The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has issued a draft notification proposing amendments to the Food Safety and Standards (Contaminants, Toxins and Residues) Regulations, 2011. The proposed amendment seeks to introduce specific Maximum Residue Limits (MRLs) for two pesticides—Acetamiprid and Imidacloprid—in tea.
The proposal is relevant to tea manufacturers, processors, growers, importers, exporters, food testing laboratories and regulatory affairs professionals involved in the tea supply chain. Stakeholders should review the proposed limits and monitor the regulatory process before treating them as final legal requirements.
Key Highlights of the FSSAI Draft Notification
The draft notification, dated 15 October 2026, was issued under File No. SS-T0SP02(NOTI)/1/2025-Standard-FSSAI and published in the Gazette of India, Extraordinary, Part III, Section 4.
The proposal concerns Regulation 2.3, relating to residues, under sub-regulation 2.3.1 of the 2011 Regulations.
| S. No. | Pesticide | Proposed MRL for tea |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Acetamiprid | 20 mg/kg |
| 2 | Imidacloprid | 50 mg/kg |
1. Proposed MRL for Acetamiprid in Tea
FSSAI proposes to specify a Maximum Residue Limit of 20 mg/kg for Acetamiprid in tea.
Tea manufacturers, processors and suppliers may wish to review their existing pesticide residue monitoring programmes and relevant product specifications in light of the proposal. Quality assurance teams should continue to follow the applicable requirements currently in force while monitoring the progress of the draft amendment.
2. Proposed MRL for Imidacloprid in Tea
The draft notification also proposes a Maximum Residue Limit of 50 mg/kg for Imidacloprid in tea.
Businesses involved in tea sourcing, processing and distribution should monitor the proposal and consider whether their existing residue-testing and supplier documentation procedures require review.
The draft specifically proposes adding tea and the corresponding residue limit to the existing table. It does not, by itself, provide details of changes to pesticide application instructions, analytical methods or residue limits for other food categories.
3. Potential Impact on the Tea Industry
If finalised as proposed, the amendment may have implications for different stakeholders across the tea supply chain.
Tea Manufacturers and Processors
Manufacturers and processors may review pesticide residue monitoring programmes, incoming tea-leaf specifications, finished-product quality controls and supplier assurance procedures.
Tea Growers and Suppliers
Growers and suppliers may review pesticide application practices and maintain appropriate records to support traceability and residue management.
Tea Importers and Exporters
Businesses involved in international trade should monitor the final Indian requirements and assess the relevance of the proposed limits to sourcing, quality assurance and export compliance. Companies should also evaluate separate regulatory requirements applicable in their destination markets.
Food Testing Laboratories
Testing laboratories may review their analytical capabilities and reporting procedures for Acetamiprid and Imidacloprid residues in tea, as applicable. Testing programmes should be aligned with relevant validated methods, applicable requirements and laboratory scope.
Quality Assurance and Regulatory Affairs Teams
QA and regulatory affairs professionals may monitor the consultation process, review relevant specifications and update internal compliance documentation when final requirements are notified.
These are potential compliance considerations. The draft itself does not prescribe a separate implementation plan for each stakeholder group.
4. FSSAI Invites Objections and Suggestions
FSSAI has invited objections and suggestions from interested persons before finalising the proposed amendment. The draft notification identifies the following submission details:
Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI)
Food and Drug Administration Bhawan, Kotla Road
New Delhi – 110002
Email: regulation@fssai.gov.in
The notification specifies that the proposed regulations will be considered after the expiry of 60 days from the date on which copies of the relevant Official Gazette are made available to the public. Stakeholders should verify the applicable deadline and submission instructions from the official notification before sending comments.
5. Regulatory Status: Draft Proposal, Not Final Regulation
It is essential to distinguish a draft notification from a final regulation. At this stage, the proposed MRLs of 20 mg/kg for Acetamiprid and 50 mg/kg for Imidacloprid in tea should not be treated as newly finalised legal limits solely on the basis of this draft.
Following the consultation process, the proposal may be adopted, modified or withdrawn. Tea industry stakeholders should monitor subsequent FSSAI notifications to confirm the final regulatory position.
Until any amendment becomes applicable, businesses should continue to follow the requirements currently in force and avoid making compliance decisions based only on proposed limits.
6. How ACPL Can Support Food Regulatory Compliance
ACPL Group provides regulatory consulting support to businesses navigating food safety requirements, regulatory documentation and compliance processes.
For stakeholders in the tea industry, ACPL can support regulatory assessment and compliance planning, including:
- Review of applicable food regulatory requirements.
- Regulatory update monitoring and impact assessment.
- Documentation readiness and compliance gap assessment.
- Guidance on food safety and quality assurance documentation.
- Support in identifying relevant testing and supplier-control considerations.
- Regulatory compliance planning for manufacturers, processors, importers and exporters.
The scope of support depends on the business activity, product category and applicable regulations. Regulatory decisions and official approvals remain with the competent authorities.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the FSSAI draft notification dated 15 October 2026 about?
It proposes amendments to the Food Safety and Standards (Contaminants, Toxins and Residues) Regulations, 2011, to introduce specific maximum residue limits for Acetamiprid and Imidacloprid in tea.
What is the proposed MRL for Acetamiprid in tea?
The draft proposes a maximum residue limit of 20 mg/kg for Acetamiprid in tea.
What is the proposed MRL for Imidacloprid in tea?
The draft proposes a maximum residue limit of 50 mg/kg for Imidacloprid in tea.
Are the proposed limits already final legal requirements?
The notification described here is a draft amendment, not a final regulation. Stakeholders should monitor official FSSAI updates to establish whether the proposal is adopted, modified or withdrawn.
Who may be affected by the proposed amendment?
Potentially affected stakeholders include tea growers, suppliers, manufacturers, processors, importers, exporters, food testing laboratories and quality assurance or regulatory affairs teams.
How can stakeholders submit comments?
The draft notification identifies the Chief Executive Officer, FSSAI, at Food and Drug Administration Bhawan, Kotla Road, New Delhi – 110002, and regulation@fssai.gov.in. Stakeholders should verify the applicable submission deadline and instructions in the official notification.
Conclusion
FSSAI's draft notification dated 15 October 2026 proposes specific Maximum Residue Limits for two pesticides in tea: Acetamiprid at 20 mg/kg and Imidacloprid at 50 mg/kg.
The proposal highlights the importance of pesticide residue monitoring, supplier traceability and effective quality assurance across the tea supply chain. Tea manufacturers, growers, processors, importers, exporters and testing laboratories should review the proposed changes, monitor the consultation process and remain informed about the final regulatory position.
Reference: FSSAI Draft Notification dated 15 October 2026, File No. SS-T0SP02(NOTI)/1/2025-Standard-FSSAI, Gazette of India, Extraordinary, Part III, Section 4.
Regulatory disclaimer: This article is an informational summary based on the draft notification details supplied for this content. It does not constitute legal advice. Consult the official notification and subsequent FSSAI publications to confirm applicable requirements and deadlines.