regulatory

EU Updates MRL Limits for Indian Spices — What Exporters Must Know

EFSA has revised maximum residue limits for several pesticides commonly detected in cumin, coriander and fenugreek imports from India. New thresholds effective 15 May 2026.

April 15, 2026

6 min read

false

RNG Trade Intelligence

Market Research Desk · Rajkot

https://rngagroexports.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/basmati-hero.jpg

The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has published revised maximum residue limits (MRLs) for several pesticides commonly detected in spice imports from India. The updated thresholds — covering cumin, coriander, fenugreek, fennel and mustard seed — take effect on 15 May 2026 and apply to all consignments cleared at EU first-point-of-entry on or after that date.

Key changes

The chlorpyrifos limit has been tightened from 0.05 mg/kg to 0.01 mg/kg, while ethylene oxide remains at the non-detect threshold of 0.02 mg/kg with a more sensitive analytical method now required. Imidacloprid and acetamiprid limits have also been reduced by 50%.

Documentation requirements

Every consignment must now be accompanied by a Certificate of Analysis covering the expanded residue panel from a EURL-recognised laboratory. The COA must reference the specific revised MRLs and confirm the analytical limit of quantification (LOQ) used.

Action for Indian exporters: review supplier farm protocols, switch to EURL-listed laboratories such as Eurofins, SGS India or Bureau Veritas, and rebuild residue testing budgets — typical per-lot cost is rising from ₹14,000 to ₹22,000.

Need EU-compliant spice supply with full residue panels?

RNG Agro Exports issues lot-specific COAs covering the full revised EU MRL panel, including ethylene oxide and chlorpyrifos. Reach our compliance desk for documentation samples.

Request a Quote →

Regulatory, EU, Spices, Compliance, MRL