The legislation in India enforced the provisions of the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006 (hereinafter referred to as the “Act”) aiming at regulation of the manufacture, storage, distribution, sale and import of food products available in India.
With the increasing globalization, the distances amongst people separated over different geographical terrains has reduced thus making the world a global state and increasing business opportunities on international scale. India is gaining popularity world-wide as a favoured destination for developing commercial relationships. Food being one of the significant industries, key players across the globe are making attempts to enter into the Indian market.
Basic compliances
In order to ascertain that the food products being imported in India are safe for human consumption, the law requires the importers to ensure compliance standardized norms laid down thereunder. Some of the norms to be adhered by the food products being imported in india are laid down as under:
- Name of food product
- Legible description of the list of ingredients, food additives and net quantity of the product
- Declaration regarding Veg or Non-veg
- Provision of name and place of business of the manufacturer and importer.
- Country of origin of the product
- Indicating the expiry/ Best before date for consumption of the product
- Disclosure of any related information in case any claim is made based on nutrition, health, daily reference value, calorie content, etc.
- Instructions to use the product if any
- Presence of substances known for their ability to spark allergic reactions and intolerances should always be indicated;
- Food Safety and Standards Authority of India’s Logo and license number
Food products in India can only be imported upon obtaining an import license from the Central Licensing Authority in accordance with the Act.