Import of food supplements
For a company that starts a dietary supplement business in India, it is necessary to know what permits are required. In this article we will touch on the topic of documents for import food supplements India.
To import nutritional supplements into India, you need to obtain:
- FSSAI Import License (Can only be issued to companies registered in India)
- NOC (No Objection Certificate) from import department for customs clearance.
Stages before the import of Food products:
- Custom Department should clear Application for Custom Clearance.
- Application of NOC (No Objection Certificate) or Provisional NOC to Food Import clearance system (FICS) of FSSAI.
- Scrutiny of documents by an Authorised Officer of FSSAI or NOC.
- Visual inspection of the consignment and sampling thereof by the Authorised Officer of FSSAI.
- Laboratory analysis of samples collected.
- Issuance of NOC or Provisional NOC by Food Import clearance system (FICS) of FSSAI.
- Finally, Custom clearance of the consignment.
To obtain an FSSAI import license, an importing company in India must provide these documents:
- Photo identity proof of the food business operators.
- Business constitution certificate, i.e. partnership deed, certificate of incorporation, shop and establishment license or other business registration certificate.
- Proof of possession of business premises, i.e. rental agreement, NOC from the owner of the rented premises, utility bills etc.
- Food safety management system plan.
- List of food products manufactured or processed.
- Bank account information.
The FSSAI license is issued for 1 to 5 years depending on the requirements of the business.
Procedure for obtaining a Certificate of No Objection (NOC)
After obtaining a license from the FSSAI, the next step for the importer is to authorize the customs processing agent (CHA) through a power of attorney, which is also addressed to the FSSAI/authorized officer.
Once the shipment has arrived, CHA will need to apply for clearance of the shipment with the Customs Department based on the waybill. The government customs agent will inspect the shipment and clear it after clearing customs formalities and paying customs duty.
The importer and CHA must submit an online application for clearance of shipments and obtain a NOC (No Objection Certificate). They must first register online with the FSSAI Food Import Clearance System. There is a separate form for the importer and CHA, which they must complete in accordance with the information required by the FGSAN. Importers must provide their IECODE as well as complete other information on the registration form.
After submitting an application in the Food Import Clearance System with documents, the FSSAI officer will check the documents and request additional information if necessary.
Once the application is accepted, the importer/CHA will be asked to pay an FSSAI processing fee based on the number of samples.
If they want to view the status of their app, they can view it on the homepage itself. Since this is an internet system, it can be accessed at any time by importers and CHAs by logging in with their individual user ID and password.
Once your online FICS application has been accepted, you can proceed to the NOC (No Objection Certificate)
Requirements for applying for a NOC (Certificate of No Objection):
- Importer-Exporter Code (IEC) issued by DGFT (This code can be obtained by a legal entity registered in India (either a foreign entrepreneur or an Indian firm, must apply for IEC from DGFT)
- FSSAI food activity license
- Bill of Entry
- Inspection order generated by Customs EDI system
- Declaration of end use, declaration that the food is not a GM food product
- Certificate of the country of origin
- In addition, depending on the individual import items, other documents may be required.
Items without FSSAI Approval to be Imported in India
Mentioned below is a list of food products that can be imported in India without registering for an FSSAI Approval:
- Export rejected or re-imported foodstuff implied for re-trade.
- Food articles or fixings or added substances which are being transported in Thus, for the assembling of 100% fares items.
- Food imported by Diplomatic Missions.
- Import of Food for Quality Assurance, Research, and Development. It is transported in sustenance which can’t be discharged into the household to advertise. Also utilized for test showcasing or statistical surveying purposes.
- Food imported for the reasons for presentations and tasting, subject to specific conditions.
- Food got amid any fiasco/crisis circumstances.
- Import of sustenance for sports occasions, subject to specific conditions.
WorldWideBridge has over 10 years of certification experience and we will be happy to answer all your questions and assist you in the certification process. Contact us and email [email protected].
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