CBIC issues Compliance Requirements for Health Certificate for Import of Food Consignments following India-Bhutan FSSAI-BFDA Agreement

The Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC) has issued compliance requirements for health certificates on food consignments imported from Bhutan, following the implementation of an agreement between the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) and the Bhutan Food and Drug Authority (BFDA). The agreement, signed on March 21, 2024, facilitates the smooth import of food products from Bhutan into India by recognizing BFDA’s control over food businesses in Bhutan as equivalent to India’s FSSAI standards. Food consignments from Bhutan must be accompanied by a health certificate issued by the BFDA, confirming compliance with FSSAI requirements. The certificate must be uploaded on the e-Sanchit platform when filing the Bill of Entry. Customs officers will verify the documents before issuing a No Objection Certificate (NOC). This measure aims to ensure the safety and quality of imported food products and streamline the import process.