An Import Export Code and FSSAI importer license are required for anyone importing food products into India. The following guidelines must be followed by food importers when labeling food items imported into India. The FSSAI (Health Supplements, Nutraceuticals, Foods for Special Dietary Use, Foods for Special Medical Purposes, Functional Foods and Novel Foods) Regulations, 2016 must also be followed by food products falling into the category of health supplements, nutraceuticals, food for special dietary use, food for special medical purposes, functional food, and novel food. Documents Required for FSSAI Registration will be discussed in this article.
Pre-packaged food labeling guidelines of the FSSAI
On the label of prepackaged food or prepacked food that includes a multi-piece package, the following information must be provided:
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Product name
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In the case of single ingredients, there is no need for a list of ingredients
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INS number as well as details about additives such as preservatives, flavours, stabilizers, colors, emulsifiers, flavor enhancers, etc.
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Information on nutrition
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Manufacturer’s name and address
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Number of the lot/code/batch
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Manufacturing date
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A date on which the product should be used or when it should be discarded
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Logos for vegetarians and non-vegetarians
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Who is the importer and what is their address?
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Number and logo of FSSAI importer license
FSSAI Labelling Guidelines for Wholesale Packages
A wholesale package label must include the following information (including semi-finished or intermediary food products):
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Product name
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In the case of a single-ingredient product, an ingredient list is not required
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Identify the manufacturer by name and address
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Manufacturer’s date
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Date of expiration or best before date
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Logo for vegetarians or non-vegetarians
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Address and name of importer
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Number and logo of the FSSAI importer’s license
FSSAI Labelling Guidelines for Primary Foods in Packages
Whenever grains, pulses, fruits, dry fruits and whole spices are imported in packages, the following information must be provided on the label:
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The name of the food
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Packer’s name and address
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Packing date
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Importer’s name and address
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Weight in net
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The lot number, code number, and batch number.
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Use by or best before dates
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Number and logo of the FSSAI importer’s license
FSSAI Labelling Guidelines for Primary Foods Imported in Bulk
For primary foods such as grains, pulses, fruits, dry fruits, and whole spices imported loose in bulk, the following information must be provided on the product label:
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Food name
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Importer’s name & address
For foods packed in plastic/gunny bags and sacks, the food labels must be attached in a non-detachable manner.