Vriksh Certificate Overview:
The Vriksh program, managed by the Export Promotion Council for Handicrafts (EPCH), offers two key certifications for Indian exporters of wooden handicrafts and furniture:
Vriksh Certificate of Conformity (CoC): This is a broader certification that verifies your entire business adheres to sustainable wood-sourcing practices. It demonstrates a long-term commitment to responsible forestry and legality.
Vriksh Shipment Certificate: Vriksh certification focuses on a specific shipment of wooden items. It confirms that the wood used in that particular consignment originates from legal sources and complies with relevant regulations (like CITES).
Understanding Vriksh Shipment Certification:
The Vriksh Shipment Certification, which attests to the wood's legal origin and compliance with laws like the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), is overseen by the Export Promotion Council for Handicrafts (EPCH). This certification, which is specifically made for individual shipments, gives proof to foreign customs authorities.
Vriksh Shipment Certification Process:
The global demand for wooden handicrafts and furniture necessitates a robust system to ensure ethical sourcing and environmental sustainability. In India, the Vriksh Shipment Certification scheme plays a vital role in achieving this goal. If you're an exporter of wooden items, obtaining a Vriksh Shipment Certificate is crucial for demonstrating the legality and responsible origin of your products.
Benefits of Vriksh Shipment Certification:
Smoother Customs Clearance: By accelerating customs clearance for your exports, a Vriksh certificate reduces delays and logistical challenges.
Reduced Risk of Seizure: Certification reduces the possibility of a product being seized at foreign ports by ensuring that your shipment conforms with international regulations.
Enhanced Brand Reputation: Demonstrate your commitment to ethical practices and responsible sourcing, fostering trust with international buyers.
Who Needs Vriksh Shipment Certification?
This certification is primarily required for exporters of wooden handicrafts and furniture containing specific wood species. These include:
Dalbergia sissoo and Dalbergia latifolia: These fall under CITES Appendix II, signifying controlled trade to prevent overexploitation.
Mangifera indica (Mango) and Acacia nilotica (Babul): Despite not being on the CITES list, certain buyers may have sustainability policies that require Vriksh certification for certain species.
Steps involved in Vriksh Shipment Certification:
Application Submission:
Access the Vriksh portal (https://vrikshindia.in/) and download the application form.
Complete the form with details about your company, the shipment (including buyer information, product description, and wood type), and relevant supporting documents.
Fee Payment:
The Vriksh certificate fees are determined by the EPCH based on the invoice value of your shipment. Submit the requisite fee after application submission.
Document Verification:
Upon receiving your application and fee, the designated agency will review your documents to verify the legality and origin of the wood used.
Issuance of Certificate (if applicable):
If your documents meet all requirements, a Vriksh Shipment Certificate with a validity of six months will be issued.
Fees for VRIKSH Certificates
The fees for VRIKSH certificates depend on the type of certificate you're applying for:
1. VRIKSH Certificate of Conformity (CoC):
The cost for a VRIKSH CoC is not directly mentioned on the VRIKSH website, but it involves an application fee paid to the Export Promotion Council for Handicrafts (EPCH).
This fee is likely determined based on factors like your company's size, turnover, and the complexity of your supply chain.
2. VRIKSH Shipment Certificate:
The VRIKSH Shipment Certificate fee is based on the invoice value of your shipment.
The exact fee structure is not readily available online. However, the VRIKSH website mentions that the application process involves submitting a receipt with the fee mentioned on it.
Final Thoughts
It's simple to obtain a Vriksh Shipment Certificate, which enhances your reputation as a conscientious exporter. Through adherence to these guidelines and possession of the required paperwork, you can effectively maneuver through the certification procedure. Recall that a Vriksh certificate is an important instrument for fostering sustainable forestry practices and establishing trust with foreign purchasers, in addition to being a legal necessity.
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