Archive · 18 Jul 2025
India, EU Disagree on Food Safety Rules in Trade Talks
India and the EU are trying to make a trade deal, but they can't agree on how safe food needs to be.
The EU wants very strict rules, even stricter than what the WHO says is safe, about things like how much pesticide can be on food.
This makes it hard for India to sell its food, like spices and tea, to the EU.
They are still talking about it, but it needs a lot more work.
India and the EU disagree on food safety rules, impacting agricultural exports.
EU is a significant market for Indian agricultural products like spices and tea.
EU's standards, including pesticide residue limits, are stricter than WHO guidelines.
Negotiations are ongoing regarding listing of establishments and risk assessment.
Discussions cover various products, including agri-food, industrial goods, and chemicals.
- Who
- India and the European Union.
- What
- Disagreements persist in India-EU trade negotiations over food safety rules.
- When
- Following the 12th round of talks earlier this month.
- Where
- Between India and the European Union.
- Why
- Differences in food safety standards hinder agricultural and processed food exports.
India's Stance
EU's Stance
Food Safety Standards
India's Stance
EU standards are too stringent.
EU's Stance
EU's standards are based on global guidelines.
- Main Issue
- Sanitary and Phytosanitary Measures (SPS)
- Indian Exports to EU (FY19)
- $3.02 billion
- Indian Exports to EU (FY25)
- $4.54 billion
- Stricter EU standards
- Pesticide residue and aflatoxin limits
- Pesticide Restrictions
- Methyl bromide fumigation
