Step by Step Guide on How to Import Edible Products Under FSSAI in India
Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) controls the import of food items in India. It is mandatory for every importer to get an FSSAI Certificate to import food items in the country. For this, they have to ensure they will follow various regulations and notifications of the FSSAI. However, if the food items do not meet the FSSAI regulations, then the food consignment can be rejected, causing business loss. Hence, entrepreneurs and businesspersons seeking to import edible products in the country should be aware of the FSSAI procedures and meet the requirements.
Here is a step by step guide which can help the importers to successfully import edible products in India:
1. Custom Department Clearance
The importing food business operator should prepare an Authority Letter before the arrival of the food consignment through seaport or air. While the consignment arrives, Customs Handling Agent (CHA) will apply for clearance of consignment with the Department of Customs recognized on the Bill of Entry. After this, a Government Customs Agent will verify the consignment and go on clearing the same after Customs Duty Payment and Customs Formalities Clearance.
2. Apply for FSSAI Certificate
Another step to import edible products in India is the filling of FSSAI Certificate.
CHA should file an application in the Food Import Clearance System of FSSAI for gaining the No Objection Certificate. For FSSAI clearance, documents required to upload include FSSAI- Food Business License, Importer Exporter Code (IEC) issued from DGFT, Bill of Entry, and Examination Order made by the EDI system of Customs. Apart from it, there are some optional documents required:
- In the case of primary agriculture produce, Import Permit issued by the Ministry of Agriculture.
- In the case of livestock products, Sanitary Import Permit issued by the Department of Animal Husbandry.
- Certificate of Analysis with composition.
- End-use declaration- The Food Importer has to assert the end-use of imported food products.
- In the case of edible oil imported in bulk, the importer needs a Pumping Guarantee Certificate.
- Packing List, Stuffing List.
- Bill of Lading as stated in the BoE (Bill of Entry) for sea consignment.
- Commercial Invoice as stated in BoE
3. Food Consignment- Check and Sampling
An FSSAI officer will authenticate all the submitted documents after an application is made in the FICS. When the application gets accepted, the importer will get a request to deposit fees for FSSAI clearance depending on the number of samples. After that, an FSSAI Officer will fix a date plus time for an official inspection of the consignment. Some of the parameters that get verified are:
- Name and address of the importer
- Veg/ Non-Veg symbol
- FSSAI Logo and License Number
- Compliance with the FSS Regulations, 2011
- The physical condition of the c
- Customs Registration in India
4. Approval for Food Product
Suppose the accredited laboratory circulates a report of an approved conclusion that the asserts consignment is in agreement with the FSSAI Controls. Then, the inspector will approve the No Objection Certificate or Non-Conformance Certificate. After that, the food items would get clearance for import in India. Additionally, they would get discharged from the Traditional Distribution Center.
Who Can Help Me to Import Edible Products in India?
The experts of 3E Accounting Firm are highly business-oriented and have high experience across sectors to provide professional corporate secretarial services. The team of specialists offers end-to-end solutions for secretarial compliances according to various laws. The process of Customs Registration in India can be made hassle-free by consulting dedicated and legal professionals. Contact us today!
3E Accounting India
3E Accounting India is a corporate service provider and accounting firm assisting clients with company formation and incorporation. We offer company secretary and business-related services in India.
