ShankuChakra Protocol
SCP-009 — Chilli Quality Protocol
Revision date: 2026-09-01
Purpose
To provide a structured quality-verification process specific to dry red chilli shipments, given the product-specific parameters (pungency, colour, moisture) that most influence buyer acceptance.
Scope
Applies to dry red chilli shipments (including Teja and other varieties) from sample approval through pre-shipment inspection.
Definitions
- SHU
- Scoville Heat Units — a measure of pungency/spiciness used as a specification benchmark for chilli.
- ASTA colour value
- A standardized colour measurement method, commonly referenced for chilli and paprika colour specification.
Required Information
- Agreed pungency (SHU) range
- Agreed colour (ASTA) range
- Stemmed vs. stemless requirement
- Moisture, foreign matter and aflatoxin limits
Procedure
- Confirm the buyer's required pungency and colour ranges in writing as part of the product specification (see the Product Specification Protocol) — these vary significantly between buyers and applications.
- Verify stemmed vs. stemless requirement, as this affects both processing and specification compliance.
- Test the approved sample for SHU, ASTA colour, moisture and aflatoxin before buyer sign-off (see the Sample Approval Protocol).
- At pre-shipment stage, re-test a representative sample from the packed consignment against the same parameters and compare to the approved reference sample.
- Document any deviation from the agreed ranges and resolve with the buyer before sealing the shipment.
Checklist
- Pungency (SHU) range agreed in writing
- Colour (ASTA) range agreed in writing
- Stemmed/stemless requirement confirmed
- Moisture, foreign matter and aflatoxin tested against agreed limits
- Pre-shipment sample compared against approved reference sample
Documents Required
- Product specification sheet
- Sample test results (SHU, ASTA, moisture, aflatoxin)
- Pre-shipment inspection report
Risks
- Pungency or colour deviation discovered only after the buyer receives the shipment
- Aflatoxin levels exceeding the buyer's or destination market's limit
- Confusion between stemmed and stemless product affecting buyer acceptance
Common Mistakes
- Agreeing a general 'good quality' description instead of specific SHU and ASTA ranges
- Not re-testing aflatoxin at the pre-shipment stage, relying only on an earlier sample result
- Overlooking the stemmed/stemless distinction when confirming the order
Verification Points
- Are pungency and colour ranges documented as specific, testable figures rather than general descriptions?
- Has aflatoxin been tested on the actual pre-shipment sample, not only the original approval sample?
- Is the stemmed/stemless requirement clearly confirmed and matched in the packed goods?
Disclaimer
This is a ShankuChakra recommended operational protocol, not an official government, regulatory, or international standard. It reflects common industry practice and should be adapted to the specific buyer, product, destination and contract. Always verify current legal, regulatory and customs requirements with the relevant authority before relying on this protocol for a commercial shipment.