Nepal’s food testing gets international recognition, easing export process

Nepal’s Department of Food Technology and Quality Control has received international recognition for its food testing system. The National Accreditation Board for Testing and Calibration Laboratories (NABL) of India has granted a two-year mutual recognition to Nepal’s food laboratory.

Previously, Nepal’s National Food and Feed Reference Laboratory (NFFRL) was recognized for testing 386 parameters. This time, the lab has received accreditation for 814 testing parameters, including chemical and microbiological tests.

According to Director General Sanjeev Kumar Karna, this recognition means that Nepal’s food test certificates will now be accepted globally, which will help make food exports smoother. “NABL is an international organization, and getting recognition from one of its six regional bodies means it’s valid worldwide,” he said.

Nepal started this journey in 2012 with recognition for 27 chemical tests. Over the years, the lab expanded its testing capacity, and in 2023 alone, NABL certified 286 parameters, while India’s Food Safety and Standards Authority certified 350 more.

Director Karn added that earlier, exporters faced many challenges at customs due to lack of recognized quality certificates. Sometimes, goods were delayed or even sent to cities like Delhi or Kolkata for further testing. But with this international accreditation covering 814 parameters in 10 food categories, such problems are expected to end.

Under a mutual agreement signed with India, food testing reports from Nepal will now be accepted for eight types of food products like juice, jam, jelly, pickles, candy, noodles, ginger, fresh vegetables, and fruits.

In total, 22 food categories—including bakery items, beverages, grains, oil, fruits, herbs, honey, sugar, tea, coffee, meat, water, and animal feed—will now be certified for quality by the department before export.

Karn said this will ensure easier exports to countries like the US, Japan, UK, and UAE. While there are still some legal hurdles with India, efforts are ongoing to resolve them.

According to the Customs Department, Nepal exported goods worth NPR 277.03 billion in the fiscal year 2081/82, an 81.80% increase compared to the previous year. Karna emphasized that the department will continue providing certificates and food hygiene reports needed for smooth export to partner countries.