Labelling Deficiencies in Food consignments can be Rectified in Customs Bond

[No. 1-1570/FSSAI/Imports/2015 dated 22 May 2018]

Sub: Rectifiable labeling information for imported food consignments.

With a view to facilitate ease of trade while ensuring the safety of food imported in to India, it has been decided that in addition to the labeling deficiencies for which a special dispensation for rectification has been provided under Reg 6(4) of FSS (Import) Regulations,2017, the following labeling deficiencies in respect of imported food consignments may also be allowed to be rectified at Customs bound warehouses before visual inspection or re­ inspection by the Authorised Officer or his representative by affixing a single non detachable sticker or by any other non-detachable method next to the principal display panel without altering or masking the original label information in any manner:-

(1)   Name and complete address of the manufacturer and/or packer-

a)    If only the names of the manufacturers and/or packers and not their complete addresses are given in the labels, then their addresses may be verified from other relevant documents like invoices, ingredient lists, certificates of analysis, Bills of Entry, etc. and rectification may be allowed after taking under taking from importer on FICS or e-Sanchit stating that the contents of the said documents are genuine and true.

b)     In case the phrase "Distributed by/Shipped by/Exported by/Packed by" is used on the label instead of the phrase "Manufactured by", rectification may be allowed after taking an undertaking from the importer on FICS or e-Sanchit stating that the manufacturer is the same as the Distributor or Shipper or Exporter or Packer.

(2)   Lot/Code/Batch identification-

a)    In case the "Lot/Code/Batch" is not specified but a number is printed on the label, rectification may be allowed after . taking an undertaking from importer on FICS or e·­ Sanchit stating that the number appearing on the label is the Lot/Code/Batch number, as the case may be.

(3)   Date of manufacture/ packing-

a)    In case the date of manufacture is embedded in the batch number/lot number/ code number or if the date of manufacture is not given in the label, 'it may be verified from relevant documents .like certificate of analysis, declaration from manufacturer, etc. uploaded on FICS or e-Sanchit and rectificati9n may be allowed after taking an undertaking from the importer on FICS or e-San chit stating that the contents of the said documents are genuine and true.

(4)   Declaration regarding Food Additives-

a)    In case specific name or international numerical identification is given but class title is not specified and if importer submits declaration on FICS or e-Sanchit from manufacturer regarding the same or it is verified from relevant documents like invoice, certificate of analysis, ingredients list, etc., then rectification may be allowed after taking an undertaking from the importer on FICS or e-Sanchit stating that the contents of the said declaration are genuine and true.

2. This issues with the approval of the Competent Authority.

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