NOC Validity Extension for Imported Alcoholic Beverages Bottled at Origin and in Bulk: CBIC issues Instruction

The Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC) has issued instructions extending the validity of the No-Objection Certificate (NOC) required for imported alcoholic beverages. The extension applies to beverages that are bottled at their origin and also to those imported in bulk for bottling in India. The NOC, which is a key document for the customs clearance of these products, is issued by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI). The extension of its validity is a trade facilitation measure that will reduce the compliance burden for importers. It will prevent delays in the clearance of shipments that could occur due to the expiry of the NOC while the goods are in transit. This move by the CBIC is aimed at streamlining the import process for the alcoholic beverage industry and improving the ease of doing business.