CBIC releases Instructions regarding Import Restrictions on High Risk Food Products [Read Instruction]

The Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs ( CBIC ) has recently, drawing reference to Board’s Instruction No. 31/2022 dated 14.11.2022 relating to the restriction on the entry of Food Items only through specific ports, based on a reference from Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) order dated, has designated 79 ports only through which High-Risk Food Products such as –

1. Milk and milk products
2. Egg powder
3. Meat and Meat Products including Poultry, Fish and their products.
4. Food for Infant nutrition / Infant Foods.
5. Nutraceuticals. Health supplements, Food for Dietary uses. Probiotic and prebiotic foods. Foods for Special Medical Purpose.

The instruction further noted, “The Board Instruction No. 31/2022 dated 14.11.2022 is modified to the above extent. It is requested to sensitize the officers and trade under your jurisdiction on the above orders of FSSAI by way of issue of suitable public notice/ standing order. Advance arrangements should be made for seamless implementation of the modified orders of FSSAI.”

The order of FSSAI had stated earlier –

“Reference is drawn to the FSSAI order dated 1 7th October, 2022 regarding invitation of comments/suggestions from stakeholders on entry of food items under specific ports.” Considering the comments from stakeholders in order to envisage a robust import control system in India and ensuring efficient monitoring and traceability of High risk products, it has been decided and approved by the Food Authority that import of the products as specified shall be permitted through designated ports as per the enclosed list and not through any other port/channel.

The CBIC instruction further noted the List of Ports–The points of entry notified by DAHD for import of food products of animal origin including marine/aquatic animals and/or their products, egg powder shall be adhered to, 79 in total.

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