Reply: Yes, the shelf-life requirement on imports of food products is still applicable.
The EU's original question 55: Could India please provide more details on this process of moving from a multi-agency to centralised systems (e.g. timelines, which agencies will be brought under the FSSAI)? Would this also reduce the time needed for custom clearance of goods (documentary, identity and physical checks)? Could India provide more information on the timelines of the custom clearance process? Could India clarify whether sufficient capacity (staff, storage capacity etc.) has been put in place for ensuring no unnecessary delays at the border during custom clearance, in particular during the process of moving from a multi-agency to centralised systems?
India's reply: The previous eight Food laws as mentioned in the IInd Schedule of FSS Act, 2006 stand repealed with effect from 05th August 2011. This had shifted regulatory control from multiple agencies to a single agency in the country. This would lead to reduction in time for obtaining licences and getting clearances for imports.
