Revised SOP for 100% Dust Tea Auction: Enhancing Quality, Transparency, and Compliance in the Indian Tea Industry

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Dated: 03.09.2026

Revised SOP for 100% Dust Tea Auction: Enhancing Quality, Transparency, and Compliance in the Indian Tea Industry

The Tea Board of India has introduced a revised Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) to implement the mandatory 100% auction of dust tea. This initiative aims to enhance transparency, ensure regulatory compliance, and uphold the quality of dust tea produced in key tea-growing states. Below is a comprehensive overview of the revised SOP and its implications for stakeholders across the tea industry.

Background and Scope

The revised SOP is applicable to all dust teas produced in manufacturing units located in Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Bihar, Himachal Pradesh, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Sikkim, Tripura, Uttarakhand, and West Bengal. All dust teas with a factory gate pass date until 30 December 2026 fall under this mandate, as per the latest Gazette Notification and Tea Board orders.

Key Features of the Revised SOP

Mandatory Auction Requirement
- All dust teas must be sold through public auction platforms.
- Sellers are permitted a one-time withdrawal of out lots for private sale if desired.
Quality Testing and Compliance
- Every lot of dust tea is subject to quality testing in accordance with FSSAI norms.
- Testing is conducted mark-wise, with random selection facilitated by an online platform using AI and algorithms.
- Each mark must be tested at least once every six months.
- Testing is performed by independent NABL-accredited laboratories, selected randomly from the Tea Board’s empanelled list.
Sample Collection and Reporting
- Laboratories must visit auction warehouses promptly to collect two sets of samples (200g each per invoice).
- Test results are shared digitally with the Tea Board, FSSAI, and auction organizers before the auction date.
- Control samples are retained at the warehouse for appeals if needed.
Handling Non-Compliant Teas
- Teas failing to meet FSSAI standards are withdrawn from auction and may be retested upon seller request.
- Detection of banned or off-label chemicals results in mandatory destruction or denaturing of the affected lots within one month.
- Sellers may blend failed lots (due to exceeding MRLs of approved chemicals) with other teas after returning them to the factory.
- All destruction or denaturing actions must be reported in monthly returns (Form-E).
Operational Responsibilities and Penalties
- Sellers bear the cost of testing and must pay promptly; delays may result in recovery from auction proceeds.
- Both sellers and buyers are required to participate exclusively through the auction system; violations attract penalties under the Tea (Marketing) Control Order, 2003.
- Laboratories failing to comply with timelines or procedures may be barred from future participation.
Laboratory Panel Review and Awareness Initiatives
- The Tea Board will review and update the list of empanelled laboratories to ensure adequate capacity and technical standards.
- Special awareness programs on pesticide use and food safety compliance are planned, especially for West Bengal, due to persistent issues with certain pesticide residues.

Implications for Stakeholders

Producers: Must ensure all dust tea is routed through auctions and meets FSSAI standards.
Buyers, Packers, Exporters: Can only procure dust tea via auctions, ensuring traceability and compliance.
Brokers and Auction Organizers: Responsible for facilitating quality testing, reporting, and ensuring non-compliant teas are not reintroduced into the market.
Laboratories: Must adhere to strict protocols for sample collection, testing, and timely reporting.

Conclusion

The revised SOP for 100% dust tea auction marks a significant step towards greater transparency, quality assurance, and regulatory compliance in the Indian tea industry. By mandating rigorous testing and auction protocols, the Tea Board aims to protect consumer interests and enhance the global reputation of Indian dust tea.

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Source: Tea Board India

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