CBIC Instructions: Registration of Foreign Food Manufacturing Facilities
Date: November 16, 2024
Category: Customs | CBIC Notifications
Key Details
The Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC) issued Instruction No. 29/2024-Customs on November 14, 2024, to outline the registration requirements for foreign food manufacturing facilities (FFMF).
Mandatory Registration for Certain Food Categories
Effective September 1, 2024, exporters of the following food categories must register their facilities to export to India:
- Milk and Milk Products
- Meat and Meat Products (including poultry, fish, and related products)
- Egg Powder
- Infant Food
- Nutraceuticals
Process for Registration
1. ReFoM Portal
The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) provides an online platform, the ReFoM Portal, for registration. Exporting countries’ competent authorities must submit necessary information about their food manufacturing facilities.
Once FSSAI verifies the details, it assigns a Unique Registration Number (URN) to each facility.
2. Compliance Requirement
Starting September 1, 2024, customs will only allow imports from registered facilities listed on the ReFoM portal. Customs officials are required to cross-check registration details using the Food Import Clearance System (FICS), which links to the ReFoM platform.
Action Points for Authorities
1. Sensitization of Customs Officials
CBIC has directed customs officers to undergo training to ensure proper implementation of the FSSAI registration process during food import clearances.
2. Regular Updates to Registration Data
FSSAI will continuously update the ReFoM portal as it receives new information from exporting countries. Customs officials must routinely verify these updates to prevent disruptions in operations.
3. Replacement of Previous Instructions
This directive modifies earlier Instruction No. 30/2022-Customs, issued on November 14, 2022, to align with the new registration requirements.
Implications for Importers
1. Non-Compliance Risks
Imports from unregistered facilities after September 1, 2024, will be denied clearance. Importers must ensure their suppliers comply with these requirements to avoid delays or losses.
2. Enhanced Transparency
The ReFoM portal improves transparency and streamlines the compliance process by allowing importers and officials to track registration details efficiently.
This initiative strengthens India’s food safety framework. By aligning with the FSSAI Import Regulations, 2021, it ensures imported food products meet the country’s stringent safety standards.
