Importing Food Supplements into India: FSSAI and NOC

Which documents do you need to import supplements into India?

To import nutritional supplements into India you need:

1. An FSSAI Import Licence, issued only to companies registered in India
2. A No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the import department, for customs clearance

The distinction matters for planning. The licence is obtained once and lasts years; the NOC attaches to a consignment.

The seven stages of an import

1. The Customs Department clears the application for customs clearance.
2. An application for a NOC, or a Provisional NOC, is filed with the Food Import Clearance System (FICS) of FSSAI.
3. An authorised FSSAI officer scrutinises the documents.
4. The officer visually inspects the consignment and takes samples.
5. The samples undergo laboratory analysis.
6. FICS issues the NOC or Provisional NOC.
7. The consignment clears customs.

Stages 4 and 5 are why a NOC cannot be arranged in advance of the goods arriving: the sampling is of the actual consignment.

What does the FSSAI import licence application need?

An importing company in India must provide:

1. Photo identity proof of the food business operators
2. A business constitution certificate, partnership deed, certificate of incorporation, shop and establishment licence, or other business registration certificate
3. Proof of possession of the business premises, rental agreement, NOC from the owner of rented premises, utility bills
4. A food safety management system plan
5. A list of the food products manufactured or processed
6. Bank account information

The licence is issued for 1 to 5 years, depending on the requirements of the business.

Item 4 is the one that takes real preparation. It has to be a documented system, and it is examined as one.

How do you obtain the NOC?

After the FSSAI licence is in place, the importer authorises a customs house agent (CHA) through a power of attorney, addressed also to FSSAI and its authorised officer.

Once the shipment arrives, the CHA applies for clearance with the Customs Department on the basis of the waybill. The customs agent inspects the shipment and clears it after the formalities and payment of duty.

The importer and the CHA then submit an online application for clearance and for the NOC. Both must first register online with the FSSAI Food Import Clearance System, there are separate forms for the importer and the CHA. Importers supply their IECODE along with the other information the registration form requires.

Sources

• FSSAI, Food Safety and Standards Authority of India, import licensing
• FSSAI Food Import Clearance System (FICS)
• Directorate General of Foreign Trade, India, Importer Exporter Code (IEC)