16th April 2025, Kathmandu
Nepal has eliminated the requirement for food products to be tested in India before export. Two local laboratories have received international recognition, marking the end of the long-standing testing obligations in India.
Nepal Food Export Breakthrough
Nepalese Labs Gain Global Recognition
The Nepal National Food and Grain Reference Laboratory and the laboratory at the Food Technology and Quality Control Office in Biratnagar, both operating under the Department of Food Technology and Quality Control, have achieved international accreditation. This recognition comes after the Indian government agreed to mutually recognize the analysis and quality testing certificates for eight categories of food products exported from Nepal.
A Breakthrough for Nepal’s Food Export Industry
This new recognition means that Nepal can now conduct food testing domestically, and the results will be accepted internationally, including by Indian authorities. This is a major development for Nepal’s food industry, as it reduces the complexity of the export process, lowers costs, and accelerates trade.
Before this, food products exported from Nepal to India had to be tested in India, which was time-consuming and costly. The mutual recognition of testing certificates now eliminates this need, making the export process more efficient.
Streamlining the Export Process
Sanjeev Kumar Karn, the Director-General of Nepal’s Department of Food Technology and Quality Control, emphasized that this new arrangement removes unnecessary barriers. Now, food products tested in Nepal will be accepted globally, especially in India, without needing additional testing.
Previously, exporters had to send their products to India for testing and certification. With the new system in place, they can avoid this extra step, saving both time and money. The testing and certification done in Nepal will now be valid for export to India, making the process smoother and more cost-effective.
Cost Reductions for Exporters
The international recognition of Nepal’s laboratories is expected to reduce costs for food exporters. Earlier, businesses had to test their products in multiple labs in India, incurring significant expenses. Now, the testing can be completed in Nepal, cutting down on unnecessary costs.
Additionally, when products were tested in India and found to be of low quality, they would either be returned to Nepal or destroyed. The new system ensures this issue is avoided, further streamlining the export process.
Impact on Nepal’s Food Export Sector
This development is seen as a huge positive for Nepal’s food export industry. The Department of Food Technology and Quality Control believes that it will make it easier for Nepalese businesses to export food products to various global markets. The recognition is a major milestone and is expected to promote more exports in the future.
Now, exporters will need to submit applications at least two weeks before exporting, along with required inspections and batch certifications. Once the products meet the necessary standards, the certification will be issued, ensuring smoother export processes.
Increased Export Opportunities for Nepal
The department also expressed hope that the international recognition would help improve Nepal’s standing in the global food market. Recently, the laboratories expanded their testing standards, now covering 634 parameters, up from 284. This expansion highlights the enhanced capabilities of Nepal’s food testing infrastructure.
This development marks the end of previous limitations and opens up new opportunities for businesses to export their products more easily. As Nepal strengthens its food testing and quality control systems, this change will play a crucial role in expanding the country’s food exports.
A Positive Step for Nepal’s Economy
This shift will likely have a significant impact on Nepal’s economy, facilitating smoother trade and boosting the food industry. The recognition of Nepal’s laboratories will ensure faster, more efficient exports, promoting economic growth and providing a strong foundation for future trade success.
For more: Nepal Food Export Breakthrough