India successfully hosted the 8th Session of the Codex Committee on Spices and Culinary Herbs (CCSCH8) in Guwahati, marking a major milestone in global spice standard-setting. The session culminated with the finalization of three new Codex standards — for large cardamom, vanilla, and coriander — now recommended for adoption by the Codex Alimentarius Commission, the international food standards body jointly established by FAO and WHO.
Established in 2013 at India’s initiative, the CCSCH operates under the Codex Alimentarius Commission, with India, represented by the Spices Board under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, serving as its Secretariat. Since inception, the committee has finalized standards for 19 spices, including pepper, turmeric, cumin, nutmeg, cardamom, and saffron.
The standard for vanilla, which had been under discussion across multiple sessions owing to the complexity of flavour chemistry and processing variations, was among the most significant achievements of CCSCH8. Its finalization reflects the spirit of scientific collaboration and consensus-building that defines Codex work.
“With uniform benchmarks in Codex now established, farmers, processors, and exporters of large cardamom, vanilla, and coriander will have globally accepted reference points enabling them to operate with greater clarity and confidence. These new standards carry substantial significance for the global spice trade. India, being a leading producer and exporter of large cardamom and coriander, stands to benefit from harmonized benchmarks that strengthen market access and export competitiveness,” said Smt. P. Hemalatha, IAS, Secretary, Spices Board.
Dr. Hilde Kruse, Senior Food Safety Officer at the Codex Alimentarius Commission, highlighted the international participation in the session.
“The 8th session of CCSCH saw active participation from 30 countries and observers, reflecting growing awareness of the importance of ensuring quality, safety, and authenticity in the global spice trade. Such engagement underscores the shared global commitment to science-based standards that protect consumers and support fair trade,” she said.
As host and Secretariat, India played a central role in coordinating scientific and regulatory inputs, facilitating international collaboration, and ensuring that global standards reflect both best practices and India’s traditional expertise in spices.
Codex standards serve as critical reference points for producers, processors, and traders, promoting best practices, reducing trade barriers, and enhancing consumer confidence in the global spice supply chain. India’s leadership in CCSCH aligns its domestic quality systems with international norms, reinforcing its position as a trusted global supplier of safe, high-quality spices.
The Spices Board India was instrumental in organizing the session, preparing working documents, coordinating participation, and ensuring procedural compliance. Its continued efforts have strengthened India’s leadership role in shaping international spice standards and promoting fair, safe, and transparent global trade.
With the successful conclusion of CCSCH8, India reaffirms its global leadership in the spice sector, driving harmonized standards that benefit producers and consumers alike, while bolstering the credibility and competitiveness of the world’s spice trade.
