Health stamp must for imports of fish, dairy products
Imported consignments of milk, milk products, pork, fish and fish products will require health certificates issued by the competent authority of the exporting country. The certificates will be valid till 90 days from the date of issue.
The Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC) has instructed its officials regarding the requirement of the health certificate with such food consignments.
The development comes in the wake of a directive issued by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) on August 3 which made health certification mandatory for such imports.
The certificate will require a detailed declaration, including country of origin and export, expiry date and details of ingredients. The preservatives have to be as per limits prescribed by the FSSAI.
“It is requested that necessary action may be taken to sensitize officers under your jurisdiction. The difficulties, if any, in the implementation of this instruction may be brought to the notice of the board,” said the CBIC directive.
FSSAI Food Licensing is a form of certification that ensures that food is fit for consumption and toxic elements are not present in it.
Earlier, a veterinary certificate was required for milk and milk products and there was no standardised format.
Experts said the move is in line with the government’s policy of ensuring quality standards of goods imported into the country.