The Heart of the Matter: New Rules Proposed
In mid-October 2026, the FSSAI released draft regulations proposing Maximum Residue Limits (MRLs) for two widely used pesticides in tea cultivation: Acetamiprid and Imidacloprid. The proposed limits are 20 parts per million (ppm) for Acetamiprid and 50
ppm for Imidacloprid. An MRL is the highest legally permitted concentration of a pesticide residue in a food product. For years, the absence of officially notified MRLs for these effective and approved pesticides created uncertainty for growers, who risked crop losses from pests without clear guidelines on acceptable residue levels. The new proposal aims to provide this clarity, establishing a clear benchmark for growers, processors, and regulators to ensure consumer safety.
A Complicated Welcome from the Industry
While the industry has long sought regulatory clarity, the response is not one of simple relief. The core issue has been a long-standing gap between the chemicals approved for use and the standards for their residue. For months and even years prior to the proposal, industry bodies like the Confederation of Indian Small Tea Growers Associations (CISTA) have been writing to government ministries, urging them to notify scientific MRLs. The lack of these standards has put growers in a difficult position, penalised for a regulatory gap they did not create. Earlier in 2026, data from the Tea Research Association showed that a high percentage of Assam tea failed residue tests for these exact two chemicals, highlighting the disconnect between approved pest control methods and safety testing.
Small Growers Face the Biggest Hurdles
The new proposals will have a disproportionate impact on India's small tea growers, who are responsible for a significant portion of the country's total tea production. These growers often lack the financial resources and technical knowledge to quickly adapt to new standards or invest in alternative, often more expensive, pest management solutions. Associations representing them have been vocal about needing clear, scientifically-backed, and achievable standards. Without adequate support and a phased transition, there are concerns that a sudden enforcement of stringent MRLs could threaten the livelihoods of millions who depend on tea cultivation, potentially leading to crop rejection and financial distress.
The Global Balancing Act for Exporters
The proposed MRLs are also a strategic move to align Indian tea with global standards, a crucial factor for the export market. The FSSAI has noted that its proposed limit for Acetamiprid is lower than in Japan and the USA, while the Imidacloprid limit is formulated with reference to international Codex standards. This alignment is critical. In the past, consignments have been rejected by international buyers due to pesticide residues exceeding their specific MRLs. Establishing and adhering to these standards domestically can boost confidence in Indian tea globally. However, it creates a dual challenge: satisfying both domestic production needs and the often stricter requirements of export markets like the European Union.
The Path Forward: Consultation and Collaboration
The FSSAI's draft regulations are not yet final and have been opened for a 60-day period of public consultation, inviting feedback from stakeholders across the industry. This phase is crucial for bridging the gap between the regulator's mandate for public health and the industry's practical challenges. The goal, as stated by the FSSAI, is to balance consumer protection with the need for effective pest management that helps farmers minimise crop losses. Success will depend on collaboration, including training programs on good agricultural practices, promoting integrated pest management, and ensuring that the final standards are scientifically sound and practically achievable for the entire supply chain, from the smallest grower to the largest exporter.
