India has introduced a series of strict measures to safeguard its domestic tea industry amid rising imports, prompting concern among Nepali exporters who warn the move could significantly disrupt one of Nepal's key foreign exchange-earning sectors.

Indian importers will also be required to submit detailed information such as arrival date, warehouse location, container details and proforma invoice through the Tea Council portal. <1p>

Effective May 1, all tea consignments entering India-including those from Nepal will be subject to mandatory lab testing. The move is aimed at tightening quality checks and curbing adulteration.

Until clearance is granted, imported tea must be stored separately in warehouses and cannot be sold domestically or re-exported. If a sample fails, importers can request testing of a reserve sample at another laboratory for an additional fee. If the second test also fails, the consignment must either be destroyed or returned to the country of origin.

The rules also require that imported teas meant for re-export be shipped out within six months and achieve at least 50 percent value addition, along with mandatory labelling and source disclosure.

Source: Kathmandu Post (Extracts), Courtesy: Tea Exporters' Association Sri Lanka