India’s recurring barriers expose battle over Nepali tea and Darjeeling brand

India has effectively tightened its grip on Nepali tea imports, implementing stricter controls that have sent ripples through Nepal's agricultural export sector. Citing concerns over quality and the alleged rebranding of Nepali tea as the globally recognized Darjeeling brand, Indian customs authorities mandated 100 percent sample testing for all incoming consignments starting April 10, 2024. This move, initiated by a verbal order from the Chief Commissioner of Customs in Kolkata, significantly intensified surveillance on Nepali tea.

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Imports of Nepali tea must be stopped.

The issue has been a recurring point of contention. In July 2017, the Darjeeling Tea Association presented a memorandum to then-President Pranab Mukherjee demanding a halt to Nepali tea imports. This sentiment resurfaced in the West Bengal Assembly in 2019, with a former legislator arguing for an immediate ban due to alleged "inferior quality."

In June 2025, the West Bengal government escalated its stance. Then Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee stated that duty-free tea from Nepal was damaging the reputation of Darjeeling tea. She instructed the Tea Board of India and the central government to take stronger measures. The state government formally requested New Delhi to review or withdraw the tax exemption granted to Nepali tea under the Nepal-India Trade Treaty, asserting that the influx of Nepali tea "affected the identity and market reputation of Darjeeling tea, putting the local industry at risk."

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Nepali tea was of “inferior quality” and its import should be halted immediately.

While tea remains the most targeted commodity, India has previously imposed barriers on other Nepali agricultural products like ginger, cardamom, and broom grass. Most recently, India introduced new restrictions on Nepali tea beginning May 1, only to partially ease them about 20 days later by amending its Standard Operating Procedure and relaxing mandatory laboratory testing for tea intended for domestic sale. However, tea destined for re-export still faces testing, and authorities retain the right to conduct random checks.

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The entry of Nepali tea has affected the identity and market reputation of Darjeeling tea, putting the local industry at risk.