India’s food regulator has clarified that only products derived from Camellia sinensis can legally be marketed as ‘tea’, putting an end to the widespread use of terms like herbal tea, rooibos tea and flower tea.

What has the regulator clarified?

• Food Safety and Standards Authority of India has stated that any infusion or beverage not obtained from the plant Camellia sinensis cannot be sold using the word ‘tea’, directly or indirectly.
• Using the term ‘tea’ for non-Camellia sinensis products amounts to misbranding under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006.
• The clarification was issued through a notification dated December 24, 2025.

Legal and regulatory basis

• As per Food Safety and Standards (Food Product Standards and Food Additives) Regulations, 2011,
  tea (including green tea, Kangra tea and instant tea) must be exclusively derived from Camellia sinensis.
• Under the Labelling and Display Regulations, 2020, every food package must clearly indicate the true nature of the food on the front of the pack.
• Non-tea infusions may instead be classified as:
  • Proprietary foods, or
  • Non-specified foods under the Approval for Non-Specified Food and Food Ingredients Regulations, 2017.

Significance 

• Prevents consumer deception and confusion caused by fancy branding.
• Protects the global image of tea, especially for tea-growing regions like Assam and the Northeast.
• Supports the interests of tea growers and exporters, who have long raised concerns about dilution of the term ‘tea’.
• Aligns India with global practices—similar standards are followed by regulators such as the United States Food and Drug Administration.

Enforcement mechanism

• All food business operators, including e-commerce platforms, must comply.
• State food safety commissioners and officers have been directed to ensure strict monitoring.
• Violations will invite action under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006.

Industry response

• The North Eastern Tea Association welcomed the move, calling it a much-needed clarification that removes ambiguity and safeguards consumer trust.

Exam Hook – Prelims 

Q. With reference to tea regulation in India, consider the following statements:

1. Only products derived from Camellia sinensis can be legally marketed as tea in India.
2. Herbal and flower infusions can be sold as tea if clearly labelled as non-caffeinated.
3. Misuse of the word ‘tea’ for non-Camellia sinensis products amounts to misbranding under Indian law.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 and 3 only
(b) 1 only
(c) 2 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3

Correct answer: (a)

One-line wrap:
By reserving the word ‘tea’ exclusively for Camellia sinensis, India has strengthened consumer trust and protected the authenticity of one of its most iconic agricultural products.

SOURCE