FSSAI issues new rules for ensuring quality imports
Date: 15-01-2016In order to address concerns over the entry of sub standard items and to simplify the process by setting shelf-life norms and relaxing the labeling guidelines, India’s food regulator Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has issued new rules for importing products. These regulations may be called as Food Safety and Standards (Import) Regulations, 2016.
The regulator addressed two key issues raised by the food industry by easing labelling requirements and introducing a redressal procedure. According to the authority, the new regulations - except the packaging and labelling requirements and will also apply to export consignments from India that are rejected by foreign countries and returned.
As per the new norms, the companies must register with the Directorate General of Foreign Trade and possess a valid import-export code, apart from an FBO licence to import food. Besides, it has allowed the importers to affix a single, non-detachable sticker to rectify labelling errors related to the name and address of the importer, the FSSAI logo and licence number and the symbols for nonvegetarian and vegetarian food items. The earlier rules didn't allow such errors to be corrected.
Further, no person shall import any food without an import license from the Central Licensing Authority in accordance with the procedure laid down in the Food Safety and Standards (Licensing and Registration of Food Businesses) Regulations, 2011. No food article will be allowed unless it has 60% of its shelf life remaining when it is cleared from customs, according to the new rules.