The New Rules on the Table
In mid-October 2026, the FSSAI published draft regulations proposing new Maximum Residue Limits (MRLs) for two commonly used pesticides in tea cultivation: Acetamiprid and Imidacloprid. An MRL is the highest legally permissible level of a pesticide residue
in a food product. The proposal sets the limit at 20 parts per million (ppm) for Acetamiprid and 50 ppm for Imidacloprid. Previously, the absence of a specific MRL for these approved pesticides created a confusing situation where any detection above 0.01 ppm could lead to a batch being rejected, causing huge problems for growers. This new draft, currently open for public feedback for 60 days, aims to provide a clear, science-based benchmark for everyone from the farmer to the regulator.
A Push for Safer Tea and Global Alignment
The primary driver behind these proposed standards is twofold: ensuring consumer safety and aligning Indian tea with stringent international norms. By setting clear MRLs, the FSSAI aims to bolster public health and confidence in one of the nation's most beloved beverages. Furthermore, the move is a strategic one for the export market. The proposed limit for Acetamiprid (20 ppm) is notably stricter than the limits in major markets like Japan (30 ppm) and the USA (50 ppm). By adopting standards that meet or exceed those of demanding international buyers, especially in Europe, India aims to make its tea more competitive and secure its place on the global stage. This demonstrates a commitment to quality that can help safeguard and potentially expand India's valuable tea export business.
A Potential Boon for Exporters
For large tea exporters, clearer and stricter standards are largely seen as a positive development. Complying with globally recognised MRLs reduces the risk of export consignments being rejected, which can be a costly and reputation-damaging event. By proactively aligning with international benchmarks like the Codex standards, which the new Imidacloprid limit references, Indian exporters can more confidently market their products as safe and high-quality. This regulatory clarity simplifies trade and strengthens the 'Brand India' label in the global tea market. It provides a stable framework that allows exporters to plan and invest with greater certainty, knowing they are producing a crop that meets the world's toughest safety requirements.
The Squeeze on Small Growers and Local Markets
However, the story is very different for the small tea growers (STGs) who account for over half of India's total tea production. For them, these new standards represent a significant challenge. Adhering to stricter MRLs often requires using newer, more expensive pesticides and implementing more sophisticated farming practices. Many STGs operate on thin margins and lack the financial resources and technical knowledge for this transition. There is a severe lack of accessible and affordable laboratories in growing regions for testing leaves, which puts the burden of compliance squarely on the shoulders of these small farmers. If they are unable to meet the new standards, they risk having their leaves rejected by the Bought Leaf Factories that process their harvest, threatening their livelihoods. This could, in turn, lead to supply disruptions and potentially higher prices in the domestic market.
