The Spices Board (“Board”), in a Circular dated 23rd September 2020, has made it mandatory for the exporters to obtain an Official Certification for the export of Chilli, Chilli Products, Nutmeg and Nutmeg Products from India to European Union (“EU”) member countries. The Official Certificate shall also be mandatory for export of all the food items which contain the afore-stated spices in a quantity of above 20%.
Further, the Board has directed the exporters to submit the application for the Official Certificate through ESS prior to placing intimation for container stuffing for the purpose of export.
Note– Please note that the Board has introduced new provisions in the Export Support System (“ESS”) at www.indianspices.org/ESS, pertaining to online application and processing of Official Certificate. This facility has gained effect since 28th September 2020.
Background–
In a Circular dated 12th December 2019, the Board had commenced the issuance of Health Certificate for export of selected spices to the EU, effective since 1st January 2020. Pursuant to such issuance, the European Commission replaced the health Certificate with an Official Certificate which gained effect on 14th February 2020.
Subsequently the Board has been processing applications for issuance of Official Certificate in the offline mode.
Source: Spices Board
