Tea Board Enforces Mandatory Quality Testing for All Imported Tea from May 1
In a decisive move to address the escalating influx of foreign tea, the Tea Board of India has issued a directive that all import consignments of tea will undergo mandatory quality testing starting May 1, 2024. This regulatory step is designed to enforce strict quality standards and curb the rampant importation that has been impacting the domestic tea industry.
Rising Import Figures Prompt Regulatory Action
The decision comes against the backdrop of significant tea imports into India. In 2025, the country witnessed imports totaling 39 million kilograms, marking one of the highest volumes in recent years. This follows an even higher figure of 45 million kilograms recorded during the January to December period of 2024. The primary sources of these imports include Kenya, Nepal, Vietnam, Iran, the United Kingdom, China, Argentina, Indonesia, Sri Lanka, and Tanzania, with Kenya being the largest contributor.
The new testing protocol will be implemented in accordance with a standard operating procedure (SOP) advised by the Tea Board. This SOP aims to ensure that all imported tea meets the required quality benchmarks before entering the Indian market.
Industry Support and Concerns Over Quality
The Indian Tea Association, along with small tea growers, has been vocal in recent years about the challenges posed by increasing tea imports. Bijoy Gopal Chakraborty, president of the Confederation of Indian Small Tea Growers Association (CISTA), has welcomed the Tea Board's directive. "We welcome the Tea Board directive along with the SOP. It will surely restrict the poor quality of non-FSSAI tea from entering India and curb the practice of re-export," Chakraborty stated.
This move is seen as a protective measure for domestic growers who have faced competition from lower-quality imported teas. Experts have noted that some of the imported tea has been blended and re-exported, potentially compromising the reputation of Indian-origin tea.
Parliamentary Recommendations and Future Measures
A parliamentary standing committee had earlier highlighted the risks associated with increasing tea imports, including adulteration. The committee recommended stricter monitoring and transparency to safeguard consumer trust. Key recommendations included:
- Enforcing mandatory labeling and source declarations for all re-exported or blended teas.
- Implementing Customs-linked surveillance at ports to monitor import activities.
- Conducting regular market audits and sample testing at retail points to ensure quality compliance.
These measures are intended to maintain the high reputation of Indian tea and protect consumers from substandard products. The Tea Board's new testing mandate aligns with these recommendations, aiming to enhance oversight and quality assurance in the tea import sector.
Export Growth and Market Dynamics
Despite the focus on imports, there has been a notable increase in tea exports to countries like Iraq and the UAE. However, the blending of imported tea for re-export has raised concerns about authenticity and quality. The mandatory testing from May 1 is expected to address these issues by ensuring that only tea meeting established standards enters the supply chain.
This regulatory update represents a significant step towards balancing import controls with quality enforcement, supporting both domestic producers and consumer interests in the evolving global tea market.
