The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has issued a directive regarding the registration of foreign food manufacturing facilities (FFMF) by the Food Safety and Standards (Import) First Amendment Regulations, 2021, dated 03.11.2021. Under this regulation, FFMFs falling within certain food categories are required to be registered if they intend to export their products to India.
As per the notification dated 10th October 2022, FFMFs involved in the production of milk and milk products, meat and meat products (including poultry, fish, and their derivatives), egg powder, infant food, and nutraceuticals must be registered with FSSAI from 1st February 2023 onwards. This registration process involves providing detailed information about the facilities through an online portal called ‘ReFoM,’ which is available on the FSSAI website.
The registration process includes the submission of information by the Competent Authority of the exporting countries, which is then reviewed and managed by FSSAI. Upon examination of the provided information, individual FFMFs are registered, and a unique registration number (URN) is generated by FSSAI for each facility. This information is accessible through the ReFoM portal.
Responding to requests from stakeholders for an extension of the transition period, FSSAI has decided to allow the import of articles from both registered and non-registered FFMFs until 31st August 2024. However, stakeholders are reminded to ensure that information regarding unregistered FFMFs intending to export to India is shared with FSSAI via email at [email protected] at least 30 days before shipment.
The registration of FFMFs at the FSSAI portal is an ongoing process, with updates made based on information received from the Competent Authority of exporting countries. Stakeholders are encouraged to register or update their facilities well in advance through the ReFoM portal to avoid trade disruptions.
This directive, issued with the approval of the Competent Authority, underscores FSSAI’s commitment to ensuring the safety and quality of imported food products in India.
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