CBIC and FSSAI Integrate Digital Clearance Systems via SWIFT and ICEGATE for Food Imports at 84 Entry Points
The seamless connection between the two platforms through Single Sign On (SSO) is specifically designed for 84 entry points where FSSAI have not directly deployed personnel
The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) and the Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC) have joined hands in bolstering food safety, transparency, and ease of doing business in India, announcing the integration of their digital clearance systems for food imports. The initiative clubs together the Food Import Clearance System (FICS) of FSSAI...
The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) and the Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC) have joined hands in bolstering food safety, transparency, and ease of doing business in India, announcing the integration of their digital clearance systems for food imports.
The initiative clubs together the Food Import Clearance System (FICS) of FSSAI and the Customs’ ICEGATE platform under a Single Window Interface for Facilitating Trade (SWIFT). FICS serves as FSSAI’s online system for the clearance of imported food items, while ICEGATE is the gateway for India’s Customs digital services.
The integration has been rolled out at 84 Points of Entry across the country, which are presently not directly manned by FSSAI but by Customs officials who have been notified as Authorised Officers by FSSAI.
Under the new system, document submissions by importers and the clearance of goods shall be streamlined through SWIFT, which serves as a single window for all participating government agencies.
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The agencies involved include the Food Safety Standards Authority of India, Directorate of Plant Protection, Quarantine and Storage, Drug Controller (CDSCO), Animal Quarantine, Wildlife Crime Control Bureau, and the Textile Committee.
With the integration, the Bill of Entry (B/E) is automatically transmitted from ICEGATE to the FSSAI system, i.e., FICS without any sorts of manual intervention, ensuring faster and more transparent processing.
The seamless connection between these two platforms through Single Sign On (SSO) is specifically designed for 84 entry points where FSSAI have not directly deployed personnel, thus empowering Customs officials to operate as FSSAI Authorised Officers.
The integrated digital clearance system between the two bodies is slated to significantly enhance the efficiency of import operations, reduce compliance paperwork, and deliver greater transparency for importers and regulators alike.
The coordinated approach by FSSAI and CBIC shall also strengthen the import process, reduce delays, all while providing a user-friendly interface for trade stakeholders through advanced digital solutions.
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