ANSVSA: India is interested in importing food from Romania. What needs to be established before starting the exports?

India is interested in importing animal origin products and other categories of food from Romania and is awaiting a concrete proposal regarding the available products and export capacities, announced by the National Sanitary Veterinary and Food Safety Authority (ANSVSA) on Tuesday. The two countries have begun the steps for the agreement and signing of veterinary health certificates necessary for the start of trade exchanges. The subject was discussed during the meeting between the President of ANSVSA, Alexandru Bociu, and the Indian Ambassador to Romania, Manoj Kumar Mohapatra, held on Tuesday at the Authority's headquarters. "The meeting aimed to identify concrete opportunities to consolidate bilateral cooperation, with an emphasis on facilitating trade exchanges, food safety, and the use of modern technologies in the field of health and veterinary matters. An important aspect of the dialogue was the prospect of signing, as soon as possible, the veterinary health certificates necessary for trade exchanges between Romania and India," ANSVSA transmitted. The settings for cookies do not allow the display of the content in this section. You can update the cookie settings directly from the browser or here – you need to accept social media cookies. The Indian Ambassador, a practicing veterinarian, expressed his willingness to personally participate in accelerating the procedures. "In this context, the Indian side awaits a concrete proposal from Romania regarding products and export capacities, so that discussions can advance to practical results," it is stated in the communication. ANSVSA has not yet presented the list of products that could enter the Indian market. The discussions aim to identify animal origin foods and other products for which Romania can ensure exports, as well as meet the health conditions imposed by India. The veterinary health certificates must be agreed upon by the authorities of the two countries before deliveries can begin. These documents confirm compliance with the public health requirements, food safety, and sanitary-veterinary control established by the importing state. The President of ANSVSA emphasized the need for the rapid valuation of this opportunity, in light of the intensification of economic relations between India and the European states. Cooperation in the field of controls and modern technologies The discussions were not limited to the possibility of exports. The two parties analyzed and consolidated cooperation between the veterinary sanitary authorities, the exchange of experience, and the identification of common solutions for the streamlining of official controls. Romania and India want to explore the use of modern technologies for monitoring and traceability of products, risk prevention, and improvement of checks in the field of food safety. Direct contacts between the specialists of the two countries, including for presenting innovative solutions developed by Indian institutions and companies, are also being considered. "As a concrete first step, the Indian Ambassador proposed organizing an online meeting between the specialists of the two countries to open the way for on-site working visits. The President of ANSVSA confirmed the Romanian side's availability to transmit an official proposal for organizing a videoconference as early as next week," the Authority specified. Alexandru Bociu invited the Indian Ambassador to visit the laboratories and reference facilities near the Capital. "This initiative will offer the Indian high official the opportunity to directly witness Romania's operational excellence and advanced analytical capacity, reflected in high performance standards and the rigor of laboratory examinations," it is also stated in the communication. EU prepares a free trade agreement with India Discussions regarding access to Romanian products in the Indian market are taking place while the European Union is preparing to conclude a free trade agreement with India. According to ANSVSA, this will be the largest trade agreement concluded ever between the EU and India. After adoption and entry into force, the agreement will aim to improve access to European products in the Indian market, reduce customs duties, and eliminate commercial barriers considered unnecessary. The document will also establish more predictable rules for trade and investments between the European Union and India. Editor: A.D.