Ethylene oxide in Indian spices: 2026 EU changes, limits and what to do

Key takeaways

• The EU certificate rules changed in 2026. Some Indian spices no longer need one, and others still do [2] [3].
• The limits didn't change. Fewer certificates doesn't mean a softer limit.
• Test for two things. The limit is the sum of ethylene oxide (EtO) and 2-chloroethanol, expressed as EtO [1].
• Your own chain matters. Spices Board's rules cover transporters, warehouses and packaging suppliers too [1].

Which spices still need an official certificate for the EU?

Find your product here. This is the position for ethylene oxide on goods from India, after the EU's June 2026 update [2]:

What changed. In January 2026 the EU moved pepper, dried chilli and allspice off the certificate list, and removed vanilla and cloves from the increased checks [3]. In June 2026 it moved cinnamon off the certificate list too [2]. Both changes amend Regulation (EU) 2019/1793. Products in its Annex I face more border checks. Products in Annex II also need laboratory analysis and an official certificate for each consignment [7].

Why it happened. The EU says official controls showed improved compliance, so a certificate with each consignment is no longer needed for these products [2] [3]. Member States will keep checking, and these lists are reviewed regularly, so a spice can move back.

Don't drop your Spices Board steps yet. Circular 24/2022-23 requires its testing and certificate for spices under HS 0904 to 0910 going to the EU, and it stays in force until the Board says otherwise [5]. On 7 November 2026, the Board's Mandatory Tests page still pointed to that circular, and we found no newer one reflecting these changes. Ask your Spices Board office before you skip a test.

The UK is separate. EU changes don't apply to Great Britain. Spices Board says chilli under CN code 0904 needs an Official Certificate for pesticide residues for the UK, for goods shipped on or after 7 March 2024 [8].

What are the limits by market?

These figures come from the appendices in Spices Board's guidelines, dated 28 October 2024 [1]. Limits change, so confirm the current one with your buyer before you ship.

A lot that passes in one market can fail in another. Check the destination before you offer stock that was tested for somewhere else.

Hong Kong and Singapore have their own rule. Since 6 May 2024, consignments to both have needed a cleared Spices Board report for EtO [4].

Why does ethylene oxide keep coming up?

It is a gas used as a disinfectant, fumigant and sterilising agent. Spices Board's guidelines note that the International Agency for Research on Cancer classes it as a carcinogen. They also say it can come from natural sources and polluted environments, as well as from deliberate treatment [1]. So a clean process of your own doesn't prove a clean lot.

It also leaves a second substance behind. In the presence of chlorinated compounds in food, EtO converts to 2-chloroethanol (2-CE), also called ethylene chlorohydrin. That is why limits count both substances [1].

What should you do before your next shipment?

Spices Board's guidelines say what exporters shall do [1]. As a working list:

• Keep EtO out. Don't use it as a sterilising or fumigating agent, or for any other purpose.
• Put it in your food safety plan. Treat it as a hazard in your HACCP plan.
• Test before you commit. Test raw materials, processing aids, packaging and finished goods.
• Bring your suppliers in. Make sure transporters, warehouses and packaging suppliers don't use it. The guidelines name pallets as well.
• Store separately. Keep EtO-treated and untreated material apart, including in outside storage.
• Keep records. If contamination appears, carry out a root cause analysis and record what you changed.

Also update what buyers can read. If your website, catalogue or spec sheet says that all spices need an EU certificate, correct it for the products you sell.

What can you use instead?

Spices Board encourages alternatives [1]:

• steam sterilisation;
• irradiation, which isn't applicable to organic products under NPOP;
• any other method FSSAI has approved.

Be careful with irradiation for Europe. The guidelines note that the European Spice Association advises against it for spices going to the EU, and suggests steam instead [1].

What should you tell a buyer?

Don't write "EtO free" on its own. You can only support that for a tested lot. Give the result and let the buyer judge it:

Ethylene oxide (sum of EtO and 2-chloroethanol, expressed as EtO): [result] mg/kg. Lot [number], tested by [lab] on [date], report [number]. Sterilisation method: [steam / none].

Put that line on your spec sheet, and attach the report when you send a sample. Ask the lab to report both substances, because a result for EtO alone doesn't answer the question.

Next step. A buyer who checks your EtO answer will also check your company. Our free Buyer Check is a 1-page report on your Google listing, website and spec gaps, with the 3 fixes that matter most, within 24 hours.