REPORT BY WTO SECRETARIAT (WT/TPR/S/249): III TRADE POLICIES AND PRACTICES BY MEASURE: (2) MEASURES DIRECTLY AFFECTING IMPORTS: (x) Sanitary and phytosanitary measures
Australia also notes that the FSSAI's differential treatment for testing of imported and domestically produced products over the last 12 months applies to all imported foods such as manufacturing ingredients, finished retail ready products, bulk commodities, wine, horticultural produce etc. Since FSSAI took over sampling and testing at ports of entry in August 2010 testing has taken place on almost all products coming into the country at individual batch level at 100%, rather than on a consignment basis, that is, every batch within a consignment is tested. FSSAI claims it will endeavour to move to a risk based approach to testing and has published a draft food import regulation for comment (with a 15 day comment period). In the draft FSSAI has mentioned the Australia/NZ risk categorisation as the model for food risk categorisation.
Could India advise when FSSAI will move to implementation of this risk based framework?
Reply: The Australian observation, is factually incorrect, and is based on old information. The principles for drawing sample are rational and scientific. Only in 5 to 20% of cases, FSSAI draws samples. The present system is practically the same as has been in existence for several years now except that the agency to test the samples is FSSAI and its authorised accredited labs instead of the port health officers. New draft regulations are expected to be published for consultations by year end.
Could India explain why the same level of testing is not undertaken by FSSAI for domestically produced product as for imported product?
Reply: It is further clarified that no discrimination is done while testing domestic or imported food articles, instead shorter period is allotted for imported products to get tested.
Australia 9:
REPORT BY WTO SECRETARIAT (WT/TPR/S/249): III TRADE POLICIES AND PRACTICES BY MEASURE: (2) MEASURES DIRECTLY AFFECTING IMPORTS: (x) Sanitary and phytosanitary measures
Australia notes considerable delays sometimes occur in the inspection of imported product by the FSSAI, inconsistent with the inspection procedures that are employed by the Indian Customs authority. The delay between the two inspection procedures can compromise the integrity and wholesomeness of the imported product.
Could India advise the steps it intends to take to address this issue?
