FSSAI States Imported Food Items for Re-Export Do Not Require Clearance

The Indian Customs Authority has clarified that imported food items do not require clearance from the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) if they are intended for re-export or the production of value-added items solely for export.

This clarification was issued in response to concerns raised by various business groups and industry associations.

This advisory is designed to simplify and promote business operations. According to FSSAI, imported goods do not need clearance if they are destined for use in a company's affiliated or wholly-owned subsidiaries, primarily for export purposes.

However, this exemption is contingent upon the existence of a formal relationship agreement between the two entities and the provision of a sanitary or health certificate from the exporting country's competent authority.

Food importers can submit a self-declaration to the customs authority to take advantage of this exemption. Following this, the relevant official can issue a 'not in scope' certificate to facilitate the import process.

In essence, this clarification streamlines the import process for food items in India, allowing businesses to more efficiently handle products meant for re-export or export-oriented production, provided they meet the specified criteria and documentation requirements.