6 New Quality Standards for Chhurpi Set by the Government of Nepal
Introduction:
Chhurpi, a traditional dairy product from Nepal’s Himalayan and hilly regions, has evolved from a local food into a globally demanded product, especially in the form of dog chews for international markets. Recognizing its growing export potential and the need for consumer safety, the Government of Nepal has introduced mandatory quality standards for Chhurpi.
The Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development has published these standards in the Nepal Gazette under the Food Hygiene and Quality Act, 2081. At Sourcing Nepal, we see this as a crucial step toward strengthening Nepal’s credibility in global dairy and pet food markets.
Mandatory Compliance for All Chhurpi Producers
The new regulation applies to all Chhurpi produced from cow, yak (chauri), or buffalo milk. Whether for domestic sale or export, every producer must now meet the government-defined quality requirements.
This ensures consistency, safety, and traceability across the entire value chain.
Official Classification Based on Fat Content
Chhurpi has been officially classified into two categories:
- Full-Fat Chhurpi: Contains 5% or more milk fat
- Low-Fat Chhurpi: Contains less than 5% milk fat
Low-fat, hard Chhurpi—widely exported as dog chews—falls clearly under this classification, making it easier for exporters and buyers to align product specifications.
Minimum Protein Requirement
One of the most important updates is the protein benchmark.
- Chhurpi must contain at least 60% total milk protein on a dry-weight basis.
This requirement enhances nutritional value and aligns Nepali Chhurpi with international quality expectations, especially in premium pet food markets.
Moisture and Ash Limits for Product Stability
To ensure durability and shelf stability, the government has set strict physical standards:
- Moisture content: Must be below 14%
- Total ash content: Must not exceed 7%
Chhurpi must be hard, well-dried, and properly processed, reducing risks of spoilage during storage and export.
Zero Tolerance for Contamination and Harmful Microorganisms
The new standards strictly prohibit:
- Any inedible substances
- Mold, insects, decay, or artificial coloring
- Presence of foreign materials such as stones, sand, glass, metal pieces
- Biological waste such as hair, straw, husk, or rodent remains
In addition, harmful microorganisms like E. coli and Salmonella must be completely absent, ensuring food safety and international compliance.
Standardized Packaging and Labeling Requirements
Packaging and labeling are now mandatory requirements for compliance under the new Chhurpi quality standards. Chhurpi must be packed in clean, dry, and food-grade sealed packaging to ensure product safety and prevent contamination during storage and transportation. In addition, labels must clearly display essential information, including the production date, batch number, and other details as required under Section 19 of the Food Hygiene and Quality Act, 2081. These measures significantly enhance traceability, transparency, and buyer confidence, especially for international markets where proper documentation and labeling are critical for acceptance and trust.
What This Means for Exporters and Buyers
For international buyers, the new standards provide greater assurance of quality, hygiene, and consistency. For Nepali producers and exporters, compliance opens doors to premium markets, especially in Europe, the US, and Asia’s pet food sector.
At Sourcing Nepal, we work closely with compliant producers to ensure Chhurpi meets regulatory, quality, and export-market requirements, making sourcing from Nepal more reliable and scalable.
Sourcing Nepal’s Perspective
These standards are a positive milestone for Nepal’s traditional products entering global markets. By improving quality control, hygiene, and documentation, Nepal is positioning Chhurpi as a trusted, high-value export product.
If you are a buyer, distributor, or brand looking to source compliant Chhurpi from Nepal, Sourcing Nepal is here to support you with verified producers and end-to-end sourcing solutions.
📩 Ready to import from Nepal?
Contact us today for samples, pricing, or consultation:
🔗 www.sourcingnepal.com
📧 sourcing@sourcingnepal.com
📞 +977-9823900499
