Government To Standardise Food Export Packaging Rules

The government is setting up packaging rules for food exports due to rejection of some of the Indian products in the developed markets. As reported by the Economic Times, a committee has been formed by the ministry of commerce and industry that will form the rules for the export of 500 products. These includes fresh vegetables and fruits as well as spices, tea and coffee.

The Setting Of New Rules

According to an official from the ministry, the new rules will be in accordance with the developed markets like that of the US, Vietnam, the European Union, and Japan. “A large amount of contamination can happen during transit if the packaging is not done properly,” said the official anonymously to the Economic Times. “The government is keen to promote exports of fresh and processed food products and is hoping that these regulations will help in increased business for exporters,” the person added.

Need To Increase Awareness

Further reports state that the standing committee is also making a degree course in packaging mandatory so that there is increased awareness. The committee is also planning to research on innovative materials for packing various products. Representatives from the Indian Institute of Packaging (IIP), Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA), as well as many of the research institutes and industry associations like the Tea Board of India and Coffee Board of India are a part of this committee.

“We have already suggested standards for packaging fresh fruits and vegetables and submitted it to the ministry and are working on packaging for spices and tea,” said NC Saha, director of Indian Institute of Packaging and a member secretary of the standing committee. The institute also plans on having three events to increase awareness on importance of packaging. They are: International Summit for Packaging Industry, Indiapack Pacprocess exhibition and Pacmachine Awards.