• FSSAI
  • Checklist
  • Food Import Clearance – Import Inspection & Sampling Compliance Checklist
  • Shweta Verma
  • img September 26, 2026

Food Import Clearance – Import Inspection & Sampling Compliance Checklist

Food Import Clearance – Import Inspection & Sampling Compliance Checklist

S. No.

Compliance Requirement

Responsibility / Action

1

File Integrated Declaration Form

Importer / Custom House Agent (CHA) shall file the Integrated Declaration Form upon arrival of the food consignment at the port, as specified by Customs.

2

Scrutiny by Authorised Officer

The form forwarded by Customs to FSSAI's Food Import Clearance System (FICS) shall be scrutinised by the Authorised Officer. Clarifications may be sought, if required.

3

Pay prescribed fees

Upon satisfactory scrutiny, the applicant shall pay the prescribed fees for document scrutiny, visual inspection and sampling.

4

Multiple food categories

Where one Bill of Entry contains food consignments falling under multiple food categories, inspection fees shall be paid separately for each category.

5

Inspection fee

Inspection fees shall be as specified and reviewed by the Food Authority from time to time.

6

Inspection schedule

After receipt of fees, the Authorised Officer shall intimate the Food Importer regarding the date, time and place of inspection.

7

Presence during inspection

Food Importer / CHA / authorised representative shall remain present at the customs area at the appointed time.

8

Facilitate inspection and sampling

Importer/representative shall facilitate visual inspection and drawing of samples, where required, and assist in import clearance proceedings as directed by the Authorised Officer.

9

Witness & countersign samples

Importer/representative shall witness the proceedings, including sealing of samples, and affix counter-signatures on the sealed samples.

10

Failure to appear

If the Food Importer/CHA fails to appear despite two opportunities, the Authorised Officer may refuse to grant any further opportunity for inspection/sampling.

11

Further opportunity

A further opportunity may be granted by the Chief Executive Officer or authorised representative, subject to payment of the suitable fee specified by the Food Authority.

12

Visual Inspection Report

The report of visual inspection shall be submitted in FORM–1.

Author Bio
profile image

Shweta Verma

briefcase Created with Sketch Beta. Company: TVA & CO LLP
Designation: CS
Location: -
Gender: female

CS Trainee View Full Profile

Comments

Be the first to leave a comment for this Article
Your Rating: