India and Taiwan have implemented a Mutual Recognition Agreement (MRA) for organic agricultural products, effective July 8. This is the first bilateral agreement between the countries specifically for organic goods, aimed at simplifying trade and reducing certification costs. The decision was made during the 9th Working Group Trade Meeting held in New Delhi.
Under the agreement, agricultural products produced and handled according to India’s National Programme for Organic Production (NPOP) and certified by an accredited body can be sold in Taiwan as organically produced. These products will also display the “India Organic” logo. Similarly, products certified under Taiwan’s Organic Agriculture Promotion Act can be sold in India with the “Taiwan Organic” logo.
The implementing agencies for the MRA are the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) from India’s Ministry of Commerce and Industry and Taiwan’s Agriculture and Food Agency (AFA). This mutual recognition will eliminate the need for dual certifications, reducing compliance costs and simplifying trade regulations.
The MRA aims to boost the export of key Indian organic agricultural products, including rice, processed foods, medicinal plant products, and various teas to Taiwan. The agreement is expected to enhance trade opportunities in the organic sector by adhering to a single regulatory standard in both countries.
Source: CNBC TV 18