FSSAI Clearance for Food Imports

FSSAI Clearance for Food Imports

It is necessary to abide by strict rules when importing food to India. The FSSAI clearance for food imports is an essential step to obtain. Businesses should comprehend the process to avoid delays, make business more manageable, and simplify compliance.  To successfully import food products in India, you must pay close attention to details. You must also know the regulations and have a compliance strategy. The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has strict rules for importers. Therefore, this clearance is essential. 

 Understanding the process is imperative for businesses to comply, avoid delays, and facilitate free business flow. With its complete import-export services, Falcon stands ready to navigate you through such intricate regulations. Businesses want to make a significant impact in the Indian market.
To do this, they need more straightforward food import rules and processes.
This article covers everything you need about the FSSAI Food Import Clearance System. Additionally, importers can enhance their supply chain by becoming familiar with such rules. It also guarantees that all food imported into India meets the country’s strict regulations for importing such a commodity. Importers can clear their food imports rapidly through the Food Import Clearance System (FICS).

Navigating the Complexity of FSSAI Clearance for Food Imports

The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) ensures that imported food meets safety and quality standards. FSSAI Clearance for Food Imports is not just about following rules. It helps protect public health and ensures that only safe food reaches Indian consumers.

What is FSSAI, and Why is it Relevant to Food Safety in India?

It is responsible for maintaining food safety in India and functions under the Health and Family Welfare Ministry, managing food making, storing, distributing, selling, and importing. It also sets hygiene and quality standards to keep food safe. Food companies need to know about FSSAI functions. It is relevant to food importers in India. Aside from that, agencies are responsible for protecting and promoting public health through this agency. It does this by providing safe and healthy food for people to eat. FSSAI is responsible for regulating the food business and promoting innovation and knowledge in the food business. Due to its stringent regulations, FSSAI is a major agency that protects Indian consumers’ health and well-being.

Why is FSSAI Clearance Significant?

FSSAI clearance is required for food imports. FSSAI is the apex body of all food safety regulations in India. Food imports must follow the Food Safety and Standard Act of 2006. It includes rules for clearance under Regulation 2.5 and any other relevant laws. Failure to obtain this clearance can result in detention, refusal or destruction of your food imports. This can result in significant profitability losses and disrupt the company’s supply chain. Therefore, having FSSAI approval is essential for the smooth run of your food import business. Complying with FSSAI standards will give solid proof of your quality and concerns for consumer safety as well. It will improve your brand image in the Indian Market.

About Functions of FSSAI

As a custodial regulatory food body in India, the FSSAI has significant responsibilities and roles. They are:

  • Implement science-based food standards and regulations. These must include the whole food process, from preparation to consumption, to ensure safety and quality.
  • Granting licenses and certificates to food industries, ensuring their adherence to food safety standards.
  • Sanctioning certification bodies and laboratories, which conduct food safety inspections and audits.
  • Providing scientific counsel and technical assistance to the state and central governments on food safety and nutrition issues.
  • Gathering and analyzing data on food consumption patterns, foodborne illnesses, adulterations, residues, and emerging risks.
  • Create a national information grid to share reliable and unbiased information about food safety. It will help the public, consumers, and other stakeholders.

Fostering innovation and consciousness in the food sector, promoting best practices and standards implementation.

What is the Food Import Clearance System (FICS), and How Does it Work?

The Food Import Clearance System (FICS) is an online tool. It helps make the process of clearing imported food easier. This system works with India’s Food Safety and Standards Authority (FSSAI). Harmoniously integrated with the customs’ ICE Gate and SWIFT, FICS provides a single window interface, enhancing trade facilitation. FICS lets importers file applications to clear imported food directly with customs using ICE Gate.

Having carefully screened food imports, FSSAI can subsequently take action. They can issue a No Objection Certificate (NOC) if everything is fine. If there is a problem, they will issue a Non-Conformance Report (NCR). Apart from its clearance role, FICS is a vast repository containing vital information on imported foods. Giving pertinent information on food safety standards and conformity is also priceless. The harmonization of FICS with other priority systems like ICEGate indicates FSSAI’s commitment to simplifying the import process.

Importation documents needed for FICS applications

To initiate the FSSAI Clearance for Food Imports, you must prepare a list of required documents. The following is a checklist:

  • Import License: This is a government-approved license issued by the FSSAI. It is according to the 2011 Food Safety and Standards food business regulations.
  • Valid IEC Code: The importer needs a valid Import-Export Code. Its code is issued by the DGFT, which stands for the Directorate General of Foreign Trade. The importer should have a valid Import-export code provided by the DGFT or Directorate General of Foreign Trade.
  • Bill of Entry: This is an official document filed with Customs by the importer or their representative. It lists the imported goods, including their description, quantity, value, and tariff classifications.
  • Commercial Invoice: The invoice is the seller’s document showing details of goods sold. The invoice contains a description, quantity, price, and payment terms.
  • Packing List: It is an exporter’s document. It has the details of the goods’ packaging. It includes the quantity, type, weight, volume, and identification marks.
  • End-use Declaration: This is a formal statement signed by the importer. It explains how the imported food will be used for human consumption, re-export, research, or other purposes.
  • Additional Documents: Depending on the type of imported food item, you may need more documents. These can include certificates for analysis, health, phytosanitary, and veterinary.

Falcon offers complete import-export services. We help you prepare and verify all documents needed for easy FSSAI Clearance for Food Imports. Our skilled team can help you at every step. We ensure your documents are prepared and filed correctly. This way, you avoid delays or rejections. Complete assistance guarantees that your consignment complies with every requirement for hassle-free clearance. Contact us at cargodeal@falconfreight.com or +91 9311595648

Inspection and Assessment of Food Consignments by Designated Officer

The steps and rules for checking documents are listed below.

They also include analyzing risks and inspecting food shipments.

The assigned officer performs these tasks.

  1. The assigned officer will check the importer’s documents. They will separate the shipment based on compliance history, food category, and country of origin.
  2. The authorities will determine the detection of substances considered high risk, such as the frequency and type of physical inspection or sampling, as per this category.
  3. Earlier, the concerned official meticulously made a sampling listing  , including all consignment details.
  4. Additionally, the physical examination verifies container integrity, packaging labelling, and foreign material.

Labelling Requirements and Correctable Deficiencies according to FSS Regulations

According to FSS regulations, the required labelling requirements and correctable deficiencies are as follows:

 

  • The labelling of imported food should comply with the Food Safety and Standards (Packaging and Labelling) Regulations of 2011.

 

  • The label must show the importer’s name and address. It should also include the FSSAI logo with the license number. Other details like the batch, lot, and code numbers are also required.

    The label must have essential details. – This includes nutritional information.

    • It also has a complete list of ingredients.
    • The net weight is provided.
    • The date of manufacture is included.
    • The date of expiry is listed.
    • The country of origin is mentioned.

    Correctable shortcomings are issues that the importer may correct. Importers may do it in two ways.

    The importer can first include a permanent sticker containing the necessary information.

    Second, they may re-label the entire package.

    These are faults that can be remedied, inaccuracies or misrepresentations in the foregoing information, the use of colour, additives, or unjustified statements.

The 2024 Amendment:

The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has already sanctioned one of the recommendations. The recommendation is to show total sugar, salt, and saturated fat in prepacked food. These will be indicated in bold letters and larger font sizes. 

Sampling and Testing Methods Based on Specific Criteria

Witnesses’ Signature

The Food Safety Officer needs a witness or witnesses when collecting the sample. The witnesses must also sign all the required documents and forms.

Notice to the Business Operator:

Where the sample is taken from, the manufacturer or supply officer shall serve the lier a notice in Forficer.

For open-container samples, the officer must take a second sample from an identical sealed container and report the same to the Food Analyst.

Price for the Sample:

The Food Safety Officer must pay for the sample according to its retail price at the time of collection.

Packing the Sample:

Furthermore, FSSAI inspectors must place their samples in dry clean containers, such as jars or bottles. The containers must be sealed well to avoid leakage, evaporation, or moisture.

 No additional sealing is required if the sample is pre-packaged.

Labelling the Package

The package must contain the following information:

  1. Example code
  2. Name and title of sender
  3. Date and location of harvest
  4. Product specifications
  5. Type and amount of preservative used

Sealing of Package on Custom by FSSAI Inspector:

  • The sample must be cut into four pieces, closed, and wrapped in strong paper.
  • A paper slip bearing the officer’s signature mentioned above should be inserted from the bottom to the mouth of the ship.
  • The thumbprint or signature of the sample collector must be given so that the portion is over the wrapping and slip.
  • The package is then securely wrapped with tight thread and wax seals bearing the sender’s seal impression.

Delivery of the Sample:

Samples shall be delivered in the following manner:

  • Step 1: Delivered to the Food Analyst in a memorandum in Form VI.
  • Steps 2 and 3: Delivered two copies of the memorandum to the Designated Officer.
  • Step 4: Send the sample to an approved lab. Include the required fee and a copy of Form VI.

Actions and Consequences After Being Provided with Testing Results

  • Upon confirmation by the test results that the food product meets the requirements of the FSS regulations, the authorized officer will issue without delay a No Objection Certificate (NOC) to both the importer and the concerned customs authorities, making it possible to clear the consignment.
  • If the test results show that FSS regulations are unmet, the officer will issue a Non-Conformance Report (NCR). This report will go to the importer and the customs authorities, and the consignment will be rejected.
  • The right to appeal against the NCR remains with the importer within 15 days after the issue.
  • The importer can re-export, dispose of, or donate the non-conforming consignment within 30 days from receipt by the NCR. However, these steps require the specific approval of the authorized officer and concerned customs authorities.
  • The authorized officer must take legal action if the importer does not follow the guidelines. It will be done under the FSS Act and its rules.

When is FSSAI NOC Exempted for Imported Food Items?

Following are the situations when you do not need to take an NOC for imported products –

  • Food items are imported for self-consumption.
  • Foodstuffs imported are to be exhibited at trade fairs/exhibitions.
  • Consignment of food imported for research and development.
  • Consignment of food imported for sports.
  • Food consignment imported for 100% export and re-exporting purposes.
About Falcon

With Falcon, you can entrust all your import and export needs to a trusted business partner. Additionally, providing better service and satisfaction to customers. Call us today to facilitate your FSSAI import clearance effortlessly:

cargodeal@falconfreight.com or  contact us

+91 9311595648

Other Services Falcon offers are:

  • Some other services provided by Falcon include:
  • Import and Export Consultant services.
  • Custom Broker Services.
  • Shipping and Freight Forwarding Services.
  • Consolidation of air and sea transport Shipments.
  • International Shipping Service.
  • Door-to-Door Service Worldwide
  • Bonded and Private Warehousing
  • Import and Export Certification and NOC from various departments
What is Section 47 of the FSSAI?

When a Food Safety Officer collects a food sample or adulterant, he must send it to the Food Analyst by the next working day for analysis and reporting.

What are the steps in following an FSSAI license?

Typical Documents Required for FSSAI Registration

  1. Form B – Application form duly filled and signed.
  2. Photo Identity of the Food Business Operator (FBO) – Proof of ID from the government.
  3. Proof of Premises – Like a rental contract or property ownership certificate.
  4. Business Registration Proof – Partnership Deed, Certificate of Incorporation, Articles of Association, etc.
  5. List of Food Products – A comprehensive list of food products the business will deal with.
  6. Food Safety Management System Plan – A written plan detailing the application of food safety measures.
Some of the Services by Falcon Include

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Cost Effective | Time Bound Consolidation Services

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Courier Services Worldwide | D2D

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