The Customs Department of India, through Instruction No. 29/2023-Customs, has introduced significant changes regarding the import of milk and milk products into the country. This article delves into the details of the instruction, its implications, and the modifications made to existing guidelines.
Detailed Analysis:
1. Background and Reference: The instruction refers to the Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying’s (DAHD) OM F.No.L-11/1/2019-Trade (E-11542) issued on 17.07.2023 and 31.03.2023. It emphasizes the necessity of an integrated Veterinary Health Certificate for the import of Milk and Milk Products into India.
2. Mandated Requirements: As per the OM dated 31.03.2023, DAHD mandates the inclusion of DAHD’s sanitary requirements and the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India’s (FSSAI) food safety requirements in the Veterinary Health Certificate. The certificate must be certified by the exporting country and can be a single document or a certificate with annexure as per the exporting country’s regulations.
3. Transition/Migration Period: The OM dated 17.07.2023 extends the transition/migration time until 31st December 2023, providing a grace period for stakeholders to adapt to the new requirements.
4. Modification of Previous Instructions: The instruction highlights modifications to CBIC Instructions No. 06/2020-Customs dated 20.05.2020 and Instruction No. 18/2022-Customs dated 12.08.2022. Specifically, the changes pertain to the requirement of Veterinary Health Certificates for the import of Milk and Milk Products.
5. Implementation and Sensitization: The Customs Department urges all Principal Chief Commissioners, Chief Commissioners, and other relevant authorities to sensitize officers under their jurisdiction regarding the revised requirements. This emphasizes the proactive approach needed for effective implementation.
6. Communication Details: The communication is signed by Radhe Krishna, Under Secretary, Cus-III, Customs Policy Wing, providing contact details for further inquiries.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, Customs Instruction No. 29/2023-Customs brings about crucial changes in the import process for Milk and Milk Products, emphasizing the need for an integrated Veterinary Health Certificate. Stakeholders are urged to familiarize themselves with the modified requirements, and any challenges in implementation should be communicated to the Board. This article serves as a comprehensive guide to understanding the intricacies of the new directive and its impact on the import landscape.
Instruction No. 29/2023-Customs
F.No.401/18/2020-Cus.III
Government of India
Ministry of Finance
Department of Revenue
(Central Board of Indirect Taxes & Customs)
North Block, New Delhi
Dated, 12th December, 2023
To
All Principal Chief Commissioner/ Chief Commissioner of Customs/ Customs (Preventive)/Customs and Central Taxes).
All Principal Commissioners/Commissioners of Customs/ Customs (Preventive). All Principal Commissioner/ Commissioner of Customs & Central Taxes.
Subject: – Veterinary Health Certificate for Import of Milk and Milk Products into India – reg
Madam/Sir,
Reference is invited to Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying (DAHD) OM F.No.L-11/1/2019-Trade (E-11542) dated 17.07.2023 and 31.03.2023 (copies enclosed) on the above subject matter.
2. Vide above OM dated 31.03.2023, DAHD has mandated the requirement of integrated Veterinary Health Certificate for import of Milk and Milk Product into India incorporating DAHD’s sanitary requirements and requirement of FSSAI’s food safety to be certified by the exporting country along with the consignments to be exported into India. The exporting country may issue single Veterinary Health Certificate, certified by Official Veterinarian or certificate with annexure as per its regulation. Vide OM dated 17.07.2023, DAHD, has increased the transition/migration time till 31st December, 2023.
3. It is requested that necessary action may be taken to sensitize officers under your jurisdiction regarding the said matter.
4. The CBIC Instructions No. 06/2020-Customs dated 20.05.2020 and Instruction No. 18/2022-Customs dated 12.08.2022 with respect to requirement of Veterinary Health Certificate for import of Milk and Milk Products are modified to the above extent.
5. The difficulties, if any, in the implementation of this instruction may be brought to the notice of the Board.
6. Hindi version follows.
Yours faithfully,
(Radhe Krishna)
Under Secretary, Cus-III
Customs Policy Wing
Email: uscus.3-dor@gov.in
Tele: 011 23094012
