India’s decisive digital leap to meet EU standards and safeguard agri-export credibility

The Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA), under the Ministry of Commerce & Industry, Government of India, has announced the launch of the Veg.Net portal, a landmark digital platform set to go live in March 2026. This initiative is designed to fortify India’s agri-export ecosystem by ensuring strict compliance with European Union (EU) requirements for Green Chilies and Drumsticks, commodities that have faced heightened scrutiny in recent audits.

The move comes in direct response to the EU Audit conducted in September 2024, which raised concerns about supply chain monitoring and emphasized the need for stronger safeguards to meet prescribed Maximum Residue Limits (MRLs). APEDA’s action plan, submitted to the European Commission, committed to building a transparent, traceable, and integrity-driven export process. The Veg.Net portal is the centerpiece of that commitment.

The portal will establish end-to-end digital traceability across the export chain. Farmers cultivating drumstick and green chili for export will be registered by State Agriculture and Horticulture Departments, ensuring accountability from the very first step. Processing and packaging facilities, known as pack-houses, will undergo mandatory registration to guarantee compliance with EU standards. Sampling and residue analysis will be conducted exclusively by recognized laboratories, reinforcing scientific rigor in certification. Quality assurance will be further strengthened through grading certification issued by the Directorate of Marketing & Inspection (DMI). Finally, the National Plant Protection Organization (NPPO) will issue phyto-sanitary certificates, completing the compliance chain required for EU-bound consignments.

Exporters are mandated to register and operate through the Veg.Net portal. This directive is binding and forms part of India’s official compliance framework with the European Commission. Exporters must immediately align their operations with the system to avoid disruption in market access and to safeguard India’s reputation as a reliable supplier of agri-produce.

The Veg.Net portal marks a decisive step in India’s agricultural export journey — embedding transparency, accountability, and scientific validation into every consignment destined for the European Union. It is not merely a compliance mechanism but a strategic safeguard for farmer livelihoods, exporter credibility, and India’s standing in global agri-trade.