India's food safety authority has recognized certificates from Nepal's National Food and Feed Reference Laboratory (NFFRL). This follows a memorandum of understanding signed five years ago, allowing eight food items—juice, jam, jelly, pickles, candies, ginger, fresh fruits and vegetables, and instant noodles—to be tested in Nepal for export to India.
The Indian Embassy in Nepal confirmed that the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has recognized NFFRL under Nepal's Department of Food and Technology Quality Control (DFTQC) for food sample testing. Analysis certificates from NFFRL will now be accepted by Indian authorities, potentially boosting exports from Nepal.
Formal documentation from India is still pending, but the recognition is a result of diplomatic and regulatory exchanges. In 2019, Nepal mandated pesticide residue tests for Indian produce at the border, causing delays due to inadequate testing facilities. This led to Nepal withdrawing the tests amid public backlash and a Supreme Court challenge.
The 2019 Nepal-India Joint Commission Meeting resulted in an MoU to recognize 10 Nepali food groups. According to DFTQC spokesperson Mohan Krishna Maharjan, India initially gave Nepal a year to include the agreed items under its quality scope. Delays occurred due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and Nepal requested an extension and additional parameters.
India later asked Nepal to apply for an integrated assessment for lab accreditation. While the lab seems certified, official confirmation is awaited. It is unclear if recognition covers individual items or entire groups. Nepal applied for accreditation for 10 food groups.
DFTQC Director General Sanjeev Kumar Karn expects official documents soon, facilitating export processes. Nepal plans to seek accreditation for products like tea and biscuits. Nepali exporters welcome the development. Narendra Kumar Khadka, president of the Nepal Ginger Producer and Traders Association, noted previous inefficiencies and costs in lab testing in India.
Most ginger exports from Nepal go through Mechi and Bhairahawa customs. Last fiscal year, Nepal exported 10,069 tons of ginger worth approximately $7.5 million to India. Juice exports were about 50,765 tons, valued at $36.5 million.
Source: The Kathmandu Post