Russia to sign draft rules today on Indian sesame seeds import

Kolkata, Sept. 6 The Export Inspection Council of India (EIC), set up primarily to facilitate development of exports through quality control and pre-shipment inspection, is learnt to have been nominated as the agency from the Indian side for signing the draft protocol with Russia for export of sesame seeds.

Sources said the Russian authorities have been urged to lift the restriction on import of sesame seeds from India, once the protocol is signed.

A team from Russia is also expected to visit India during the first week of October 2007 to inspect the laboratories and testing facilities.

The signing of the protocol, aimed at boosting co-operation between the Federal Service for Veterinary and Phytosanitary Surveillance (FSVPS), Russian Ministry of Agriculture and India, is expected to take place on Friday in Moscow.

It is learnt that detailed discussions will be held between the Indian delegation and Russian authorities to ensure quality and safety of sesame seeds exports.

The modalities for lifting the restriction may also figure in the talks.

Import of sesame seeds from India by Russia was restricted some months ago by Russian authorities, who claimed to have detected aflatoxin B1 contamination.

Trade sources said the Indian Embassy had pointed out that as per the contract, the Indian supplier was not asked for any test for aflatoxin B1 and that a copy of the certificate issued by SGS Vostok stating that no aflatoxin B1 was found was enclosed.

According to the Russian authorities, both aflatoxin B1and metallomagnetic admixture were detected.

The Indian side had said utmost care was being taken to ensure quality.

The sources also said that the Indian side has handed over a list of laboratories equipped with the required testing facilities and accredited by the National Accreditation Board for Laboratories (NABL).

It is learnt that in order to ensure safety of sesame seeds, each consignment would be accompanied with a quality certificate issued by a laboratory recognised by India.

The two sides are expected to discuss the detailed format of this certificate at a later stage.

According to the sources, the Indian side has proposed that quality certification by Vimta Specialities and Vimta Labs Ltd be accepted.

The companies had earlier been accredited by Russia in respect of export of sesame seeds.