Monitoring of food import from Japan for radioactive contamination- Custom Instruction

Government of India
Ministry of Finance
Department of Revenue
Central Board of Excise & Customs

Instructions

227-B, North Block,
New Delhi – 110001.
17^th March, 2011.

To

All Chief Commissioners of Customs / Customs (Prev.).

All Chief Commissioners of Customs & Central Excise.

All Commissioners of Customs / Customs (Prev.).

All Commissioners of Customs & Central Excise.

All Directors General under CBEC.

Director, Central Revenues Control Laboratory.

Subject: Monitoring of food import from Japan for radioactive contamination – regarding.

Sir / Madam,

Following the recent earthquake in Japan and concerns of possible radiation leakage from the affected nuclear plants, there is a need to increase surveillance of food imports from Japan to ensure that they are safe for consumption.

1. Accordingly, it has been decided that Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) would test samples of food articles, particularly fresh produce exported from Japan after March 11, 2011, such as sea food, fruits, vegetables and meat for radioactive contamination. FSSAI has directed their Authorised Officers to have the food articles tested for radioactive contamination from BRIT (Board of Radiation and Isotope Technology), Navi Mumbai before issuing ‘No Objection Certificate’ to Customs.
2. In view of the above, it is directed that all officers in charge of Ports, Airports, ICDs / CFSs, Land Customs Stations should ensure that clearance of such food items imported from Japan after 11.3.2011 is allowed only after complying with the above requirements and obtaining ‘No Objection Certificate’ from FSSAI.
3. A suitable Public Notice and Standing Order may be issued for the guidance of the trade and staff.

Yours faithfully,
Sd./
( R. P. Singh )
Director (Customs)
F.No.450 /22/2011-Cus.IV