Source: Mint
Context:
India is seeking to align its inspection, testing, and certification systems for agricultural exports with major trading partners including the US, EU, UK, Singapore, Switzerland, ASEAN countries, and Australia.
Objective: Reduce non-tariff barriers such as rejections and delays caused by sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) inspections, and facilitate low-friction trade for farm produce.
Mutual Recognition Agreements (MRAs)
- MRAs allow trading partners to mutually accept each other’s testing and certification systems.
- Example: India-Australia MRA (Sept 2025) on organic products enables cross-recognition of certification for a range of organic goods.
- Expected benefits:
- Faster market access for Indian agricultural exports.
- Reduced rejection rates due to SPS compliance issues.
- Lower compliance costs, making products more price-competitive internationally.
Targeted Agricultural Exports
MRAs aim to boost trade in key sectors:
- Staple crops: Basmati rice, spices
- Beverages: Tea, coffee
- Marine products
- Fruits and vegetables
Approximately 45–50% of India’s agricultural export basket could be covered under these MRAs.
