India: Bulk Food Labeling Requirements Remain in Effect

FAS New Delhi, following months of arduous deliberations, secured confirmation from the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), Import Division, that labeling requirements for bulk consignments of primary food products including food grains, dry fruits (i.e., tree nuts such as almonds and walnuts), pulses, fruits, whole spices, and the like, remain subject to and will continue to follow the FSSAI published labeling guidelines for 2012 and 2016. This measure remains in effect until the new FSSAI Food Safety and Standards (Labeling and Display) Regulations (2020) take effect on November 17, 2021. In calendar year 2020, U.S. exports of tree nuts to India reached a record $914 million and, by volume, surpassed 245,126 metric tons (MT). Consignments of U.S. almonds, harmonized tariff system (HS) code 0802.11.0000 (fresh/dry/not shelled), alone, totaled $784 million by value and 210,896 MT by volume.