New FSSAI Rules for Genetically Modified Foods in 2021

In a breakthrough notification received from the food safety regulatory body in India FSSAI, it has banned the import of foodstuffs that are Genetically Modified (GM) from 1st January 2021.

After a lot of controversies created by GM, which most nutritionists believe to be containing GMO (Genetically Modified Organisms), The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has come out with a new mandate which ensures that only non-GM food crops can come into the country.

Food Importers need to be vigilant at the ports while the consignments enter and declare that the product is of non-GM origin, does not contain genetically modified organisms, and is also not genetically modified.

GM and non-GM Food Crops

The 24 Genetically Modified (GM) food crops include apple, eggplant, maize, wheat, melon, pineapple, papaya, plum, potato, rice, soyabean, sugarbeet, sugarcane, tomato, sweet pepper, squash, flaxseed, bean plum, and chicory.

The few Non-GM crops food include zucchini, yellow summer squash, edamame, sweet corn and papaya.

Mandatory Rules for Food Importer –

If you are in the Food Import and Export business, these are the following mandatory licenses :

1. FSSAI – The basic license one needs is a valid FSSAI Food License for all food manufacturers, sellers, distributors.
2. IEC Code –  IEC or Import Export Code is mandatory for every food importer in India.
3. No Objection Certificate (NOC) – After getting clearance, one needs to file an application in the Food Import Clearance System (FICS) of FSSAI to get the 'No Objection Certificate'.
4. GST Taxation: Any business entity operating in India is mandated to register in the GST taxation system. 
5. Company Registration: Before beginning business, the entity should register in the Ministry of Corporate Affairs 

How Online Legal India™ can help You 

Online Legal India™, with its bouquet of services, has, in a short span of time, become the customer's delight. Reaching 1,20,000+ happy customers and already rolling out 6,500 FSSAI Licenses and Renewals in 2019-2020. It offers a quick and convenient service by 1-hour registration.

The licensing experts here provide 24x7 call-email-chat support and manage all the legal hassle to help you begin the business at the quickest of all. So, apply for the above licenses through committed experts of the country's own business solution platform. 

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