About IMHSI | Mad Honey Standards & Certification Body

Rooted in Nepal, Respected Globally

The International Mad Honey Standards Institute (IMHSI) was established to bring scientific rigor, regulatory clarity, and cultural respect to one of the world’s most unique natural products — Himalayan Mad Honey.

IMHSI serves as a strategic bridge between traditional Himalayan honey-hunting communities and the global scientific, public health, trading and regulatory ecosystem. We integrate research, standardization, and sustainability to ensure that Mad Honey is understood, validated, and responsibly managed within international frameworks.

We are a multidisciplinary team dedicated to bringing scientific clarity, safety, and global credibility to Himalayan Mad Honey while preserving its cultural and ecological heritage. Our work aligns with Codex Alimentarius and international regulations to ensure safe, ethical, and globally recognized trade.

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What We Do

Our Mission

IMHSI develops evidence-based standards and certification protocols so that Mad Honey can be safely traded, clearly understood, and culturally respected across international markets. We turn scientific research into practical frameworks that protect consumers, support communities, and legitimize a product that has been traded informally for centuries.

Where We're Headed

Our Vision

We envision a future where Himalayan communities are economically empowered through responsibly managed honey production, where Mad Honey is integrated into global health, food safety, and cultural heritage frameworks, and where every jar on the market can be traced back to its source with confidence.

Our 9 Priority Actions

Standardize Mad Honey

We establish science-based benchmarks for grayanotoxin levels, purity, and overall honey quality. Standardization ensures consistent safety for both domestic and international consumers.

Batch Traceability System

Every batch is linked to lab-verified Certificates of Analysis (COA) for full transparency. This enables consumers and regulators to verify toxin content and honey authenticity at any point in the supply chain.

Apis laboriosa Conservation

We support habitat protection and the planting of nectar-rich rhododendron forests to sustain healthy bee populations. Conserving the giant Himalayan honeybee safeguards biodiversity and the long-term Mad Honey supply.

Honey Hunting Heritage & Tourism

Nepal is promoted as the global origin of Mad Honey, highlighting its deep cultural and ecological significance. Responsible tourism supports local economies and raises global awareness of traditional harvesting practices.

Toxicity Measurement & Mitigation

Grayanotoxin mapping and dose-response research help define safe consumption thresholds. This work reduces health risks and informs the evidence-based guidelines that underpin our certification standards.

Sustainable Harvesting

We promote non-destructive cliff-harvesting methods that preserve bee colonies and maintain ecosystem balance. Sustainable practices protect the environment and ensure honey production for generations to come.

Mountain Livelihood Program

Alternative short-cycle income options reduce economic dependence on risky honey hunting. This helps prevent rural migration, supports community stability, and gives harvesters a financial safety net.

Global Standard Certification

IMHSI offers a voluntary compliance seal for internationally recognized quality assurance. The certification encourages ethical trade, builds consumer confidence, and distinguishes verified products from unregulated ones.

Fair Pricing & Market Assurance

We connect suppliers and buyers, help form cooperatives, and establish transparent pricing mechanisms. This ensures sustainable livelihoods for harvesters and equitable market participation for all stakeholders.

Governance & Ethics

IMHSI operates as an independent standards institute with a public-interest mandate: reduce harm, protect authenticity, and support responsible trade. To protect neutrality, IMHSI maintains:

Clear separation between certification activities and product commerce
Documented conflict-of-interest policies for advisors and partners
Transparent standards development and revision process
A commitment to publish methods, definitions, and scope, so claims remain verifiable

Scientific integrity requires more than a seal. It requires rules that can be checked.

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