Mutual Recognition Agreement with Taiwan

About Mutual Recognition Agreement with Taiwan: 

• The implementation of the MRA between India and Taiwan is a landmark achievement as it is the first bilateral agreement for organic products.
• The implementing Agencies for the MRA are Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA), Ministry of Commerce and Industry, India and Agriculture and Food Agency, Ministry of Agriculture (AFA), Taiwan.
• Under this agreement, agricultural products produced and handled organically in conformity with the National Programme for Organic Production (NPOP) and accompanied by an organic demonstration document issued by an accredited certification body under NPOP are allowed for sale in Taiwan as organically produced including display of the “India Organic” logo.
• Significance
  • It will ease the export of organic products by avoiding dual certifications; thus, reducing compliance cost, simplifying compliance requirement by adhering to only one regulation and enhancing trade opportunities in the organic sector.
  • It will pave the way for the export of major Indian organic products such as Rice, Processed Food, Green/Black and Herbal Tea, Medicinal plant products etc to Taiwan.

Q1: What is Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA)?

It was established by the Government of India under the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority Act of 1985. It works under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry.

Source: Mutual Recognition Agreement between India and Taiwan for Organic Products