Nepal’s food exports to India get major boost with lab certification recognition

April 8, 2025, 01:05:56 PM |

KATHMANDU: Nepali exporters of ginger, pickles, juices, vegetables, and other food items no longer need to worry about delays at Indian customs. The Department of Food Technology and Quality Control (DFTQC) has announced that goods will not be held up at border points due to certification disputes.

The cumbersome process of sending samples to laboratories in Kolkata, Delhi, or Lucknow for testing has been eliminated, thanks to India’s recognition of certificates issued by Nepal’s National Food and Feed Reference Laboratory.

The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) and the National Accreditation Board for Testing and Calibration Laboratories (NABL) have granted mutual recognition to Nepal’s food testing lab. This milestone is expected to streamline exports and end the tedious customs procedures that have long plagued Nepali exporters, according to DFTQC Director General Sanjeev Kumar Karn.

“This recognition from India is a significant achievement. The decision was published in the Nepal Gazette on April 4 and has been circulated to customs offices,” Karn said. “Previously, exporters faced delays of up to a month and high costs for lab tests in Indian cities. Now, goods will no longer be stuck at customs.”

While India reserves the right to conduct its own tests if suspicions arise, the recognition covers nine key export items, including juices, ginger, vegetables, and instant noodles, which have shown promising export volumes. DFTQC spokesperson Mohan Maharjan noted that this development will further ease trade with India.

In 2019, India had conditionally recognized certificates for some items, but the current approval extends to nine products with enhanced testing standards. Nepal’s lab now tests 630 parameters, up from 284, following an audit by Indian food safety authorities based on DFTQC’s application.

The move is expected to boost Nepal’s food export sector, reduce costs, and enhance trade efficiency with its largest trading partner.

Fiscal Nepal |

Tuesday April 8, 2025, 01:05:56 PM |