21/05/2025
Clarifications on Kuensel Article Dated 17 May 2025
Titled "Bhutan's spice industry seeks export breakthrough amid structural challenges"
While I appreciate Kuensel for publishing the above mentioned article, I would like to clarify that I did not state that the Bhutan Food and Drug Authority (BFDA) certificate doesn't carry weight internationally. What I conveyed was that the BFDA certificate, along with the Brand Bhutan certification, is currently accepted in countries like Singapore, Malaysia, Vietnam, and Thailand. I also highlighted that given the high standards already maintained by the BFDA, obtaining internationally recognized organic certification would be more feasible, provided the BFDA's institutional capacity is further strengthened and the authority secures international accreditation. I said, achieving this would however, require adequate financial support and resources.
Furthermore, I shared that different countries have specific regulatory requirements. For instance, to export to Switzerland, a BIOSUISSE certification is required in addition to the EU organic certification, as advised by our potential buyer in Switzerland.
Lastly, I emphasized the need for stronger coordination, collaboration, and cooperation across all levels of governance, from chiwog to gewog, Dzongkhag, and central agencies, which is currently lacking and must be improved to ensure the sustainable development of Bhutan's spice sector, especially as it prepares to expand to international markets.
I once again extend heartfelt appreciation to the Department of Agricultural Marketing and Cooperatives, MoAL and the FAO for their timely initiative in organizing the Multi Stakeholder Platform Workshop for the spice sector.
Chhimi Dorjee
Founder
𝗕𝗵𝘂𝘁𝗮𝗻’𝘀 𝘀𝗽𝗶𝗰𝗲 𝗶𝗻𝗱𝘂𝘀𝘁𝗿𝘆 𝘀𝗲𝗲𝗸𝘀 𝗲𝘅𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁 𝗯𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗸𝘁𝗵𝗿𝗼𝘂𝗴𝗵 𝗮𝗺𝗶𝗱 𝘀𝘁𝗿𝘂𝗰𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗮𝗹 𝗰𝗵𝗮𝗹𝗹𝗲𝗻𝗴𝗲𝘀
Dorji Choden
Bhutan’s spice sector is showing promise, but entrepreneurs like Chhimi Dorjee, founder of Bhutan Naturals, are finding the road to international markets steep and riddled with obstacles. Chhimi Dorjee, who began with ginger essential oils before switching to spice powders in 2020, has spent years navigating complex certification processes.
https://kuenselonline.com/news/bhutans-spice-industry-seeks-export-breakthrough-amid-structural-challenges