FSSAI and Bhutan Food and Drug Authority Sign Agreement for Food Exports

The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) and the Bhutan Food and Drug Authority (BFDA) have signed an agreement to streamline food exports from Bhutan to India. An office order on the implementation of this agreement was issued on September 13, 2024.

Key Points of the Agreement

The agreement recognizes the BFDA’s official control over food business operators (FBOs) in Bhutan as equivalent to FSSAI’s requirements.

BFDA will issue a health certificate to Bhutanese FBOs as proof of compliance with FSSAI regulations.

Indian importers can obtain a No Objection Certificate (NOC) based on the health certificate issued by BFDA for approved food consignments.

Required Documents

1. Approved health certificate issued by the BFDA competent authority
2. Copy of signatures of the authorized signatories issuing the health certificate
3. List of approved Bhutanese establishments with their scope of approval

This agreement aims to facilitate trade between India and Bhutan and ensure the safety and quality of food products imported from Bhutan.