The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has notified the format of the health certificate for import of food products into India intended for human consumption. It has also notified the list of approved establishments in Bhutan that can import specified food products. This office memorandum was issued on October 17, 2024.
It may be recalled that FSSAI and the Bhutan Food and Drug Authority (BFDA) had signed an agreement to facilitate the import of food products from Bhutan into India.
Key Points of the Agreement
The agreement recognizes the equivalence of the regulatory controls exercised by both authorities. The BFDA will issue a health certificate for food products exported to India, ensuring compliance with FSSAI requirements. The agreement is effective from October 21, 2024.
Guidelines for Implementation
The FSSAI has attached a list of approved Bhutanese manufacturers and their scope of approval. Imported food consignments from these approved Bhutanese manufacturers must be accompanied by a valid health certificate issued by the BFDA.
If the consignment meets all requirements and has the necessary health certificate, the FSSAI may grant a No Objection Certificate (NOC).
This agreement aims to streamline the import process for food products from Bhutan, reducing trade barriers and promoting bilateral cooperation. It will also ensure the safety and quality of imported food items.
