Home > Mandatory Registration and inspection of Foreign Food manufacturing facilities in India

Registration of Foreign Food manufacturing facilities:

(a) The Food Authority may from time to time based on the risk specify the categories of food products intended for export to India for further regulating control as specified in these regulations.

(b) Foreign Food manufacturing facilities falling under such categories and desirous to export such article of food to India shall register with the Food Authority before exporting to India:

(c) Foreign Food manufacturing facility either directly or through authorized representative may apply for registration in “Form 16” of these regulations along with documents specified in Annexure-1 and fee as specified by the Food Authority.

Processing of application for Registration of Foreign Food manufacturing facilities:

(a) If upon scrutiny of the application Food Authority requires any additional information with respect to an application or if the application is incomplete, the Food Authority shall advise the applicant, to furnish such additional information or complete the application, as the case may be, within thirty days from such notice. In case the applicant fails to furnish the required information within the stipulated time of
thirty days, the application for Registration of Foreign Food Manufacturing Facility shall stand rejected;

(b) On receipt of a complete application including the additional information if asked for, the Food Authority may process the application for inspection, if required or issuance of registration or rejection of the application.

Inspection of Foreign Food manufacturing facilities:

(a) Foreign Food manufacturing facility (ies) may be inspected, if required in a manner as specified by Food Safety and Standards Authority of India: Provided that no inspection shall be required in case of such categories of food that are covered under mandatory Bureau of
Indian Standards Certification Mark Scheme and where the Bureau of Indian Standards scheme of inspection includes the requirements specified under Schedule 4 of the Food Safety and Standards (Licensing and Registration of Food Businesses) Regulations,2011.

(b) Foreign Food manufacturing facility may also be inspected after the issuance of registration, as deemed necessary;

(c) Officials from FSSAI and relevant ministry or organization or department or recognized auditing agency shall be nominated by the Food Authority for the purpose of inspection of Foreign Food Manufacturing Facilities;

(d) Food Authority, if required may prescribe cost of inspection, which shall be borne by the Foreign Food manufacturing facility.

Issuance of registration:

(a) Foreign Food manufacturing facility found to be in compliance of Food Safety and Standards Act, rules and regulation made there-under
shall be registered as Foreign Food manufacturing facilities for a period of two years and their registration number shall be communicated in Form 17;

(b) Foreign Food manufacturing facility found to not be in compliance of Food Safety and Standards Act, rules and regulation made there-under, the application made for registration shall be rejected;

(c) Foreign Food manufacturing facility whose application is rejected, after taking remedial action may apply for recognition again, and

(d) Renewal of registration of Foreign Food manufacturing facility shall be made in Form 16, not later than thirty days prior to the expiry date indicated in the registration.

Suspension or cancellation of registration:

(a) If Foreign Food manufacturing facility or their food products intended for export to India are found not to be in compliance of Food Safety and Standards Act, rules and regulation made there-under, their registration as Foreign Food manufacturing facilities shall be suspended or
cancelled. However, Food Authority may review the same after giving opportunity for hearing or clarification, as deemed fit.

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• Order regarding requirement of registration of foreign food manufacturing facilities as per FSS (Import) First Amendment Regulations, 2022

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