FSSAI allows 10 times more pesticide residue in herbs, spices

India dilutes pesticide norms for herbs and spices, raising MRL to 0.1mg/kg. Activists fear harm to exports. Concerns include health risks, cumulative pesticide effects, and harm from unknown pesticides on imports.

Currently, the export of onion is banned. However, the government allows shipments to India’s friendly nations. It has permitted a specified quantity of onion exports to UAE and Bangladesh.

India’s Spices Board has made testing for ethylene oxide (ETO) mandatory for all spices being exported to Hong Kong and Singapore, where authorities last month stopped sales of some products of two Indian spice brands on the ground that they contained high levels of ETO, a carcinogen. Testing has been made mandatory from May 6.

Uzbekistan positions itself as a regional investment hub amid reforms and a focus on the market economy, attracting foreign investments, including from India. The Third Tashkent International Investment Forum, held on May 2-3, aimed to boost investments. President Shavkat Mirziyoyev participated, along with representatives from various countries. The forum has become a platform for bilateral […]

India’s imports of electronics, telecom, and electrical products surged to USD 89.8 billion in 2023-24, with over half of these imports coming from China and Hong Kong, according to the Global Trade Research Initiative (GTRI). China dominates with a 43.9% share, highlighting India’s heavy reliance on these countries. GTRI emphasizes the need to reduce this […]

India’s path to becoming a developed country hinges on boosting exports, as demonstrated by China’s growth. Leveraging bilateral agreements and FTAs, India is expanding into new markets like Africa and Latin America. Yet, quality issues and trade restrictions pose challenges, such as recent bans on Indian spices in Hong Kong and Singapore. Additionally, green trade […]

Implemented on 1 May 2022, the UAE-India CEPA offers numerous trade benefits, including the elimination and reduction of tariffs, an open trade environment, and enhanced market access for service providers across various sectors. It also addresses technical barriers and provides access to government procurement opportunities.

GTRI highlighted concerns over $700 million India spice exports at risk due to regulatory actions in critical markets. Urgent actions are needed to prevent widespread rejection and ensure the integrity of Indian spice products.

Controversy involving MDH and Everest spice companies threatens India’s spice shipments. Urgent quality resolution highlighted by Global Trade Research Initiative. Concerns raised by multiple countries could severely impact India’s spice exports.

India and Nigeria have agreed to conclude a local currency settlement system agreement to strengthen economic ties. The agreement, signed during a joint session of the India-Nigeria Joint Trade Committee, aims to promote the use of the Indian Rupee and Nigerian Naira for cross-border transactions. The agreement will enhance bilateral trade and mutually beneficial investments […]