Tea Industry Raises Concerns Over EU Regulations on Pesticides

On the occasion of International Tea Day, the German Tea and Herbal Tea Association has expressed concerns regarding the stringent pesticide regulations imposed by the European Union on tea production. Frank Schübel, the head of the association, stated that these regulations may be excessive, particularly given the limited role that the EU plays as a market for tea exports.

According to Schübel, the EU's continuous tightening of rules diminishes its attractiveness as a trading partner for tea-producing countries in Asia and Africa. He emphasized the need for a realistic approach to differentiate between necessary consumer protection and impractical maximum residue limits for pesticides in raw materials.

As it stands, German tea producers spend tens of millions of euros annually on testing to comply with EU standards, which require monitoring pesticide residues at micro or nanogram levels. Despite these investments, both internal company checks and independent consumer protection tests indicate a high level of compliance with legal requirements.

Schübel noted that while dialogue with regulatory authorities is essential for addressing these issues, such conversations often face barriers from Brussels, making it difficult for the industry to engage meaningfully.

Furthermore, while acknowledging the criticism regarding low wages on tea plantations, Schübel highlighted the limitations of their influence, as many wage conditions in producing countries are governed by state or union regulations. In response to these challenges, German tea companies are actively seeking to enhance living conditions on tea estates through various initiatives. For instance, one company in Rwanda has provided cows and facilitated the cultivation of lemongrass along drainage ditches to create additional income opportunities for local farmers.

Interestingly, data reveals that less than three percent of tea exports are directed towards the EU. Currently, of the nearly 6.5 million tons of tea produced worldwide, approximately 72 percent remains in the producing countries. Only about 172,000 tons, or 2.65 percent, are exported to the EU, with Germany accounting for around 51,000 tons of that total.

In summary, the German Tea and Herbal Tea Association is advocating for a more balanced regulatory approach that considers the realities of tea production while maintaining essential safety standards for consumers.