The 8 checks
- 1
The label
Licence number, the name and address of the packer or marketer, batch number, packing date, best-before date and net weight should all be printed on the pack.
- 2
A GST invoice
A proper supplier gives a GST invoice. Tea is HSN 0902 and attracts 5% GST.
- 3
A sample, brewed your way
Make your usual recipe with the sample: same milk, same sugar, same boil. Judge the cup, not the dry tea.
- 4
Even granules
CTC granules should look even in size, without a lot of fine dust at the bottom of the pack.
- 5
The colour test
Spread about 5 g of tea on a sheet of white filter paper or blotting paper and let water fall on it drop by drop. Pink or red colour spreading on the paper points to coloured tea; no colour spreading means no added colour. (Method: Food Safety and Standards Authority of India, Manual of Methods for Testing Adulterants, 2019.)
- 6
The smell
Dry tea should smell of tea, not musty or damp.
- 7
Price and minimum order in writing
Get the price per pouch or per kg and the minimum order on WhatsApp or email before you pay.
- 8
Delivery and reorder time
Ask how long delivery takes to your city, so you can keep enough stock.
More tests at home
For more simple tests, read 7 tests to spot adulterated tea at home.
Questions
What is the GST rate on tea?
Tea (HSN 0902) attracts 5% GST.
How do I check chai patti for added colour?
Put about 5 g on wet white filter paper and add water drop by drop. Pink or red colour spreading out points to coloured tea.
What should be printed on a chai patti pack?
The licence number, the packer’s or marketer’s name and address, batch, packing date, best-before date and net weight.
