Bhutan Sanitary and Phytosanitary Information Portal

“ Growing Green, Trading Clean, Ensuring Safe: Bhutan’s SPS Commitment to the World! ”

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Ensuring safe food and drugs for Bhutan.
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Promoting wellness through regulated food and medicine.
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Protecting health, ensuring safety across Bhutan daily.
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Welcome to the Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS) Information Portal of Bhutan!

Bhutan, with its rich biodiversity and strong commitment to Gross National Happiness, places high importance on ensuring food safety, plant and animal health, and environmental protection.

This portal serves as a one-stop platform for accessing essential guidelines, regulations, and resources related to SPS measures. These measures play a critical role in preventing the introduction and spread of exotic/or transboundary pests, diseases, and contaminants (including residues) that could threaten health and life of humans, animals, and plants.

This portal is designed to enhance transparency, compliance, and trade facilitation, ensuring that Bhutanese business entities, farmers, policymakers, researchers, and international trade partners can easily access relevant information on SPS standards and requirements. By aligning with the international standards such as those promulgated by the International Plant Protection Convention (IPPC), World Organization for Animal Health (WOAH), and The Codex Alimentarius Commission (CAC), Bhutan seeks to maintain a safe and sustainable trade environment while protecting public health and national biosecurity.

The portal also provides links to online application systems for the issuance of permits and SPS certificates electronically.

What you can find on this portal

  1. SPS legislations and standards
    • Detailed information on Bhutan’s SPS regulations, including quarantine requirements, limits of food contaminants/residues, food safety guidelines, and animal health measures for imports and exports.
  2. Notifications and updates
    • Timely alerts on new SPS policies, amendments, and regulatory changes to help business entities,  and government agencies stay informed of evolving trade requirements.
  3. Import and export requirements
    • Documentation, permits, and certification requirements for import or export of agricultural and food products, list of prohibited or restricted goods based on SPS concerns, and step-by-step procedures for importing and exporting goods while ensuring compliance with SPS standards.
  4. Capacity building and technical assistance
    • Training materials, technical support, and resources aimed at strengthening Bhutan’s capacity to implement and enforce SPS measures, especially for farmers, importers, exporters, and regulatory bodies.

Who can benefit from this portal?

  • Exporters and importers:  Ensuring compliance with SPS regulations to facilitate smooth trade.
  • Exporters and importers:  Ensuring compliance with SPS regulations to facilitate smooth trade.
  • Policymakers and regulators: Accessing scientific guidelines and legal frameworks for informed decision-making.
  • Consumers and the general public: Access to information about food safety and biosecurity measures that impact everyday life.
  • Trading partners: Access to SPS information and requirements in a transparent manner.
The SPS Information Portal of Bhutan is a vital tool in strengthening biosecurity, food safety, and sustainable trade, contributing to a resilient and thriving economy. Explore the portal and stay updated on Bhutan’s SPS landscape to support safe and responsible trade practices.

SPS Enquiry Point

A Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS) Enquiry Point is a designated office established by a country to provide information and respond to inquiries regarding its SPS measures. These measures include laws, regulations, standards, and guidelines aimed at protecting human, animal, and plant health within the scope of international trade as required under the World Trade Organization (WTO) Agreement on the Application of Sanitary and Phytosanitary Measures.
A Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS) Enquiry Point is a designated office established by a country to provide information and respond to inquiries regarding its SPS measures. These measures include laws, regulations, standards, and guidelines aimed at protecting human, animal, and plant health within the scope of international trade as required under the World Trade Organization (WTO) Agreement on the Application of Sanitary and Phytosanitary Measures.
The following are the official contact points under this Enquiry Points

Contact Point

  1. Name: Dr. Chador Wangdi
  2. Designation: Specialist III
  3. Email: cwangdi@bfda.gov.bt

Alternate Contact Point 1:

  1. Name: Mr. Sonam Dorji N
  2. Designation: Dy. Chief Regulatory and Quarantine Officer
  3. Email: sdorjin@bfda.gov.bt

Alternate Contact Point 2:

  1. Name: Ms. Sonam Choden
  2. Designation: Regulatory and Quarantine Officer
  3. Email: sonamc@bfda.gov.bt

Sanitary and Phytosanitary National Competent Authorities

  1. Department of Agriculture https://doa.gov.bt/ for production, pest and disease surveillance, standardization, and certification of agricultural crops.
  2. Department of Livestock https://dol.gov.bt/ for production, veterinary care, disease surveillance, standardization, and certification of live animals, and animal products including fish and fishery products.
  3. Department of Forests and Park Services dofps.gov.bt/for conservation, protection, management, standardization, and certification of forestry and forestry products.
  4. Bhutan Food and Drug Authority bfda.gov.bt/ for:
    • Import/export of any plants, animals and their products, and high-risk food items (link to high-risk food items);
    • Inspection of exporter premises, quarantine/isolation/treatment facilities, warehouse and cold storage;
    • Inspection, sampling and testing of plants, animals, and their products; and food commodities for conformity assessment;
    • Carry out quarantine, pest and disease screening, and phytosanitary treatments on import/export consignments;
    • Issue SPS certificates of plant and plant products, animal and animal products, and food commodities for export;

Import requirements overview

Bhutan, with its commitment to biosecurity, food safety, and environmental sustainability, enforces import requirements to protect human, animal, and plant health and life while ensuring smooth international trade. These requirements, guided by the Biosecurity Policy of the Kingdom of Bhutan 2010 (provide a link to this document), help prevent the introduction and spread of pests, diseases, and contaminants that could threaten Bhutan’s agricultural sector, biodiversity, and public health. By clearly defining import procedures, Bhutan aligns its trade procedures with international SPS requirements.
Having transparent and accessible SPS-based import requirements benefits various stakeholders, who can engage in voluntary compliance – ensuring their products meet national and international standards without facing unnecessary trade barriers.
For import permit, individuals can approach the nearest BFDA Office along with the required documents.

Procedure for import of

To import plants and plant products to Bhutan, the importer needs to obtain a prior import permit from the Bhutan Food and Drug Authority (BFDA). Import of such commodities is subject to Phytosanitary Certification by a competent authority in the exporting country. Failure to do so may result in the rejection or confiscation of imported goods.
The import of certain plants and plant products requires a Pest Risk Analysis (PRA) to determine their import eligibility. Only after completing the PRA can the permissibility of these commodities be confirmed. Importers should note that when a PRA is required, the import process may take longer than usual.

A step-by-step guide to importing plants and plant products

1. Import Permit Application
  1. Complete the import application from (link) with the required information and submit it to the nearest BFDA Office.
  2. Documents required are:
    • Copy of Citizenship ID Card [if the import is for personal use]
    • Copy of Valid Trade License [if the import is for commercial purposes]
    • Recommendation letter of request from head of the institute [if import is for institution use]
    • Applicable import permit fee
  3. The applicant will receive the application number which can be used to track the application by visiting the site http//:pqis…… (verify this IP address)
  4. The applicant will receive the application number which can be used to track the application by visiting the site http//:pqis…… (verify this IP address)
  5. The import permit would contain prescribed conditions fulfilling which, import would be allowed.

NOTE:

  1. For the import of soil and non-released varieties of agricultural crops, the application must be submitted to the Department of Agriculture (DoA) under the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock. Following the approval of the DoA, the applicant can then apply for import permit from BFDA.
  2. For import of timber and wood packaging materials, import permit will be issued by the Department of Forests and Park Services (website link). (conform with Sonam N if PSC conditions are prescribed in their permit).
2. Declaration of the Imported Commodities at the Point of Entry
  1. Declare imported consignment along with the Phytosanitary certificate and other relevant documents to the Integrated Check Post (ICP) Authority at the Declared Point of Entry into the country for inspection.
  2. The ICP Authority may refer the imported consignment to BFDA Office for further inspection and verification.
  3. Seeds or other planting materials may be subjected to quarantine or other phytosanitary treatments as per the biosecurity norms of the country, after which, the consignment may be cleared for release.

NOTE:

The importer may need to clear Customs requirements simultaneously to secure the release without delay. 

The use of agrichemicals in agricultural settings in Bhutan is highly regulated. The import of agrochemicals is allowed only through certain authorized representatives (agents), and with the supply order or related documents provided by the Department of Agriculture.

A step-by-step guide on how to import Agrochemicals and Bio-inputs

To import agrochemicals and Bio-inputs to Bhutan, the authorized importer needs to obtain an import permit from the Bhutan Food and Drug Authority (BFDA). Failure to do so may result in the rejection or confiscation of imported goods.

1. Import Permit Application

  1. Complete the import application form (link) with the required information and submit it to the nearest BFDA Office.
  2. Documents required are:
    • Copy of Trade License [applicable to authorized agents].
    • Supply order or related documents provided by the Department of Agriculture.
    • Applicable import permit fee
  3. The applicant will receive the application number which can be used to track the application by visiting the site http//:pqis…… (verify this IP address)
  4. Once approved, the import permit is generated which the applicant can print or save a soft copy.
  5. The import permit may contain prescribed conditions fulfilling which, import would be allowed.

2. Declaration of the Imported Commodities at the Point of Entry

  1. Declare imported consignment along with the import permit and other relevant documents to the Integrated Check Post (ICP) Authority at the declared Point of Entry into the country for inspection.
  2. Declare imported consignment along with the import permit and other relevant documents to the Integrated Check Post (ICP) Authority at the declared Point of Entry into the country for inspection.

NOTE:

The importer may need to clear Customs requirements simultaneously to secure the release without delay.
To import live animals or animal products into Bhutan, the importer needs to obtain a prior import permit from the Bhutan Food and Drug Authority (BFDA). Import of such commodities is subject to Sanitary Certification by a competent authority in the exporting country. Failure to do so may result in the rejection or confiscation of imported commodities.
The import of live animals or animal products may require an Import Risk Analysis (IRA) to determine their import eligibility. Only after completing the IRA can the permissibility of these commodities be confirmed. Importers should note that when an IRA is required, the import process may take longer than usual.
Import of livestock products meant for human consumption and in commercial quantities, the company o firm of origin must be registered with BFDA.

A step-by-step guide on importing Animals or Animal Products

1. Import Permit Application

  1. Complete the import application form (link) with the required information and submit it to the nearest BFDA Office.
  2. Documents required are:
    • Copy of Citizenship ID Card [if the import is for personal use]
    • Copy of valid Trade License [if the import is for commercial purpose]
    • Recommendation letter of request from head of the institute [if import is for institution use]
    • Applicable import permit fee
  3. The applicant will receive the application number which can be used to track the application by visiting the site http//:pqis…… (verify this IP address)
  4. Once approved, the import permit is generated which the applicant can print or save a soft copy.
  5. The import permit would contain prescribed conditions fulfilling which, import would be allowed.
2. Declaration of the Imported Commodities at the Point of Entry
  1. Declare imported consignment along with the Sanitary Certificate and other relevant documents to the Integrated Check Post (ICP) Authority at the declared Point of Entry into the country for inspection
  2. The ICP Authority may refer the imported consignment to BFDA Office for further inspection and verification.
  3. Live animal consignment will be subjected to quarantine or other veterinary interventions as per the biosecurity norms of the country, after which, the consignment may be cleared for release.
  4. Consignments of animal products may be subjected to laboratory analysis.

NOTE:

The importer may need to clear Customs requirements simultaneously to secure the release of consignments without delay.
To import Food Commodities into Bhutan, the importer needs to obtain a prior import permit from the Bhutan Food and Drug Authority (BFDA). Import of such commodities is subject to meeting the conditions prescribed in the import permit including the labeling requirements. Failure to do so may result in the rejection or confiscation of imported goods.
The regulation of food commodity imports into Bhutan is primarily based on assessed risks to human health from potential contaminants/residues, as well as biosecurity threats to plant and animal health.

Food commodities* – means processed prepackaged food items sold in the market for human consumption. Currently, only processed milk and seaweeds are subjected to import regulations. However, the list of food commodities for regulation can change based on the risk assessment findings.

A step-by-step guide on how to import Food Commodities

1. Import Permit Application

  1. Complete the import application form (link) with the required information and submit it to the nearest BFDA Office.
  2. Documents required are:
    • Copy of valid Trade License
    • Certificate of analysis [test for heavy metals -cadmium, lead, mercury, and arsenic for seaweed]
    • Applicable import permit fee
  3. Once approved, the importer must collect the import permit from the concerned BFDA Office.
  4. The import permit would contain prescribed conditions fulfilling which, import would be allowed.
2. Declaration of the Imported Commodities at the Point of Entry
  1. Declare imported consignment along with the Sanitary Certificate and other relevant documents to the Integrated Check Post (ICP) Authority at the declared Point of Entry into the country for inspection.
  2. The ICP Authority may refer the imported consignment to BFDA Office for further inspection, verification and import clearance.
  3. Consignments may be subjected to laboratory analysis.

NOTE:

The importer may need to clear Customs requirements simultaneously to secure the release of consignments without delay.
To import animal feeds and feed ingredients into Bhutan, the importer needs to obtain a prior import permit from the Bhutan Food and Drug Authority (BFDA). Import of such commodities is permitted only from companies registered with BFDA, and is subject to Sanitary Certification by a competent authority in the exporting country. Failure to do so may result in the rejection or confiscation of imported commodities.

A step-by-step guide on importing Animal Feeds and Feed Ingredients

1. Import Permit Application

  1. Complete the import application form (link) with the required information and submit it to the nearest BFDA Office.
  2. Documents required are:
    • Copy of valid Trade License
    • Copy of valid Trade License
    • Applicable import permit fee
  3. The applicant will receive the application number which can be used to track the application by visiting the site http//:pqis…… (verify this IP address)
  4. Once approved, the import permit is generated which the applicant can print or save a soft copy.
  5. The import permit would contain prescribed conditions fulfilling which, import would be allowed.

2. Declaration of the Imported Commodities at the Point of Entry

  1. Declare imported consignment along with the Sanitary Certificate and other relevant documents to the Integrated Check Post (ICP) Authority at the declared Point of Entry into the country for inspection.
  2. The ICP Authority may refer the imported consignment to BFDA Office for further inspection and verification.
  3. Consignments of animal feeds and feed ingredients may be subjected to laboratory analysis.

NOTE:

The importer may need to clear Customs requirements simultaneously to secure the release of consignments without delay.
Import of food or feed derived from GMO into Bhutan is govern by Biosafety Act of Bhutan 2015 [link] and Biosafety Rules and Regulations 2018 [link]. Biosafety legislation of the country prohibits any activities involving viable GMO/LMO. The Biosafety Act is framed after careful consideration and in harmonization with the existing laws/policies of the Country.
Import of food and feed derived from GMO is allowed provided the products are in non-reproduceable form. Import of such products shall be subjected to risk assessment by the Biosafety Technical Working Group, and final approval by the BFDA Governing Board. Risk assessment could take as long as 4 months.

A step-by-step guide on how to import Food or Feed Commodities Derived from GMO

1. Import application

  1. Complete the application form for conducting risk assessment https://www.bfda.gov.bt/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Application_Form_for_the_Safety_Assessment_of_GM_Food_and_Feed_11.pdf and submit to nearest BFDA office with the required information.
  2. Once approved by the BFDA Governing Board, the importer must complete the import application form (link) and submit to the concerned BFDA Office and collect the import permit.
  3. The import permit would contain prescribed conditions fulfilling which, import would be allowed.
2. Declaration of the Imported Commodities at the Point of Entry
  1. Declare imported consignment along with the import permit and other relevant documents to the Integrated Check Post (ICP) Authority at the declared Point of Entry into the country for inspection.
  2. The ICP Authority may refer the imported consignment to BFDA Office for further inspection, verification and import clearance.
  3. Consignments may be subjected to laboratory analysis.

NOTE:

The importer may need to clear Customs requirements simultaneously to secure the release of consignments without delay.

Quarantine [Plant and Animal]

One of the primary mandates of Bhutan Food and Drug Authority (BFDA) is to implement effective biosecurity measures to protect the agriculture farming system including animal health, and public health from risks of entry, establishment and spread of exotic and or notifiable pests and diseases. Thus, a major role is placed on the Plant and Animal Quarantine Stations at the point of entry which serves as a first line of defense to prevent and safeguard the health and life of plants, animals including wildlife from entry of notifiable and exotic pests and diseases into the country. The BFDA established six quarantine stations and other facilities in six major official entry points (Samtse, Phuentsholing (Pasakha), Gelephu, Nganglam, Samdrup Jongkhar and Paro) as authorized under Sections 8.3 and 36.5 of the Livestock Act of Bhutan 2001, and Section 5(h) of the Plant Quarantine Act of Bhutan 1993. These facilities were established to provide optimum, competent and professional services for the implementation of effective quarantine measures.

A. Plant Quarantine Procedures

  1. BFDA quarantine officials will conduct risk-based inspections of imported plants and plant products at the point of entry.
  2. The consignments are inspected for conformity with the import phytosanitary conditions (for infestation of regulated pests, signs and symptoms of pests and diseases including invasive species).
  3. If consignments are suspected to contain quarantine or regulated pests, or if they exhibit signs and symptoms of such pests, they will undergo a plant quarantine process for further confirmation, and necessary Phytosanitary measures.
  4. Appropriate Phytosanitary measures will be undertaken in the quarantine station.
  5. The plant consignment may be released or destroyed based on the phytosanitary risk.
  6. The cost of plant quarantine and treatment involved will be borne by the importers or traders.
  1. Following approval of the import request, the importer has to contact the Regional Chief or Officer In-Charge of BFDA at the declared entry point and book the quarantine station at least two weeks in advance before the date of arrival of the animals.
  2. On arrival at the entry point, the importer must declare the imported animals to the BFDA officials on duty along with the necessary documents. When required documents are provided, on-board inspection will be carried out.
  3. Animals are then transported to the quarantine station and unloaded under the supervision of the BFDA officials on duty and the animals are admitted into the quarantine station. The animals will be quarantined for a minimum period of 15 days.
  4. While in the quarantine station, BFDA official will carry out clinical examination of the animals and necessary treatment if required, collect necessary samples and send to referral laboratories for screening against notifiable and or exotic animal diseases.
  5. If the quarantined animals are free from the diseases of quarantine interest as guided by the Bhutan Heath Code for Import of Animals, the animals will be allowed entry into the country. If not, the animals will be re-exported or will be humanely destroyed.
  6. The owners will be responsible for feeding and taking care of the animals during the entire duration of the quarantine period.
  7. The owner will be charged an admissible quarantine fee as per the existing norms.

 

General Export Requirements for Agricultural and Food Products under SPS Measures

Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS) measures play a crucial role in ensuring that agricultural and food products exported from Bhutan meets the health, safety, and environmental standards of the importing country. Understanding these requirements is vital for businesses looking to export their goods, as non-compliance can result in delays, rejection of shipments, or bans on future exports. This section provides an overview of general export requirements related to SPS measures that must be adhered to for smooth international trade in food and agricultural products. The requirements could vary from country to country. The exporters are required to work through their business partners in the importing country to find out more about the specific SPS requirements.
Before exporting agricultural and food products, exporters must ensure that their goods comply with relevant international standards, such as those established by the World Trade Organization (WTO) Agreement on the Application of Sanitary and Phytosanitary Measures (SPS Agreement), Codex Alimentarius Commission (CAC) for food safety, the International Plant Protection Convention (IPPC) for plant health, and the World Organization for Animal Health (WOAH) for animal health. These standards guide countries in establishing SPS measures to protect human, animal, and plant life or health while minimizing trade restrictions.
To facilitate export, certain SPS certifications are often mandatory, including:
  • Phytosanitary Certificate: Required for exporting plants, plant products, and other regulated articles. This certificate verifies that the shipment is free from pests and diseases that could pose risks to the importing country’s territory.
  • Veterinary Certificate: Needed for the export of live animals and animal products such as meat, dairy, poultry, etc. This document ensures that the products comply with health standards and are free from animal diseases.
  • Health Certificate for Food Products: Typically required for food products to confirm that the goods meet safety and hygiene standards in the production process. This certificate attests that the food products do not pose any risk to human health.
Exporters should work closely with the Sanitary and Phytosanitary National Competent Authorities (link to SPS Enquiry Point);
In some cases, the importing may require the export consignments to be treated before such consignments are exported. For instance, a consignment of live animal may require vaccination prior to export. Similarly, a consignment of plant and plant products may require phytosanitary treatments prior to export.

In some cases, the importing country may have additional requirements regarding the origin of the product, specifically if the exporting region is free from certain pests or diseases. The recognition of pest- or disease-free zones can facilitate export, as products from these regions may have fewer restrictions. Exporters should confirm the pest and disease status of the country with the Department of Agriculture www.doa.gov.bt/ [plant and plant products] and the Department of Livestock www.dol.gov.bt [live animals and animal products], and ensure that the certification documents reflect this information accurately.

Different countries have specific labeling and packaging regulations related to food safety and biosecurity. These requirements may involve the inclusion of certain information on labels, such as country of origin, ingredients, nutritional information, manufacture and expiry dates, and potential allergens. Packaging materials may also need to meet certain standards to ensure they do not pose contamination risks or harbor pests.

Many countries enforce maximum residue limits (MRLs) for pesticides, veterinary drugs, and contaminants in food and agricultural products. Exporters must ensure that their products comply with these MRLs to avoid rejection at the border. Regular testing and monitoring of residue levels, as well as adherence to good agricultural and manufacturing practices, are essential for compliance.

In addition to SPS certifications, exporters are required to provide comprehensive documentation, including the certificates of origin, and product specifications. Customs authorities in the importing country will inspect these documents, alongside the products, to ensure they meet the necessary importing country’s norms. Exporters must find out the documentation requirements of the importing country well in advance through their respective business partners in the importing country.

Even after export, countries may require ongoing monitoring of certain commodities, particularly live animals to ensure they do not contract diseases during transportation. Exporters must maintain proper records and be prepared for inspections both before and after the shipment arrives at its destination.

For successful export of agricultural and food products, it is essential to comply with SPS measures and certification requirements established by the importing country. Proper understanding of these requirements, adherence to international standards, and collaboration with national authorities will help ensure smooth market access and minimize trade disruptions.

Procedure for export of

For successful export of agricultural and food products, it is essential to comply with SPS measures and certification requirements established by the importing country. Proper understanding of these requirements, adherence to international standards, and collaboration with national authorities will help ensure smooth market access and minimize trade disruptions.

1. Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS) Certification Application

  1. Complete the export application form (links to specific application forms) with the required information and submit it to the nearest BFDA Office for review.
  2. Documents required are:
    • Copy of Citizenship ID Card [if the export is for non-commercial use]
    • Copy of valid Trade License [if the export is for commercial purpose]
    • Copy of import permit/authorization with prescribed certification requirements [issued by the importing country if required]
    • Applicable export certificate fee
[For export of timber and non-wood forest products, a recommendation letter from the Department of Forests and Park Servies www.dofps.gov.bt is required.

2. Determine the Import Requirements

Import requirements vary by country, commodity type, and end-use. The exporter should work through their business partners in the importing country to find out more about the specific SPS requirements. These requirements must be submitted along with the application for export certification to the nearest BFDA Office. Generally, import requirements come as prescribed import conditions in the import permit.

3. Verify the Shipment Meets Import Requirements

Once the importing country’s requirements/certification requirements are known, the BFDA office concerned will verify that the consignment for export meets the requirements. This process could include verification of supporting documents, inspection of the commodity, sample collection and testing. If the importing country’s requirements are fulfilled, the Sanitary or Phytosanitary Certificate will be issued.

4. Declaration of the Export Consignments at the Point of Exit

The exporter must declare the export consignments along with the Sanitary or Phytosanitary Certificate, and other relevant documents to the Integrated Check Post (ICP) Authority or other Check Post Authority where required.
To export food commodities including beverages from Bhutan, the exporter needs to visit the nearest BFDA office along with relevant documents for consignment inspection. The exporter may need to obtain prior import authorization from the importing country [the exporter should have obtained it by now if required].

1. Export/Health Certificate Application

  1. Use the application form (link) and submit it to the BFDA Office concerned along with the required information and documents.
Documents required are:
  • Copy of Citizenship ID Card [if the export is for non-commercial use]
  • Copy of valid Trade License [if the export is for commercial purpose]
  • Copy of import permit/authorization with prescribed certification requirements [issued by the importing country if required]
  • Latest test report of samples collected from the export consignment from any ISO17025 accredited laboratory
  • Applicable export certificate fee
Other steps for the export of food commodities remain the same as for the export of plant, animal, and their products.

Legislation and Standards

Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS) measures are crucial in ensuring plants, and animals biosecurity, and food safety in international trade. These measures are governed by a set of legislation, regulations [Link to relevant legislation], and standards [Link to standards] that form the legal framework for enforcing biosecurity in Bhutan. This interface serves as a gateway for stakeholders – government agencies, farmers, importers, and exporters to access, understand, and comply with these legal requirements, ensuring smooth trade operations while maintaining national health and safety standards.
The contents of this interface provide transparent access to the country’s SPS-related legal framework. It houses legislations, regulations [Link to relevant legislation], and standards [Link to standards] that define the requirements for importing, exporting, and handling food, and agricultural commodities. This is to ensure that all stakeholders have a clear reference to the legal and regulatory requirements for compliance, reducing trade disruptions and enhancing protection from biosecurity threats.

Authorities Responsible for SPS Legislation and Standards

The enforcement of SPS legislation and standards in Bhutan is carried out by designated authorities in accordance with national laws and international commitments. The key agencies responsible for implementing SPS measures include:
  1. Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock (MoAL): The primary agency responsible for implementing and overseeing plant and animal health management, implementation of quality assurance systems in production farms, and ensuring compliance with SPS regulations or requirements.
    1. Department of Livestock (DoL): Implementing and overseeing animal health management and production ensuring Bhutan’s livestock industry meets national and international SPS standards.
    2. Department of Agriculture (DoA): Managing health of agriculture crops and production ensuring Bhutan’s agriculture industry meets national and international SPS standards.
  2. Department of Forests and Park Services, Ministry of Energy and Natural Resources (MoENR): Managing the health of forestry resources including forest-related invasive alien species.
  3. Bhutan Food and Drug Authority (BFDA), Ministry of Health: Responsible for food safety administration, enforcing biosecurity and SPS requirements including authorizing imports of agriculture and livestock commodities, quarantine measures, conducting inspections, issuance of SPS certificates, and monitoring food safety.
These agencies collaborate to implement biosecurity and SPS measures effectively, conduct risk assessments, approve SPS-related policies, and engage with international trade partners.

The SPS Portal serves as a central platform where these authorities publish notifications and guidelines to ensure stakeholders stay informed about compliance requirements.

Harmonization with International Standards

To facilitate safe and fair trade, Bhutan’s SPS legislation, standards, and guidelines are aligned with international norms. This includes:

  • Codex Alimentarius Commission (CAC) for food safety and hygiene.
  • World Organization for Animal Health (WOAH) for animal health and zoonotic disease control.
  • International Plant Protection Convention (IPPC) for plant pests and diseases.
  • WTO-SPS Agreement for ensuring that Bhutan’s SPS measures do not create unnecessary trade barriers.

SPS-related documents

  1. Policy
    1. Biosecurity Policy of the Kingdom of Bhutan 2010;
    2. Food and Nutrition Policy of Bhutan 2014;
  2. Acts
    1. Plant Quarantine Act of Bhutan 1993;
    2. Pesticide Act of Bhutan 2000;
    3. Seed Act of Bhutan 2000;
    4. Livestock Act 2001;
    5. Forest and Nature Conservation Act 2023;
    6. Food Act of Bhutan 2005;
    7. Biosafety Act of Bhutan 2015;
    8. Biodiversity Act of Bhutan 2022;
    9. Forest and Nature Conservation Act of Bhutan 2023;
  3. Regulations
    1. Plant Quarantine Rules and Regulations of Bhutan 2018;
    2. Seed Rules and Regulations of Bhutan 2018;
    3. Pesticides Rules and Regulations of Bhutan 2019;
    4. Livestock Rules and Regulations of Bhutan 2017;
    5. Livestock(amendment) Rules and Regulation 2022;
    6. Food Rules and Regulation of Bhutan 2017;
    7. Biosafety Rules and Regulation of Bhutan 2018;
    8. Forest and Nature Conservation Rules and Regulations 2023;
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