Kangra Tea (GI: Himachal Pradesh)

Scope & HS codes

• Tea (all types) ships under HS 0902; typical export lines: 090220 (green tea), 090230 (black/fermented), with package-size splits at 8-digit level.
  

GI & origin

• Kangra Tea is GI-registered in India and recognized in the EU (PGI) since July 3, 2023, protecting name/origin in EU markets. GI area covers Kangra + adjoining parts of Mandi/Chamba.
  

Production footprint (region-specific)

• Tea is grown in Kangra & Mandi districts over ~2,063–2,310 ha (small, high-altitude gardens around Palampur/Dharamshala—orthodox black & green only; no CTC), giving exclusivity.
  
• Tea Board’s Kangra note highlights black with sweet lingering aftertaste and green with delicate woody aroma—a recognized sensory profile.
  

Exports (context)

• India (all teas) 2024: 254.67 M kg; ₹7,111 cr—India ranked #3 world exporter in 2024
  
• Kangra scale: exports are micro within India’s total; Himachal reported ~4,000 kg exported directly in 2021–22 (mainly to Germany, UK, Russia, France). Most Kangra tea moves via Kolkata auctions or sells domestically as premium orthodox.
  

Quality/Compliance you can require

• Indian food law (FSSAI): “Tea” standard (Appendix B, 2.10.1) defines limits for total ash, water-soluble ash, alkalinity, etc.; special clauses for flavoured tea (max 5% flavour; Tea Board registration). Use the latest FSSAI chapter in specs.
  
• BIS product spec: IS 3633:2024 – Black Tea—Specification (3rd rev.) (previously 2003). Reference this in contracts for domestic programs and as a QA baseline for export
  
• Residues & MRLs: follow FSSAI contaminants/MRL rules; IHBT (CSIR-Palampur) has multi-residue methods for 27 pesticides used in Indian tea—useful for lab plans.
  
• Analytical quality (orthodox black): monitor theaflavins/thearubigins (TF/TR) as key liquor attributes alongside moisture, ash, extract.
  

Why Kangra is differentiated

• Protected GI + EU PGI, small area, orthodox processing, and a distinct Chinese-hybrid bush profile that drives a paler liquor with sweet finish—documented by Tea Board & literature.
  
• R&D & extension from CSIR-IHBT (Palampur)—germplasm, pest management, catechin-to-theaflavin technology—supports consistent quality
  

Buyer-ready spec (example bullets)

• HS 090220/090230; GI: Kangra Tea (India; EU PGI)
  
• Grade: orthodox black/green, moisture ≤ FSSAI limit, ash/alkalinity per 2.10.1; TF/TR targets by lot; pesticide COA vs destination MRLs; GI proof.
  

“Kangra Kangri” (Traditional hand-warmer)

Note: The kangri (portable ember-pot) is a Kashmiri tradition—earthen pot + wicker (willow) casing. In Kangra/Himachal, similar ember-pots may be made/used, but no separate GI or official technical standard exists under “Kangra Kangri.” Treat it as an artisanal ceramic-and-wicker household article for export classification/QC.

What it is / materials (authoritative craft refs)

• Construction: a terracotta bowl encased in wicker (willow); long documented in Kashmir’s wicker-willow craft and cultural records.
  

Likely HS codes (classify by “essential character”)

• If the ceramic pot gives the essential character → HS 6912 (“ceramic household articles”). If the wicker casing dominates in value/character → HS 4602 (“basketwork/wickerwork”). Confirm with your broker using GRI 3(b) and product construction/cost share.
  

Export context (proxy categories; item not separately tracked)

• India 2023 exports (HS 6912—ceramic household): ~US$ 30.2 m; HS 6913—ornamental ceramics: ~US$ 13–16 m; HS 4602—basketwork/wickerwork: India ~US$ 166 m; global leaders China/Vietnam/India. Use these as market proxies; kangri-specific exports are niche/unreported.
  

Quality & safety (what to specify)

• Materials: fired earthenware bowl (no cracks), wicker (Salix spp.) tightly woven; heat-resistant handle/guard; embers tray secure. (Craft documentation anchors the earthen-plus-wicker build.)
  
• Labelling & safety: Because it burns charcoal/embers, treat as a fuel-burning consumer product. For EU, comply with General Product Safety Regulation (EU) 2023/988 (GPSR) and provide clear CO hazard warnings; for other markets, mirror local guidance (e.g., US CPSC CO warning). Never market for indoor use without ventilation warnings.

India/region-specific strengths

• Artisanal basketry & ceramics supply chains in North India + Kashmir’s wicker-willow knowledge base (documented clusters; Shaakhsaazi communities), enabling authentic hand-crafted builds and customization.
  

Buyer-ready spec (example bullets)

• HS 6912 or 4602 (per essential character). Dimensions/weight tolerances; wicker species (willow), weave density; pot wall thickness & thermal shock check; charcoal capacity; handle temperature ≤ agreed limit after X minutes (bench test); warning label (CO hazard; outdoor use; keep away from children/loose clothing).

Quick source list

• GI & official: EU PGI registration for Kangra Tea (2023); India GI dossier extract; Tea Board region page.
• Area/production & exports: Tea Board (India moved to #3 exporter in 2024); Himachal/Kangra export note (~4,000 kg, 2021–22).
• Quality law/standards: FSSAI 2.10.1 (Tea); BIS IS 3633:2024 (Black Tea); FSSAI analysis manuals.
• R&D (region): CSIR-IHBT (Palampur)—tea science and pesticide multiresidue method.
• Kangri craft & safety: kangri as earthen + wicker (Kashmir); EU GPSR 2023/988; US CPSC CO warning.
• HS & proxy trade values: HS 6912/6913/4602 headings & India 2023 export snapshots (OEC/TrendEconomy).