media exports remain free, subject to destination-country certificate requirements

The Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) has amended the export policy for prepared culture media. Prepared culture media are nutrient-rich formulations designed to grow, isolate, and study microorganisms like bacteria and fungi in laboratories and industrial settings. These products are used to grow or maintain microorganisms, including viruses, and plant, human or animal cells. Export for these remains freely permitted. However, if the importing country requires certificates, exporters must follow the prescribed process.

The Chemicals and Allied Products Export Promotion Council (CAPEXIL) will issue a Shipment Clearance Certificate for each consignment. It must include details such as the exporter, product, invoice number, quantity, port of loading and destination. After shipment, the exporter must provide a Health Certificate to the buyer, containing details of the product, its packaging, origin, destination, vessel, departure date and applicable health requirements. The amendment takes immediate effect.