Food Business Operators advised by FSSAI to avail the facility of advance processing of Bill of Entry in Food Import Clearance System; aims to reduce food import clearance time and demurrage charges

With a view to reduce overall food import clearance time and demurrage charges incurred, the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (“FSSAI”) has advised all Food Importers and Food Business Operators (“FBOs”) to avail the facility of advance processing of Bill of Entry in Food Import Clearance System (“FICS”) while importing food consignments.

Background: FSSAI provided easy facility of advance filing of Bill of Entry in FICS of FSSAI forwarded from Customs ICEGATE to ensure that the scrutiny of documents submitted by the Food Importer to the Authorised Officer is carried out in advance before the actual arrival of the articles of food at port. However, it was observed that several importers filed the Bill of Entry in ICEGATE but not on FICS.

A Copy of the Notification is attached herewith for your ease of reference.

Source: Food Safety and Standards Authority of India