CBIC Updates Bhutan Food Import Guidelines Under FSSAI

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Dated: 06.06.2025

CBIC Updates Bhutan Food Import Guidelines Under FSSAI–BFDA Agreement

The Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC) has issued Instruction No. 14/2025-Customs, dated 5th June 2025, to notify all field formations of a crucial development regarding food imports from Bhutan. The instruction pertains to the implementation of the bilateral Agreement between the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) and the Bhutan Food and Drug Authority (BFDA). This collaborative framework enhances cross-border food trade and regulatory harmonization between the two nations.

Key Context

In line with India’s Act East Policy and growing bilateral trade with Bhutan, the FSSAI and BFDA signed an Agreement to facilitate mutual recognition of food safety standards. CBIC, as the customs enforcement and facilitation authority, plays a vital role in ensuring that FSSAI’s food import standards are effectively operationalized at Indian ports.

Instruction No. 14/2025-Customs – Highlights

Parameter	Details
Notification	Instruction No. 14/2025-Customs
Issuing Authority	CBIC, Department of Revenue, Ministry of Finance
Date of Issue	05 June 2025
Subject	Implementation of FSSAI–BFDA Agreement
Reference	FSSAI Office Order dated 19.05.2025 and Instruction No. 22/2024-Customs
Updated Provision	Fresh list of 117 approved food establishments in Bhutan shared by FSSAI
Scope of Change	Partial modification to Instruction No. 22/2024-Customs
Unchanged Provisions	Health certificate format and list of authorized signatories remain same

Operational Implications

Customs Officers at Land Customs Stations (LCSs) and ports handling Bhutanese imports are required to verify consignments against the updated list of BFDA-approved food establishments.
The scope of approval for each establishment is outlined, ensuring only eligible entities export food products into India.
All other compliance aspects under the earlier circular remain unchanged, such as:
- Health certification format
- Verification by authorized signatories from Bhutan

Instructions to Field Officers

CBIC has directed all Principal Commissioners and Commissioners of Customs (including Preventive and Central Tax Zones) to sensitize officers in their jurisdictions regarding the updated Bhutan-specific import provisions.

Failure to adhere to these updated instructions may result in customs clearance delays or regulatory non-compliance.

FSSAI–BFDA Agreement: A Milestone for Regional Trade

This agreement is part of a wider regulatory convergence initiative that ensures:

Streamlined import clearances from Bhutan into India
Mutual recognition of food safety standards
Efficient monitoring of cross-border food trade

Conclusion

CBIC’s Instruction No. 14/2025-Customs represents a critical procedural step in harmonizing food import controls with Bhutan, ensuring transparency, safety, and trade facilitation. Customs officers, importers, and border authorities are advised to align their operations with the updated list and provisions to avoid regulatory friction.

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Source: CBIC, Ministry of Finance, Govt. of India

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