India's Tea Board has postponed the launch of its new web-based auction platform, pushing the rollout date to July 14-17.
The regulator cited the need for additional time to facilitate a smoother transition for market participants after recent consultations with industry stakeholders.
The delay follows the initial announcement on June 30 that the digital platform would go live, a move intended to enhance efficiency and user experience in the country's tea auctions.
By extending the timeline, the Tea Board seeks to address operational concerns raised by traders and auctioneers during the consultation process.
This development comes as the industry debates the structure of its digital future.
The Tea Trade Association of Cochin (TTAC) has previously proposed a unified, pan-India tea auction platform, arguing that a centralized national marketplace would significantly improve transaction transparency and liquidity.