Quality assurance for Lanka tea

Ramani KANGARAARACHCHI

The Sri Lanka Standards Institution (SLSI) and the Sri Lanka Tea Board (SLTB) have teamed up to launch the SLSI_SLTB Product Certification Scheme.

This will provide third party guarantee of quality, safety and reliability of tea to the customer.

The launch was held at SLTB Auditorium yesterday.

SLTB Director General H.D. Hemaratne speaking at the launch said customer preference is the major challenge that the industry faces today but the stakeholders do not know this information.

"There won't be any more withdrawal of exports in the future due to various lapses. Full compliance of this certification process is a must which is the only way for a sustainable development", he said.

This scheme is based on SLS 1315 : 2007 Code of Practice for Tea Industry, SLS 135:2009 equivalent ISO 3720 for Black Tea and Sri Lanka Tea Board Standards, Guidelines for Sri Lankan Origin Tea.

All tea manufacturers, tea packers and exporters are included.

Hemaratne said there are a number of benefits of this Product Certification Scheme which is an internationally recognized single certificate.

This is a Government authenticate certificate issued by line authorities which provides consumer confidence.

It reduces non-tariff barriers and has economical benefits to both client and supplier.

Third party confirmation of product quality and safety, reputation management, and response to customer are other benefits.