DGFT Update: Plant Quarantine Second Amendment Order 2026 on Kratom Imports

The Central Government has notified the Plant Quarantine (Regulation of Import into India) (Second Amendment) Order, 2026, exercising powers under Section 3(1) of the Destructive Insects and Pests Act, 1914. The amendment comes into force from the date of publication in the Official Gazette and updates Schedule VI of the Plant Quarantine Order, 2003.

A key change has been introduced at S. No. 687, concerning Mitragyna speciosa (Kratom Leaves). The existing import entries have been renumbered, and a new category has been added. The amendment now permits the import of dried Mitragyna speciosa leaves for processing, with Uganda specified as the country of origin.

Notably, no additional declarations are required to be included in the Phytosanitary Certificate for this category. However, strict special import conditions apply. The consignment must be free from soil, quarantine weed seeds, and other plant debris, ensuring biosecurity compliance.

This update provides clarity for importers, strengthens plant quarantine controls, and aligns regulated imports with India’s plant health and trade compliance framework.