Biratnagar, June 26 -- Nepal's tea industry reopened after a government promise to seek a diplomatic solution to India's tightening import controls. Still, producers warned that New Delhi's latest testing requirement threatens to prolong a crisis that has paralysed exports.

India's Food Safety and Standards Authority (FSSAI) issued a directive on June 23 introducing a risk-based inspection system for imported tea classified under Harmonised System (HSN) Code 0902. Under the new rule, 20 percent of tea consignments destined for domestic consumption will be randomly selected for laboratory testing with immediate effect.

The measure follows a June 16 meeting chaired by India's Commerce Secretary and applies to all customs entry points acro...