New requirements for products imported to GB from India
New requirements for products imported to GB from India from 1st January 2022.
Defra have put in place the following requirements for all organic food, feed, and seed products imported into Great Britain where product left India from 1st January 2022 (products which left India prior to 1st January will not require ETO testing). This requirement is in place until 30th June 2022.
Actions to be taken by operators:
- Importers shall take samples of all organic food, feed, and seed products on arrival from India. Defra have confirmed that samples must be taken on arrival in GB irrespective of any prior testing in India.
- The samples must be tested for Ethylene Oxide (ETO) and testing must be accredited to ISO17025. We can provide a list of some laboratories that offer accredited testing. Unfortunately there are no UK labs that can offer this testing.
- Operators may only use such products or place them on the market after appropriate laboratory test showing no residues of ETO, unless the product is placed on the market without indication referring to the organic production method and is compliant with the relevant other horizontal legal requirements. Given the existing serious concerns about contamination of Indian products, the importer shall immediately inform their certification body if any ETO residues are detected.
- All products contaminated with ETO shall be downgraded, including all positive results above the limit of quantification (LOQ).
- Please note that if an analysis result indicates the MRL has been breached, goods must not be marketed. Measurement uncertainty does not apply with respect to food business compliance.
For more information on importing and exporting goods, please refer to the Brexit hub.