Worry over non-tariff trade barriers after Turkey action on Indian wheat

Phytosanitary norms often cited to settle political scores or for vested interest: Experts

Turkey’s rejection of a wheat consignment from India over allegations that it contained the rubella virus highlights the complex and vexed issue of phytosanitary standards, and how countries and commercial entities often use them to protect their domestic turf or address narrow commercial concerns.  According to government officials and the exporter, ITC, the 56,000-tonne wheat consignment had passed all checks, both by the surveyors nominated by the buyer as well as the Indian Plant Quarantine Authorities, before being loaded on the ship. Hence, it is not clear in which phase of the journey the virus allegedly got into the shipment.

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