Industry Specific
Procedure for Registration of Foreign Food Manufacturing Facilities
Deepti Mudgal
Introduction
In accordance with the order dated 10th October 2022, the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has mandated the registration of Foreign Food Manufacturing Facilities (ReFoM) intending to export the following product categories to India:
- Egg powder
- Nutraceutical
- Meat and meat products, including fish, poultry, and their derivatives
- Infant food
- Milk and milk products
To facilitate this process, FSSAI has requested the competent authorities of exporting countries to submit a list of food manufacturing facilities that are either currently exporting or intending to export the above-mentioned products to India. Registration will be granted by FSSAI based on the list provided by these competent authorities, and the process must be completed through the designated FSSAI online portal.
Applicable Provisions
Regulation 18 of Food Safety and Standards (Import) Regulations, 2017
Mandatory Requirements
List of documents to be enclosed with Application for Registration/renewal of Registration of Foreign Food manufacturing facilities:
- License/registration or similar document issued by concerned country’s government authority for food manufacturing/processing facility.
- Consent of owner of Foreign Food manufacturing facility for inspection by Food Safety and Standards Authority of India officials.
- Detail composition of products.
- Authorisation in favour of authorised representative (if applied through of authorized representative)
- Any other documents/ information as may be required by the food Authority.
Process for Registration
Foreign Food manufacturing facilities falling under categories specified of food products intended for export to India, either directly or through authorised representative shall apply for registration in Form 16 from the Food Authority before exporting to India along with documents prescribed and fee as specified by the Food Authority.
Renewal of Registration
Foreign Food manufacturing facility shall make an application for Renewal of registration in Form 16, not later than thirty days prior to the expiry date indicated in the registration.
Validity
The Foreign Manufacturing Facility (Food Manufacturing) found to be compliant to the Food Safety and Standard Act & Rules and Regulations made thereunder shall be registered for 2 years.
Suspension or cancellation of registration
If Foreign Food manufacturing facility or their food products intended for export to India are found not to be in compliance of Food Safety and Standards Act, rules and regulation made there-under, their registration as Foreign Food manufacturing facilities shall be suspended or cancelled. However, the Food Authority may review the same after giving opportunity for hearing or clarification, as deemed fit.