Basmati: a Certificate of Authenticity Required from Importers from January 2012

More than a year has passed since the pot with roses on the importation of counterfeit or adulterated varieties of Basmati rice was discovered. In a statement to the press in October 2010, the Director of State Trading Corporation (STC) Megh Pillay had revealed that only 30% of the 100,000 tons of rice like Basmati sold was genuine. 

Since then, the Ministry of Industry and Trade is activated to stop these bad practices. He announced that amendments to the legislation governing imports of basmati rice are in the process of conclusion, and that the new provision will come into force early next year. 

The aim is to ensure better control and ensure that authentic Basmati rice is sold on the market. 

However, prior to this amendment to the law, the ministry plans to organize a consultative workshop in early January, bringing together importers and other interested parties. " The opinion of all those involved in this sector is essential before changing the law , "says one in ministry. All those interested in participating have until December 20 to contact the Permanent Secretary of Ministry of Industry and Trade. 

To return to the upcoming changes to the law governing the imports of basmati rice, it appears that now Importers must bring a certificate of authenticity issued by the supplier countries, India and Pakistan exporting this type of rice. This certificate must also contain all the details on the food, such amount or its origin. 

Not later than December 2, the Minister Cader Sayed Hossen, had described how to make some importers of Basmati rice, suggesting and the next tightening of legislation to stop " bad practice " business. As a reminder, November 19, 2010, India, exporter of long grain rice known to be one of the flavored world has recognized that fraud has occurred with non-compliance procedures regarding the sale of rice to African countries. 

A committee was then established by the Minister of Trade and Industry at the time, Showkutally Soodhun, chaired by the Director of the STC. The committee had been working on quality standards and requirements in force in India and Pakistan. This is the new Minister of Industry and Trade has, since the resignation of former Minister of the Militant Socialist Movement (MSM), took over on this issue.