Report

The Indian government is creating a national registry of accredited testing laboratories to streamline export procedures and reduce transaction costs. By digitising the lab testing process, the government aims to minimise delays in cargo clearance and improve the efficiency of international trade.

The new integrated platform will allow exporters to submit testing requests online, track application status in real time, and upload test reports digitally. To support this initiative, the commerce and industry ministry has asked stakeholders for details such as average processing times, per-test costs, and country-specific testing requirements. “We are building an online system to simplify and digitise trade-related testing,” said a senior official involved in the project. “Exporters will be able to access a verified list of labs that match their product and destination needs.”

Exporters to Gain Real-Time Access to Accredited Labs

Currently, exporters lack a centralised portal to identify labs approved for different markets and products. This often leads to confusion, delays, and higher logistics costs. The new registry will close that gap by offering a single, reliable reference point.

The platform will especially benefit sectors that depend heavily on testing, such as food, pharmaceuticals, chemicals, and agriculture. By allowing real-time access to lab services, the system will ensure faster, safer, and more transparent compliance with international standards. The government also aims to use this platform to improve regulatory clarity and ease of doing business. Exporters will no longer need to navigate scattered lists or rely on informal channels to identify testing facilities.

India Targets $900 Billion in Exports

With this reform, the government plans to support its ambitious export target of $900 billion in goods and services in the current financial year, up from $824.9 billion in 2024–25. Officials believe that a seamless, transparent lab testing system will strengthen India’s global trade position and reduce regulatory friction. By digitising backend processes and improving lab access, the government is not only making export testing faster—it’s also reinforcing trust in Indian products worldwide.

Source: The Economic Times