In a significant step toward strengthening regulatory compliance and food safety standards, the All India Spices Exporters Forum (AISEF) and the European Spice Association (ESA) have signed a two-year Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to enhance cooperation in the India–European Union spice trade.
The agreement was formalized at the International Spice Conference 2026 in Kochi by AISEF Chairman Emmanuel Nambusseril and ESA Chairman Benoit Winstel.
Under a joint declaration, both organisations reaffirmed their commitment to safeguarding consumer health and promoting ethical and responsible practices across the spice supply chain. The declaration strongly condemns food adulteration and explicitly prohibits the use of sterilization methods banned in the European Union—such as ethylene oxide—for consignments destined for EU markets. It also warns against the misuse of permitted treatments, including undeclared irradiation and non-compliant chemical processes.
The MoU establishes a structured framework for information exchange, technical collaboration and coordinated engagement on evolving EU regulatory requirements. These include standards related to hygiene, maximum residue limits, contaminants, traceability and sustainability benchmarks.
As part of the partnership, ESA will provide updates and guidance on European regulatory developments, while AISEF will work to disseminate and implement EU-compliant standards across India’s spice export supply chain to ensure consistent adherence.
Industry stakeholders noted that the agreement comes at a time when European markets are tightening scrutiny on residue levels, traceability systems and sustainability compliance. With regulatory preparedness increasingly influencing export competitiveness, the collaboration is expected to bolster confidence in Indian-origin spices and reduce the risk of trade disruptions.
The India–EU spice corridor remains one of the most significant trade channels for the sector, and the new pact signals a proactive effort by industry bodies on both sides to align standards and maintain market access amid evolving global food safety expectations.