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• With certain spices of Indian brands MDH and Everest facing ban in Singapore and Hong Kong due to quality concerns, the Spices Board is taking proactive measures to ensure the safety and quality of Indian spices meant for exports.

Mandatory Testing:

• The Spices Board will start mandatory testing of spice consignments destined for Singapore and Hong Kong.
• Thorough inspections at exporter facilities are underway to ensure adherence to regulatory standards.

READ: https://www.iasgyan.in/daily-current-affairs/ethylene-oxide

Spices Board

• The Spices Board, under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, is a pivotal regulatory and export promotion agency for Indian spices, headquartered in Kochi.
• Known as the Spice Capital of the world, Kochi's historical significance in the spice trade adds to the Board's rich legacy.

Establishment and Mandate

• The Spices Board was established in 1987 under the Spices Board Act, 1986, with a primary focus on the production and development of cardamom and the export promotion of 52 spices listed in the Act.
• The Board serves as a vital international link between Indian exporters and importers abroad, facilitating various activities across the entire spectrum of the spices sector.

Key Functions

• Research, Development, and Regulation: The Board undertakes research, development, and regulation activities for both small and large cardamom, ensuring their sustainable growth and domestic marketing.
• Post-Harvest Improvement: It focuses on enhancing post-harvest practices for all spices, ensuring better quality and market value.
• Export Promotion: The Board plays a crucial role in promoting the export of all spices, assisting exporters in technology upgrades, quality management, brand promotion, and research and product development.
• Development in North East: It is actively involved in the development of spices in the North East region of India, contributing to the economic growth of the region.
• Quality Regulation: The Board regulates the quality of spices for exports through its quality evaluation services, ensuring that Indian spices meet international standards.

The Spices Board's multifaceted approach underscores its commitment to the growth and sustainability of the Indian spices industry, both domestically and on the global stage.

READ ABOUT SPICE STATISTICS AND SPICE SECTOR: https://www.iasgyan.in/daily-current-affairs/spices-statistics-at-a-glance-2021

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