ISLAMABAD, Feb 07 (ABC): The Ministry of National Food Security and Research has streamlined its pest risk analysis and seed approval process to ensure the timely availability of quality seeds across the country. At the same time, it has kept strict regulatory checks in place to maintain safety standards.
According to official documents available with Wealth Pakistan, the government has taken several administrative and digital measures to speed up seed approvals and reduce procedural delays.
Secretariat formed to fast-track approvals
First, the National Seed Development and Regulatory Authority and the Federal Seed Certification and Registration Department have revised the composition of the Variety Evaluation Committee (VEC). In addition, they have established a dedicated Variety Evaluation Committee Secretariat to handle approvals more efficiently.
Moreover, authorities are digitising the committee’s operations. This step aims to improve transparency, track applications in real time and minimize delays in seed evaluation.
Pest risk analysis remains mandatory
However, the documents available with Wealth Pakistan clarified that every commodity must still undergo a pest risk analysis before import approval. The timeline largely depends on how quickly exporting countries provide complete technical data.
The assessment examines pest biology, ecology, host range and mitigation measures adopted in the country of origin. It also evaluates possible economic and environmental risks.
Therefore, the process ensures that imported seeds and plant materials do not threaten local crops or ecosystems.
Imports regulated under quarantine rules
Plant and plant material imports are regulated under the Plant Quarantine Rules (PQR) 2019 and the guidelines of the International Plant Protection Convention. Imports are allowed for both commercial and research purposes.
However, commercial shipments require a formal pest risk analysis under Rule 10 of PQR 2019. This scientific evaluation prevents the introduction of quarantine pests and limits the spread of regulated non-quarantine pests.
Clear timelines for clearance
According to the documents, completing a pest risk analysis may take several months. In some cases, it can take one to two years, depending on the crop, commodity and exporting country.
Once market access is approved, authorities release consignments within one to two working days. This clearance occurs only after documents are verified and inspections confirm the goods are pest-free, as required under Rules 45 and 46 of PQR 2019.
Special rules for research imports
Meanwhile, imports for research fall under Rule 3 of PQR 2019. Importers must maintain a post-entry quarantine facility to grow or test plant material safely. They must also comply with minimum safety conditions to prevent pest introduction.
If a valid post-entry quarantine licence is available and all requirements are met, officials process applications on the same day after payment of the fee. Similarly, they release goods the same day once inspections confirm compliance.