Kolkata, Jan. 30 -- The Tea Association of India (TAI) has raised significant concerns over substantial discrepancies between officially reported tea import figures and actual import volumes, according to TAI President Sandeep Singhania.

The inconsistencies point to widespread violations of import and re-export regulations, potentially undermining the Indian tea industry's integrity and economic viability.

Current regulations under the Tea (Distribution & Export) Control Order, 2005, stipulate stringent requirements for tea exports.

Products labeled as "Indian Tea" must be exclusively sourced from domestic plantations, while blends containing imported tea must be designated as "Multi-Origin Tea."

Additionally, imported tea intended fo...