National Test House and Department of Posts Sign MoU to Enable Nationwide Sample Collection and Testing

In a significant step towards strengthening consumer protection and improving access to quality testing services, National Test House (NTH), under the Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution, and the Department of Posts, Ministry of Communications, Government of India, have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to facilitate nationwide collection of samples and their safe, reliable, and timely delivery to NTH laboratories for testing.

Under the MoU, the Department of Posts will provide doorstep sample pickup from customers across the country and transport them to NTH laboratories located at Kolkata, Ghaziabad, Mumbai, Jaipur, Guwahati, Varanasi, and Chennai, leveraging its extensive and trusted postal network that spans urban, rural, and remote regions of India.

The MoU was signed on 24 December 2025, on the occasion of National Consumer Day, at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi, in the august presence of Pralhad Joshi, Hon’ble Minister of Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution, Government of India, and B. L. Verma, Hon’ble Minister of State for Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution.

This strategic collaboration will significantly enhance the accessibility, affordability, and efficiency of NTH’s testing services by addressing logistical challenges and reducing turnaround time. It is expected to benefit a wide range of stakeholders, including consumers, manufacturers, MSMEs, startups, and businesses, particularly those located in far-flung and underserved areas. The initiative will also contribute to improving the ease of doing business, strengthening consumer protection mechanisms, and promoting a strong culture of quality, compliance, and standardisation across sectors.

The partnership aligns with the vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat, underscoring the critical role of quality and standardisation in building consumer trust, enhancing global competitiveness, and fostering a strong, self-reliant India. It further reflects the Government of India’s commitment to citizen-centric service delivery and effective inter-ministerial cooperation, through optimal utilisation of public infrastructure for public good.

This collaboration marks an important milestone in making quality testing services accessible to every citizen of India, reinforcing trust, transparency, and accountability in the marketplace.