Sr. No.

Compliance Requirement

Responsibility

Timeline / Condition

1

Ensure compliance with applicable Labelling and Packaging Regulations, 2011 and verify that the imported food has a valid shelf life.

Authorised Officer / Representative

At sampling

2

Draw two parts of the food sample for each description/measure, except aseptic sealed packages.

Authorised Officer / Representative

At sampling

3

Forward the prescribed quantity of sample to the Food Analyst as specified under the Laboratory and Sample Analysis Regulations, 2011.

Authorised Officer

After collection

4

Seal the collected samples appropriately.

Authorised Officer

At sampling

5

For aseptic/hygroscopic sealed bulk containers, obtain two representative sealed samples from the same batch along with the manufacturer's declaration confirming that they correspond to the bulk container.

Food Importer / Manufacturer

At import clearance

6

If representative sealed samples and manufacturer's undertaking are not provided, the Authorised Officer may break open the seal and collect a sample for laboratory analysis.

Authorised Officer

Where required

7

Where the representative sealed samples appear doubtful, the Authorised Officer may collect a sample directly from the sealed container.

Authorised Officer

Where required

8

For food having shelf life of less than 7 days, declare the shelf life in Form-13 and permit sampling/provisional NOC procedure.

Importer / Applicant

At import clearance

9

For <7-day shelf-life products, the Authorised Officer may issue a provisional NOC to Customs without waiting for the laboratory report; final NOC is communicated after receipt of the analysis report if the product conforms.

Authorised Officer

As applicable

10

In case of non-conforming sample, immediately inform the Importer/Custom Broker to initiate recall and submit the required compliance report under the Food Recall Procedure Regulations, 2017.

Authorised Officer / Importer / Custom Broker

Immediately upon non-conformance

11

Maintain vigilance at all import points regarding products manufactured by the same company or similar products imported by the same importer/Custom Broker.

Food Authority

Following non-conformance

12

Label each sealed sample with the sample code number, date/place of collection, quantity, food name/category, preservative details (if any), signatures of importer/CHA and sender with official seal.

Authorised Officer

At sampling

13

Forward one sealed and labelled sample to the Food Analyst/notified laboratory for analysis.

Authorised Officer

After sampling

14

Store the remaining sample parts under appropriate conditions.

Authorised Officer / Representative

Until disposal/return

15

If the sample is found safe/conforming, return the remaining sample to the Food Importer.

Authorised Officer

After satisfactory analysis

16

If the sample is found unsafe/non-conforming, the Importer may request that the second sample be sent to the Referral Laboratory for analysis.

Importer / Authorised Officer

On request

17

Returned rejected export consignments entering India as the country of origin are subject to these regulations; packaging/labelling may follow the country of export, and rejection documents must be submitted.

Importer

At re-import

18

The Food Analyst/notified laboratory must analyse the sample against the parameters prescribed under the Act and applicable regulations.

Food Analyst / Laboratory

As applicable

19

The Food Analyst must forward the signed analysis report within 5 days to the Authorised Officer, stating whether the product is conforming or non-conforming.

Food Analyst

Within 5 days

20

Proprietary foods must be tested, wherever applicable, against prescribed general safety requirements for contaminants, toxins, residues and microorganisms, depending on the nature of the product.

Food Analyst / Laboratory

During analysis

21

Submit the Certificate of Analysis (COA) provided by the importer along with the sample.

Importer / Authorised Officer

With sample

22

The COA should be referred while conducting the requisite quality-parameter tests.

Food Analyst / Laboratory

During analysis

23

If the laboratory cannot complete testing within the prescribed period, the Food Analyst must provide written reasons to the Authorised Officer.

Food Analyst / Laboratory

Where applicable

24

The final analysis report must be duly signed by the Food Analyst and forwarded to the Authorised Officer.

Food Analyst

After analysis