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Indian exporters shipping chilli to Sri Lanka from 19 October 2026 will have to abide by the changed aflatoxin tests and export clearance procedures. This was communicated by the Spices Board of India in Circular No. 02/2026-27 dated 12 October, 2026.
As per the revised procedures, the exporter will have to secure a cleared analytical report by the Spices Board, confirming that the aflatoxin levels in the consignment of whole chilli are in line with the limits prescribed by the Board. Exporters will not be allowed to clear whole chilli consignments with Sample Drawn Certificate (SDC) reports.
Chilli powder and other covered chilli products, including curry powder and masalas containing chilli, will continue under the analytical-report system, with the revised aflatoxin limits applied.
For businesses exporting chilli to Sri Lanka, the immediate priority is to review their testing arrangements and shipment schedules before the circular takes effect.
| Particular | Details |
| Issuing authority | Spices Board, Government of India |
| Circular number | 02/2026-27 |
| Circular date | 12 October 2026 |
| Official website publication | 14 October 2026 |
| Effective date | 19 October 2026 |
| Destination country | Sri Lanka |
| Covered products | Whole chilli, chilli powder and covered chilli-containing products |
| Relevant HS Code | 0904, as referenced in the circular |
| Aflatoxin B1 limit | 5.0 µg/kg |
| Total aflatoxin limit | 10.0 µg/kg |
| Clearance requirement | Spices Board-cleared analytical report |
| Key change | Withdrawal of SDC-based clearance for whole chilli exports |
| Relevant standard | Sri Lanka Standard 1563:2017 |
| Legal basis | Spices Board Act, 1986, and Spices Board (Registration of Exporters) Regulations, 1989 |
The circular partially modifies the earlier export monitoring arrangement and directs exporters to plan their consignments according to the revised requirements.
The Spices Board has revised the export testing requirements for chilli consignments shipped from India to Sri Lanka under Circular No. 02/2026-27. The changes affect the documents required for export clearance, and the application of Sri Lanka Standard 1563:2017, particularly the aflatoxin limits for whole, and ground chilli.
Role of the Spices Board in Export Quality Compliance
The Spices Board handles quality checks for spice exports, registers exporters and checks that shipments meet the importing country’s requirements.
Its export quality monitoring system helps ensure that covered spice consignments satisfy applicable testing standards before they leave India.
Circular No. 02/2026-27 has been issued under the Spices Board Act, 1986, and the Spices Board (Registration of Exporters) Regulations, 1989.
Sri Lanka Standard 1563:2017 and Aflatoxin Compliance
Sri Lanka Standard 1563:2017 sets out specifications for whole, and ground chilli. These include quality characteristics, sampling, and testing requirements and limits for certain contaminants.
For aflatoxins, the standard specifies maximum levels of 5.0 µg/kg for aflatoxin B1, and 10.0 µg/kg for total aflatoxins.
These figures are not newly created by the October, 2026 circular. The circular applies them through the Spices Board's revised export quality management, and clearance arrangements.
Earlier Spices Board Export Monitoring Arrangements
The October 2026 circular refers to the Spices Board’s March 2023 requirement for mandatory sampling and testing of chilli exports.
Under the earlier monitoring arrangement, whole chilli shipments to Sri Lanka could be cleared on the basis of a Sample Drawn Certificate.
The latest circular removes that facility for this destination. The existing analytical-report-based mechanism for chilli powder, and covered chilli products continues, subject to the specified aflatoxin limits.
The main change concerns the evidence exporters must present when seeking clearance for whole chilli consignments.
Mandatory Cleared Analytical Report for Whole Chilli Exports
From 19 October 2026, whole chilli consignments exported from India to Sri Lanka must be supported by a cleared analytical report issued by the Spices Board.
The report must establish conformity with the applicable aflatoxin limits. Merely having a sample collected will no longer be sufficient for clearance under the revised arrangement.
Withdrawal of Sample Drawn Certificate-Based Clearance
The previous monitoring mechanism permitted whole chilli exports to Sri Lanka on the basis of a Sample Drawn Certificate.
The Spices Board has now revoked that clearance facility for whole chilli consignments going to Sri Lanka, effective 19 October 2026.
Exporters relying on the earlier arrangement should review consignments scheduled for clearance on or after the implementation date.
Continued Requirements for Chilli Powder and Chilli Products
For chilli powder, curry powder and masalas containing chilli, the system of export clearance based on cleared analytical reports will continue.
What exporters need to check is whether their products satisfy the aflatoxin limits specified in the circular.
| Product category | Earlier arrangement | From 19 October 2026 |
| Whole chilli | Clearance based on SDC was permitted | Spices Board-cleared analytical report required |
| Chilli powder | Cleared analytical-report system | Existing system continues with revised limits |
| Covered chilli products | Cleared analytical-report system | Existing system continues with revised limits |
The change should not be understood as a new testing procedure for every spice exported from India. It specifically concerns the covered chilli export arrangements for Sri Lanka.
The circular specifies which chilli and chilli-based products must meet the revised export clearance requirements for Sri Lanka. Coverage depends on the product type, applicable HS classification and required aflatoxin test report.
Whole Chilli Exports to Sri Lanka
Whole chilli exporters are directly affected because they can no longer rely on the SDC-based clearance facility.
A consignment intended for Sri Lanka must satisfy the prescribed aflatoxin requirements and have the relevant cleared analytical report.
Chilli Powder, Curry Powder and Masala Products
The circular also covers chilli powder and chilli-containing products, expressly mentioning curry powder and masalas containing chilli.
These products already fall under an analytical-report-based clearance arrangement. Exporters must ensure that the applicable test results meet the prescribed limits.
Manufacturers handling mixed spice products should check the product's composition and the relevant export-testing requirements rather than assuming every spice blend is treated identically.
HS Code 0904 and Product Classification
The circular expressly addresses exporters of chilli and chilli products under HS Code 0904.
However, blended spice products may require a separate tariff-classification assessment. Businesses exporting masalas or curry powders should verify the correct classification of their particular products.
The circular does not create a general aflatoxin clearance rule for every spice or every export destination.
Aflatoxin testing is a central part of the revised export clearance arrangement.
Aflatoxins are naturally occurring toxic substances produced by certain fungi. They can contaminate agricultural products, including chillies, particularly when crops are exposed to unsuitable drying, or storage conditions.
Maximum Permissible Aflatoxin B1 Limit: For covered chilli exports to Sri Lanka, the maximum permissible aflatoxin B1 level is 5.0 micrograms per kilogram (µg/kg).
Aflatoxin B1 is one of the principal forms of aflatoxin considered in food safety testing.
Maximum Permissible Total Aflatoxin Limit: The maximum permissible level for total aflatoxins is 10.0 µg/kg.
Total aflatoxins refers to the combined amount of the relevant aflatoxin types measured through the applicable analytical method.
| Testing Parameter | Total aflatoxins |
| Aflatoxin B1 | 5.0 µg/kg |
| Total aflatoxins | 10.0 µg/kg |
Both limits must be satisfied. A consignment does not meet the stated aflatoxin requirements merely because one test parameter falls within its permitted level.
Why Aflatoxin Testing Matters
Aflatoxin contamination is not always visible during a routine inspection. Chilli may appear acceptable while still requiring laboratory analysis to establish whether it meets contaminant limits.
Poor drying, moisture exposure and unsuitable storage can increase contamination risks.
Exporters should therefore pay attention to the quality of incoming chilli, storage conditions and test results before committing a consignment for overseas delivery.
Although the two documents relate to export monitoring, they serve different purposes.
A Sample Drawn Certificate (SDC) records that a sample has been collected under the applicable sampling arrangement. Under the earlier monitoring system, this certificate could be used for clearance of whole chilli exports to Sri Lanka.
A cleared analytical report, by comparison, provides the required analytical clearance following testing against the applicable parameters.
The distinction matters because sample collection alone does not establish that the tested consignment satisfies the prescribed aflatoxin limits.
From 19 October 2026, exporters of whole chilli to Sri Lanka must rely on the Spices Board-cleared analytical report rather than the earlier SDC-based clearance facility.
This change makes it particularly important to consider the time needed to obtain the required report when planning shipments.
Pre-shipment sampling and aflatoxin testing are required for covered chilli consignments exported to Sri Lanka. Exporters must obtain the prescribed Spices Board clearance before dispatch, with the revised requirement taking effect on 19 October 2026.
Sampling Before Export
The circular requires pre-shipment sampling of the covered consignments.
Exporters should ensure that sampling is arranged in accordance with applicable Spices Board procedures before seeking the required clearance.
The circular does not itself provide a new detailed sampling application form, processing timeline or testing fee schedule.
Obtaining the Spices Board-Cleared Analytical Report
After the required sampling and analysis, the consignment must be supported by the appropriate cleared report issued by the Spices Board.
The report is important because Customs authorities have been directed to permit whole chilli exports to Sri Lanka from the effective date only on the basis of the required Spices Board clearance evidence.
Exporters should confirm the applicable sampling and report-issuance procedure through official Spices Board channels.
Planning Testing Around Shipment Dates
The need for a cleared report may affect businesses that previously scheduled whole chilli shipments using the SDC-based arrangement.
Exporters should allow enough time for sampling, analysis and receipt of clearance documentation.
Testing arrangements should be considered before finalising dispatch commitments, particularly for consignments approaching the 19 October implementation date.
From 19 October 2026, whole chilli exports to Sri Lanka require a Spices Board-cleared analytical report for Customs clearance. Exporters must check that the report and consignment details are ready before presenting the shipment for clearance.
Requirement for a Cleared Analytical Report
The Spices Board has expressly requested Customs officials across India to permit whole chilli exports to Sri Lanka from 19 October 2026 only on the basis of a cleared analytical report issued by the Board.
This means the necessary clearance evidence should be available when the consignment is presented for the relevant export-clearance process.
Export Documentation and Consignment Verification
Exporters should check that product descriptions, consignment details and analytical clearance records are consistent.
Where other export documents are required under the applicable customs and trade framework, they must continue to be handled separately.
The October 2026 circular does not replace the wider export documentation framework or introduce an entirely new customs application system.
Potential Clearance Difficulties
A whole chilli consignment without the required cleared analytical report may face difficulty obtaining export clearance after the effective date.
That could disrupt dispatch arrangements and delivery schedules.
Exporters should resolve testing or documentation issues before presenting consignments for clearance wherever possible.
The revised requirements change the export clearance process for Indian chilli exporters shipping to Sri Lanka. The main impact falls on whole chilli exporters, who must obtain the required analytical report instead of relying on the earlier Sample Drawn Certificate (SDC) facility.
Impact on Whole Chilli Exporters
Whole chilli exporters face the most significant procedural change.
Businesses that previously relied on an SDC must now ensure that their consignments have cleared analytical reports establishing compliance with the aflatoxin requirements.
This calls for closer coordination between quality-control teams, export departments and those responsible for shipment scheduling.
Impact on Chilli Powder and Masala Exporters
For chilli powder and covered chilli-containing products, the underlying analytical-report system continues.
Businesses should review their testing specifications to ensure that the reports meet the limits stated in the October circular.
Manufacturers purchasing chilli from multiple suppliers may also find it useful to review their supplier quality-control practices.
Impact on Shipment Scheduling and Documentation
The circular may require exporters to build additional time into the preparation of whole chilli shipments.
Its practical effects will depend on existing testing arrangements, product conformity and the time taken to secure the required clearance.
The circular does not specify a fixed additional testing cost or a standard number of days needed for report issuance.
Failure to meet the revised requirements can create difficulties for exporters.
These are potential regulatory and operational consequences. Circular No. 02/2026-27 does not expressly prescribe a new monetary penalty or imprisonment provision, and such consequences should not be attributed to this circular without a separate verified legal basis.
Affected exporters should review their upcoming consignments before the revised arrangement takes effect.
These internal practices can help manage contamination risks, although the circular does not introduce each one as a separate new legal obligation.
The revised clearance requirements make it important for exporters to understand which regulatory obligations apply to their products and shipments.
Corpseed offers services relevant to the wider spice export compliance process, including Spice Board registration, Spice Board annual compliance and Import-Export Code registration.
Depending on the business's requirements, Corpseed can assist with registration-related documentation and applicable regulatory processes.
Exporters should obtain official analytical testing and clearance through the authorised Spices Board arrangements. Consultancy assistance does not replace the Board's testing or clearance function.
Businesses looking for spice export compliance services can contact Corpseed for assistance with applicable registration and documentation requirements.
Contact Corpseed
Website: www.corpseed.com
Phone: +91 75586 40644
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