India’s trade policies are dynamic, reflecting both domestic imperatives and international commitments. The recent amendment from the Directorate General of Foreign Trade concerning the export policy of food supplements containing botanicals is an illustration of this responsiveness.
Backdrop: The Policy Notification
On 31st July 2023, the Government of India, through Notification No.22/2023, stipulated specific conditions for the export of food supplements containing botanicals. This directive is targeted towards exports under ITC (HS) Code 1302 and 2106, meant for human or animal consumption, to two critical trade partners: the European Union (EU) and the United Kingdom (UK).
Export Conditions: Ensuring Quality & Authenticity
Exports of these food supplements to the EU and UK must adhere to the following conditions:
1. Origin and Consignment: The products should originate or be consigned from India, intended for human or animal consumption.
2. Certification: The export is permissible only upon the issuance of an official certificate by the designated authority – the Export Inspection Council (EIC) or Export Inspection Agencies (EIAs).
3. Analytical Test Report: The official certificate’s issuance hinges on a satisfactory analytical test report. This report should come from either the EIC or EIC approved laboratories. Furthermore, it should align with the requirements as laid down by the European Union.
Clarification on Pre-existing Certificates
In light of potential uncertainties, the Directorate General of Foreign Trade clarifies that certificates issued by SHEFEXIL, prior to the introduction of the 31st July 2023 notification, will remain valid. Thus, entities that obtained certifications from SHEFEXIL before this date need not seek re-certification.
Conclusion: Strengthening Trade Relations through Clarity
This amendment, as articulated by the Joint Director General of Foreign Trade, Mr. S.K. Mohapatra, brings clarity to stakeholders ranging from regional DGFT authorities to members of the trade community. It underscores India’s commitment to ensuring quality exports and nurturing robust trade ties, especially with crucial partners like the EU and UK. With such clear directives, India continues to position itself as a reliable trade partner on the global stage.
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Government of India
Ministry of Commerce & Industry
Department of Commerce
Directorate General of Foreign Trade
Trade Notice No. 24/2023-DGFT | Date: 25th August, 2023
To
1. All Regional Authorities of DGFT
2. All Customs Commissionerate
3. Members of Trade
Subject: Amendment of export policy of Food Supplements containing botanicals.
The Government of India vide Notification No.22/2023 dated 31St July, 2023 notified the following policy conditions for export of Food Supplements containing botanicals under ITC (HS) Code 1302 and 2106, intended for human or animal consumption to European Union and United Kingdom:
“The export of Food Supplements containing botanicals to European Union (EU) and United Kingdom (UK) originating in or consigned from India and intended for human or animal consumption, allowed subject to issuance of the official certificate issued by Export Inspection Council (EIC)/ Export Inspection Agencies (EIAs), the designated Competent Authority for issuance of official certificate. The official certificate will be issued based on the satisfactory analytical test report from EIC/EIC approved laboratories for the purpose as per the requirement laid down by EU.”
2. In this regard it is clarified that certificates issued by SHEFEXIL before the issuance of the aforesaid Notification i.e. before 3 l st July, 2023, shall continue to be recognised even after issuance of the notification.
This issues with the approval of competent authority.
(S.K. Mohapatra)
Joint Director General of Foreign Trade
E-mail: mohapatra.sk@nic.in
(Issued from F. No. 01/91/180/027/AM22/EC/E-30745)
