Tasteless Treaty

The decision by the Joint Ministerial Committee earlier this month was prompted by a recent delay in clearing a shipment of tea to the continent.

The decision requires flavoured tea exporters to obtain clearance for their flavours and methodologies from the National Food Laboratories Indian Prevention of Food Adulteration Act.

Exporters obtaining the clearance will then have to register with the Tea Board of India.

Some industry officials feel this is just another indirect barrier to export to the Indian market.

Meanwhile, Sri Lankan authorities are pushing for more liberal access into the Indian tea market under the FTA.

Previously, Sri Lanka was allowed 11.5 million kilos annually of tea exports to the Indian continent.

However, entry was restricted to three ports.