The Government of Jammu & Kashmir, on February 16, 2026, notified regarding the Use of the term “Tea” for products not derived from Camellia Sinensis.
The following has been stated namely: -
• The Food and Drugs Administration, Jammu & Kashmir has observed that some Food Business Operators (FBOs) are marketing products such as “Rooibos Tea,” “Herbal Tea,” and “Flower Tea” that are not derived from the plant Camellia sinensis. As per Regulation 2.10.1 of the Food Safety and Standards (Food Product Standards and Food Additives) Regulations, only products obtained from Camellia sinensis (including Kangra Tea, Green Tea, and Instant Tea) can be labeled as “Tea.”
• Additionally, Regulation 5(1) of the Food Safety and Standards (Labelling and Display) Regulations, 2020 requires that the name of the food must clearly indicate its true nature on the front of the package. Therefore, using the term “Tea” for herbal or plant-based infusions not derived from Camellia sinensis is misleading and constitutes misbranding under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006.
• Such products may instead be classified as proprietary foods or regulated under the Food Safety and Standards (Approval for Non-Specified Food and Food Ingredients) Regulations, 2017, depending on their ingredients.
[Notification No. FADA-Adm/37/2021-05]
