The Tea Board of India has assured the industry that it will soon implement 100 per cent quality testing of imported tea to prevent the inflow of cheap and inferior varieties that are affecting domestic producers.

Speaking at the biennial general meeting of the Tea Association of India (TAI), Tea Board Deputy Chairman C. Murugan said the Board is in the process of formalising procedures to ensure mandatory testing of all tea imports. Infrastructure for the testing mechanism is currently being set up and is expected to be ready within 15 to 20 days. After this, legal opinion will be sought and the proposal will be sent for approval to the Union Commerce Ministry.

Murugan acknowledged industry concerns over the growing volume of low-quality tea imports, particularly from countries such as Nepal and Vietnam. He said the Board aims to act as a facilitator for the industry while moving towards liberalisation of controls. The Tea Board, he added, will not directly intervene in the auction system but will support and streamline the process.

The Deputy Chairman also highlighted efforts to boost global visibility of Indian tea through generic promotion in overseas markets. Under the Tea Development and Promotion Scheme 2026, an outlay of Rs 1,500 crore has been earmarked for the next five years, with benefits extended to small tea growers as well.

Echoing similar concerns, West Bengal Labour Secretary Avanindra Singh said the tea industry, particularly the Darjeeling segment, is facing severe stress due to cheap imports. He noted that inexperienced investors are acquiring closed or sick tea gardens at throwaway prices and urged established industry players to step in.

Singh also flagged delays in wage payments and statutory dues to tea workers, calling for immediate settlement. TAI President Sandeep Singhania warned that duty-free imports of low-grade tea have risen sharply and said curbing them is essential for the survival of the Darjeeling tea industry.