Libya may Ban Indian tea again
Libya imposed a ban on shipment of Indian tea nearly three years back because of quality issues. At that time, India used to export five to six million kg of tea to Libya, valued at around US Dollar 10 million. Eventually it lifted the ban towards beginning of this year.
However, exporters fear another ban as there has been mismatch in specification. UPASI has gone on record that samples taken from a shipment to Libya of one million kg against a two million kg contract for Organic Standard 601 OP (Orange Pekoe) of 100% Indian origin does not conform to the specifications.
As per Upasi secretary-general Ullas Menon, samples taken by the Tea Board from Libya bound consignments in exporter’s godown in Coimbatore were tested in the nationally accredited UPASI laboratory at Coonoor and found to be not in conformance with the standards laid down under the Prevention of Food Adulteration Act (PFA).
Any future ban could adversely affect not just India’s exports to Libya but other markets at a time when competing origins have been making inroads into India’s global share. It may be noted that Tea Board does not issue shipment permits like the Coffee Board does for coffee exports.
November 19' 2004
