The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has decided to allow rectification of labelling deficiencies on imported food consignments within custom bonded warehouses. An order to this effect was issued on November 28, 2023.
The FSSAI has taken this decision to facilitate a smoother import process for food items while maintaining stringent quality standards.
The directive specifies that all labelling deficiencies may be rectified within the custom bonded warehouse. However, there are exceptions to this general permission. The following deficiencies cannot be rectified at the custom bonded warehouse:
- Lot No./Code No./Batch identification,
- Date Marking (date of manufacture or packaging, and expiry/use by/best before), and
- Country of Origin for Imported Foods,
The Label rectification process is mandated to be completed before visual inspection or re-inspection by the Authorized Officer or their representative. This can be achieved by affixing a single non-detachable sticker or by utilizing any other non-detachable method.
During visual inspection, the Authorized Officer or their representative will verify label compliance, and consignments will only be subject to sampling and testing if found to be compliant with labelling requirements as per the FSS Regulations.
The office order emphasizes that these modifications are introduced to strike a balance between facilitating trade and ensuring the safety of imported food into India.
