FSSAI Advises Importers to Declare Non-Food Grade Items in Bills of Entry Using NFG Qualifier

The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), through its Trade and International Cooperation Division, has issued a public notice regarding the declaration of Non-Food Grade (NFG) items in Bills of Entry.

Key points include:

1. FSSAI has observed that a large number of Bills of Entry for non-food grade items, particularly items having dual food/non-food use under the same HSN code, are being routed to FSSAI for clearance.
2. Importers and customs brokers may declare the qualifier NFG in ICEGATE to indicate that the imported item is intended for non-food end use.
3. Use of the NFG qualifier in the SWIFT system is intended to facilitate correct Participating Government Agency (PGA) routing and prevent non-applicable Bills of Entry from being referred to FSSAI.
4. Importers/customs brokers are therefore advised to use the NFG qualifier while filing Bills of Entry under the Single Window, wherever applicable.