Illegal Garlic Imports from China via Nepal Under Scrutiny, MP Suresh Kashyap Informed

Shimla, May 30:
The central government has clarified that it is closely monitoring the suspected smuggling of Chinese garlic into India through Nepal and is taking all necessary steps to safeguard public health and food safety.

Minister of State for Finance, Pankaj Chaudhary, shared this information in a written response to a question raised by Lok Sabha MP Suresh Kumar Kashyap. In his reply, the minister informed the MP that the import of agricultural commodities is regulated by the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) and the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI). In light of reports that Chinese garlic is entering India via Nepal, the government is maintaining strict vigilance on the issue.

The minister noted that garlic imports from Nepal are permitted under the Indo-Nepal Customs Treaty dated January 22, 1996, which allows duty-free import of goods of Nepalese origin. However, if the goods are not genuinely of Nepalese origin and are merely routed through Nepal, enforcement agencies are empowered to take strict action.

Chaudhary further stated that during 2023–24, a total of 546 metric tonnes of Chinese garlic were seized, while in 2024–25 (so far), 507.64 metric tonnes have already been confiscated. These seizures were made possible by the Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC) under a targeted enforcement strategy. He assured that agencies remain fully committed to preventing health hazards, ensuring food safety, and curbing illegal imports.

MP Suresh Kashyap reiterated that he had raised this issue on April 2 in the Lok Sabha under Rule 377, specifically to highlight the need to crack down on the smuggling of Chinese garlic.