India successfully hosted the 8th Session of the Codex Committee on Spices and Culinary Herbs (CCSCH8) in Guwahati, finalizing global standards for large cardamom, vanilla, and coriander. The recommendations are now set for adoption by the Codex Alimentarius Commission, strengthening India’s role in shaping international spice quality benchmarks.
Established in 2013, the CCSCH operates under the joint auspices of the FAO and WHO, with India’s Spices Board acting as the Secretariat. Over 30 countries and observers participated in the session, underscoring growing global emphasis on quality, safety, and traceability in spice trade. The vanilla standard, which required extensive discussion due to its complex flavor profile, was successfully finalized, reflecting collaborative scientific and regulatory efforts. Smt. P. Hemalatha, Secretary of the Spices Board, noted that these standards provide farmers, processors, and exporters with globally recognized reference points, enabling smoother trade and enhancing consumer confidence. India, a leading exporter of large cardamom and coriander, is expected to benefit from improved market access and competitiveness.
On the local front, Guwahati is poised to benefit from these developments. Traders and processors in the region anticipate more transparent pricing and increased demand for high-quality, Codex-compliant spices, strengthening the city’s position as a hub for both domestic and international spice trade. By hosting CCSCH8, India has reinforced its leadership in global spice standards, promoting safe, fair, and high-quality trade worldwide.
