Guwahati, May 30 -- Assam's globally renowned tea industry is facing a serious threat due to new European Union (EU) regulations restricting the use of key chemical compounds in tea production.

The Tea Research Association Tocklai (TRA Tocklai), the world's oldest and largest tea research body, has warned that the move could disrupt exports of nearly 40 million kilograms of Assam tea annually to the EU and UK.

The EU has lowered the Maximum Residue Level (MRL) for Thiamethoxam and Clothianidin to 0.05 ppm, effective March 2026. A similar restriction on Thiacloprid took effect in May. These chemicals are vital for pest control in Assam's tea gardens.

India exports about 53 million kgs of tea annually to the EU and UK, with Assam account...