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FSSAI issues order to streamline food import clearance system, avoid delays
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Thursday, 04 May, 2017, 08 : 00 AM [IST]
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Shraddha Joshi, Mumbai
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The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has issued an order making the food import clearance system more efficient and avoiding the delays caused during the clearance of consignments of imported food products. The order by the apex regulator deals with the mode of payment and visual inspection of the consignments.
It stated, “Importers need to pay the sample testing fees the same day. However, they will be given two more working days to make the payment (if required). However, Rs 1,000 per working day will be charged if the importer fails to make the payment within the stipulated period.”
The order added that the importers need to turn up for inspection after getting two communications from the authority.
“If an importer acknowledges the date and time of the second appointment date for the inspection of his consignment, he must turn up for the same at to stipulated time and date. If he fails to do so, the consignment will inspected in the absence of the importer. The authorised officer shall make this clear to the importer at the time of communicating the date of the second appointment,” it stated.
Welcoming the move, Amit Lohani, convener, Forum of Indian Food Importers (FIFI) said, “The food import clearance system is working very well. FSSAI has been very proactive in addressing issues related to food import in the country. Although the process was a bit complex earlier, there is no such negativity now.”
However, he added, “We sent a representation last week, objecting against the recent order issued by FSSAI regarding the charge which will be imposed on importer upon his failure to pay the sample testing fees within the stipulated period.”
“We strongly oppose this order, as the delay could be due to any reason. All the importers make it a point to clear their consignments as fast as possible, so they don’t get stuck in the process,” Lohani stated.
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