Latest news with #Clothianidin
Time of India
3 days ago
- Politics
- Time of India
EU curbs on chemicals may impact Assam tea export
Guwahati: The Tea Research Association Tocklai (TRA Tocklai) in Assam, recognised as the world's oldest and largest tea research facility, has raised serious concerns about new European Union Commission regulations restricting three chemical compounds commonly used in Indian tea production, particularly in Assam. According to officials, the regulations will lower the Maximum Residue Level (MRL) of Thiamethoxam and Clothianidin to 0.05 ppm from March 2026. Similar constraints for Thiacloprid were effective from May. These substances are essential for controlling pests in tea plantations. Various Indian organisations, including the Tea Board, TRA Tocklai, department of commerce, and Indian Embassy in the EU, have approached DG Sanco and DG Trade of the EU, requesting time to phase out existing chemicals until alternatives receive approval. India's tea exports to the EU and UK amount to 53 million kgs per annum, predominantly from Assam. These regulations can impact the supply of 40 million kgs from Assam every year. EU and UK importers are worried about purchasing Indian teas, as they maintain tea stocks for 12-24 months, potentially facing compliance issues when the new regulations take effect. Indian Embassy representatives in Brussels are scheduled to meet EU officials in early June to address trade matters. The Embassy has sought information from TRA Tocklai and the Tea Board regarding alternative substances, transition plans, and scientific evidence supporting extension requests, along with the potential effects of neonicotinoid restrictions on tea exports. TRA Tocklai has petitioned senior EU officials for a five-year transition period from current chemicals to newer alternatives. "Since good Assam orthodox teas are exported to the EU and UK, the new EU regulation may cause a major hindrance to exports, and reputed tea importers like Thiele & Co have sought the intervention of the Assam chief minister in saving the reduction of tea exports from Assam," said Joydeep Phukan, secretary and principal officer at TRA Tocklai. "The alternatives such as Chlorfenapyr, Tolfenpyrad, and Flupyradifurone are not approved for use in tea by CIBRC India," he added. German tea importer Thiele & Freese has appealed to Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma for support against these restrictions, emphasising the critical situation with "Assam tea in danger." The traditional East Frisian tea, of which Assam tea is an integral part, is recognised as a Unesco Intangible Cultural Heritage, dating back some 450 years. "With an annual per capita consumption of 300 litres, our region ranks among the top globally in tea consumption," read the letter. The letter emphasised that premium second flush Assam teas are crucial for high-quality blends, declaring "Assam tea is indispensable."
Time of India
3 days ago
- Politics
- Time of India
Assam tea industry raises concerns over new EU regulations impacting exports
New EU regulations restricting key chemical compounds in Indian tea production, particularly in Assam, have sparked concerns about potential export disruptions. GUWAHATI: The Tea Research Association Tocklai (TRA Tocklai) in Assam, recognised as the world's oldest and largest tea research facility, has raised serious concerns about new European Union Commission regulations restricting three chemical compounds commonly used in Indian tea production, particularly in Assam. According to officials, the regulations will lower the Maximum Residue Level (MRL) of Thiamethoxam and Clothianidin to 0.05 ppm from March 2026. Similar constraints for Thiacloprid were effective from May. These substances are essential for controlling pests in tea plantations. Various Indian organisations, including the Tea Board, TRA Tocklai, Department of Commerce, and Indian Embassy in the EU, have approached DG Sanco and DG Trade of the EU, requesting time to phase out existing chemicals until alternatives receive approval. India's tea exports to the EU and UK amount to 53 million kgs per annum, predominantly from Assam. These regulations can impact the supply of 40 million kgs from Assam every year. EU and UK importers are worried about purchasing Indian teas, as they maintain tea stocks for 12-24 months, potentially facing compliance issues when the new regulations take effect. Indian Embassy representatives in Brussels are scheduled to meet EU officials in early June to address trade matters. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Artrose? Esta joelheira biônica pode ajudar a renovar seu joelho LegFix Undo The Embassy has sought information from TRA Tocklai and the Tea Board regarding alternative substances, transition plans, and scientific evidence supporting extension requests, along with the potential effects of neonicotinoid restrictions on tea exports. TRA Tocklai has petitioned senior EU officials for a five-year transition period from current chemicals to newer alternatives. "Since good Assam orthodox teas are exported to the EU and UK, the new EU regulation may cause a major hindrance to exports, and reputed tea importers like Thiele & Co have sought the intervention of the Assam chief minister in saving the reduction of tea exports from Assam," said Joydeep Phukan, Secretary and Principal Officer at TRA Tocklai. "The alternatives such as Chlofenapyr, Tolfenpyriad, and Flupyridifurone are not approved for use in tea by CIBRC India," he added. German tea importer Thiele & Freese has appealed to Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma for support against these restrictions, emphasising the critical situation with "Assam tea in danger." The traditional East Frisian tea, of which Assam tea is an integral part, is recognised as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage, dating back some 450 years. "With an annual per capita consumption of 300 litres, our region ranks among the top globally in tea consumption," read the letter. The letter emphasised that premium second flush Assam teas are crucial for high-quality blends, declaring "Assam tea is indispensable." It noted that recent EU legal developments threaten the established partnership between Indian and European tea industries. "We understand that the Indian Ministry of Commerce and the Tea Board have sent a formal request to the EU, asking for a three-year extension for the use of Thiamethoxam and Clothianidin. A response is still pending," read the letter. The letter warned that export uncertainty could affect Assam this year itself. "We are deeply concerned that Assam could lose one of its most vital export markets, resulting in significant losses in foreign currency revenue. The reputation of Assam tea may suffer, and buyers could turn to alternative origins," read the letter.
Tom's Guide
6 days ago
- Health
- Tom's Guide
5 items under $30 to get rid of bed bugs and prevent summer mattress infestations
Summer season is also bed bug season — these creepy crawlies love the warmth. But we've scoured the internet for the easiest, cheapest and most effective methods you can help defend your mattress against pests. From the pungent scent of tea tree oil to the preventative protection of glue traps, these inexpensive purchases can help you get rid of existing bed bugs while guarding against infestation. But if bed bugs have left your mattress beyond saving, today's Memorial Day mattress sales are the perfect time to invest in a hypoallergenic bed too. we've rounded up the best deals below. If just the thought of bed sharing with creepy crawlies is enough to give you nightmares, these inexpensive buys can help you pest-proof your mattress. However, if you're struggling to banish bed bugs, we advise calling the professionals. 1. Tea Tree Oil: from $6.99 at AmazonTea tree oil contains terpinen-4-ol, a compound which research suggests can act as a bed bug killer. The strong scent of tea tree oil is also thought to repel bed bugs or, at least, partially mask the appealing scent of you that becomes embedded in an unwashed mattress. Try spritzing diluted tea tree oil on your freshly made mattress or applying it directly to any bed bugs you spot. 2. Diatomaceous Earth: from $9.99 at AmazonCommonly used for killing bed bugs, diatomaceous earth is made of tiny, abrasive silica shells that attach to pests, puncture their exoskeletons and absorb any moisture. You can sprinkle diatomaceous earth directly onto your mattress or use it to form a powder wall around the bed. Make sure to get food grade diatomaceous earth, if using indoors. 3. CrossFire Indoor Bed Bug Killer: from $29.70 at AmazonA potent combination of Clothianidin, Metofluthrin and Piperonyl, Reddit users describe CrossFire Bed Bug Killer as the "only thing that worked for us" in getting rid of pests. Spray it liberally anywhere you suspect bed bugs may be lurking, including under your mattress, behind furniture and even the baseboards. It's available in both aerosol and concentrate forms, for your convenience. 4. Mattress Encasement: from $17.59 at AmazonWe recommend purchasing a mattress protector as soon as you invest in a new mattress, but an encasement adds an extra layer of protection. Covering the entirety of the mattress, a zippered encasement creates another barrier between the bed bug and your bed. Plus, you can throw it in a hot wash if you catch a hint of a pest. 5. Bed Bug Traps: from $5.99 at AmazonDetecting bed bugs is a difficult task but as prevention is the easiest method for extermination, it's worth staying vigilant. Glue traps can be placed around the home to capture bed bugs as soon as they appear, so you can tackle the problem before it becomes an infestation. Let's be clear; hypoallergenic mattress won't keep bed bugs out of your mattress. However, hypoallergenic materials minimize allergen build-up — such as pet dander, dead skin and dust mites — to make your mattress less appealing to bed bugs. 1. Birch Natural Mattress: twin was $1,373.33 now $1,002.54 at BirchLatex foams, used in many of the best organic mattresses, are naturally hypoallergenic (as well as breathable, durable and supportive.) One of our favorites is the Birch Natural Mattress and you can save 27% on this latex hybrid bed this Memorial Day with code TOMS27, reducing a queen to $1,361.70 (was $1,865.33.) And it comes with a free pair of eco-pillows as well (yes, pillows can get bed bugs too.) 2. Saatva Classic Mattress: twin was $1,399 now $999 at SaatvaSaatva's luxury Classic mattress features a naturally hypoallergenic cotton cover, while a Guardian botanical antimicrobial treatment helps keep away other nasties. In our Saatva Classic Mattress review we awarded the handcrafted hybrid full marks before crowning it the best mattress we've tested. Follow our links for $400 off in the Saatva Memorial Day sale, reducing a queen from $2,099 to $1,699. 3. Nectar Classic Memory Foam Mattress: twin $349 at NectarNectar describes the hypoallergenic features of the Classic all-foam mattress as "impeccable" — and it's one of our favorite memory foam mattresses. You can learn all about it in our Nectar Classic Memory Foam Mattress review or head straight across to the Nectar mattress sale where a queen will set you back just $649.
