India’s milk import norms spark US concern

The United States has voiced concerns at the World Trade Organization over India’s dairy import certification rules, calling them unnecessary trade barriers. India requires an integrated veterinary health certificate for importing milk and milk products, certifying that they are free from drugs, antibiotics, pesticides, and heavy metal residues. Washington argues these requirements should be science-based. The matter has gained attention amid ongoing trade talks between both countries.

The United States has reiterated its concerns at the World Trade Organization (WTO) regarding India’s dairy certificate requirements, calling them “unnecessary trade barriers” that hinder American dairy exports. 

India mandates an integrated veterinary health certificate for importing milk and milk products, certifying that they are free from drugs, antibiotics, pesticides, and heavy metal residues. 

The US delegation stressed at the WTO that such measures should be based on scientific evidence and structured to be the least restrictive to trade. Washington had previously raised this issue in April but noted that India’s revised dairy certificate, which took effect in November 2024, still does not resolve its concerns. 

Under Indian regulations, the certificate must be validated by the exporting country’s competent authority for each consignment. 

Washington also emphasized that such sanitary measures should rely on risk assessment to achieve an appropriate level of public health protection without creating unjustified trade restrictions. These concerns come as both countries are negotiating a broader trade deal, with India maintaining its firm stance against opening up its dairy and agriculture sectors. The issue may feature in India’s eighth WTO trade policy review scheduled later this year.

Earlier on March 31, 2023, India’s Ministry of Fisheries, Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying (DAHD), introduced an integrated veterinary health certificate (VHC) for importing milk and milk products into India. This integrated VHC combines the sanitary requirements set by the DAHD with the food safety standards established by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare and the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI). For consignments exported to India, the integrated VHC must be officially certified by the competent authority of the exporting country.