FSSAI on Registration of Foreign Food Manufacturing Facilities – An Overview

On 10^th October 2022 (Monday), FSSAI (Food Safety & Standards Authority of India) said that it had been decided that Registration of Foreign Food Manufacturing Facilities falling under 5 different food categories that are aimed to export such products shall be compulsory. FSSAI made it mandatory for Foreign Food Manufacturing Facilities to register for exporting goods or products like milk, meat & infant foods to India and this will be effective from next year 1^st Feb 2023. The FSSAI (Food Safety & Standards Authority of India) has requested all competent authorities of exporting nations to provide the list of current manufacturers and those who are aiming to export such products to India. Scroll down to check more details regarding Food Safety & Standards (Imports) First Amendment Regulations, 2021, under which Registration of Foreign Food Manufacturing Facilities is to be done.

Categories of Food Products Which are Subjected to New FSSAI Regulations

All the Food Manufacturing Facilities exporting to India under the following 5 categories will be subjected to the Registration of Foreign Food Manufacturing Facilities:

1. Egg powder;
2. Nutraceuticals;
3. Meat & meat items, including fish, poultry & their products;
4. Infant food;
5. Milk & milk products.

Format for the Registration of Foreign Food Manufacturing Facilities

Below is the format for the Registration of Foreign Food Manufacturing Facilities:

S.No.	Details
1.	Name of the Country:
2.	Details of Food Manufacturer: Name:Address and Contact Details:
3.	Competent Authority in Exporting Country Name:Address & Contact Details:
4.	Approval or License Number issued by the Competent Authority:
5.	Name & HS Code of Product/s to be exported to India:

Requirements for the Registration of Foreign Food Manufacturing Facilities

Such facilities can apply for Registration through an authorised representative or directly. The required documents by FSSAI for the Registration application & renewal are as follows:

• Registration or License or similar document granted by the concerned country’s authority;
• Owner’s consent of the Foreign Food Manufacturing Facility for the verification by the FSSAI Officials;
• Detail compositions of products or items;
• Authorisation for the authorised representative (in case applied through an authorised representative);
• Any additional documents or details that may be needed by Food Authority or FSSAI.

Application Processing for Registration of Foreign Food Manufacturing Facilities

Following is the step-by-step process for the Registration of Foreign Food Manufacturing Facilities:

1. First, the Foreign Food Manufacturing Facility, either directly/through an Authorised Representative (AR), may apply for Registration in the application form (Form-16) of these regulations along with all the relevant documents specified in Annexure-2 and the fee for the Registration as specified.  
2. After filing the application form, submit it along with documents & application fee to FSSAI for the examination.
3. If upon scrutiny of the application form, the FSSAI requires any additional details regarding the application or if the application for the Registration is incomplete, it shall inform the applicant to provide such additional information or complete the application form, as the instance may be, within 30 days from such notice. If the applicant fails to provide the required details within the stipulated time, the application for the Registration of Foreign Food Manufacturing Facilities shall be rejected.
4. On receipt of the application, including the additional details if asked, the FSSAI may process the application for the examination and issue the Registration or rejection of the application.
5. If required, the Foreign Food Manufacturing Facilities may be inspected by FSSAI. However, no inspection shall be needed in case such food categories are covered under the mandatory BIS Certification Mark Scheme ^ where the BIS inspection comprises the requirements specified under Schedule 4 of the Food Safety & Standards (Licensing & Registration of Food Businesses) Regulations, 2011.
6. These facilities may also be examined after the issuance of the Registration Certificate, as considered necessary.
7. FSSAI Officials and the relevant Ministry or Department or Organisation or recognised auditing agency shall be nominated by the FSSAI to examine such facilities.
8. FSSAI, if required may prescribe inspection costs, which shall be allowed by the Foreign Food Manufacturing Facility.
9. The Foreign Manufacturing Facility (Food Manufacturing) found to be compliant to the FSS Act & Rules and Regulations made thereunder shall be registered for 2 years & their Registration No. shall be communicated in Form-17.
10. Such manufacturing facility whose application is rejected or refused, after taking remedial action, may apply for Registration again.
11. Renewal of Registration of Foreign Food Manufacturing Facilities shall be made in Form-16, not later than 30 days before the expiry date indicated in the registration approval.

Note: The Registration of such facilities is valid for only 2 years and renewal of the Registration shall be made at least 30 days prior to the expiry date. The Registration of Foreign Food Manufacturing Facilities shall be cancelled or suspended if such facilities or food items exported to India are not in compliance with the FSS Act & Rules^[1].

Conclusion

Foreign food manufacturing facilities under specified categories that want to export such food articles to India shall register with the concerned Food Authority before exporting to India. Also, the FSSAI has requested all competent authorities of exporting nations to provide the list of existing manufacturers & those who are intended to export such foods to India.

Read Our Article:How to Get a Food Production License in India?