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    6. Registration Processes
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    6. Registration Processes

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    Beers, RTDs, Whisky
    India


    This section provides information on any product notification or registration and manufacturing site registration processes.

    6.1 Product Notification

    Product Notification is not required.

    6.2 Product Registration

    Product Registration is not required unless the product is classified as non-specified food or novel food which requires approval from authority. All other standardized foods and proprietary foods do not require approval from authorities. 

    6.3 Other Notes or Requirements

    N/A.

    6.4 Manufacturing Site Registration

    General Food

    The manufacturing facility is required to be registered under the ReFOM portal (Registration of Foreign Food Manufacturers) [30].

    Local manufacturers must use the Food Licensing and Registration System (FLRS) [28].

    Category

    Alcoholic beverages

    A manufacturing site registration is required for foreign manufacturers intending to export alcoholic beverages to India. The registration ensures compliance with Indian standards for quality, safety, and labeling. Foreign manufacturing facilities must be registered with FSSAI and BIS. The products under mandatory certification categories (e.g., bottled alcohol or related components like packaging) must obtain BIS certification under the FMCS scheme [12]. 

    • FSSAI - Register through the ReFoM Portal and details - the manufacturing site, including ownership documents, safety certifications, and product specifications. The FSSAI evaluates the submission and issues a unique registration number upon approval. The process takes 60 days and registration fees vary. [30] 
    • BIS - Apply to BIS -the application must contain factory layout, mfg. details and product specifications, on-site factory inspection, process verification, collecting samples for testing, and upon clearance issuing the certificate. The process takes 4-6 months and fees vary. 

    Steps for Foreign Manufacturer Site Registration in India (for Alcoholic Beverages): 

    1. FSSAI Registration or Licensing for the Foreign Manufacturer: Foreign manufacturers of alcoholic beverages (beer, RTDs, whisky) are required to register their manufacturing facilities with FSSAI to legally export their products to India. 
    2. Foreign Manufacturer's Registration Process: The foreign manufacturer must have a valid FSSAI license for the facility where the products are produced. [12]
      • Registration Details: The foreign manufacturer must submit: 
        • Manufacturer’s name and address. 
        • Description of the product (e.g., beer, whisky, RTD). 
        • Compliance with FSSAI standards for food safety and quality. 
        • Import certificate for alcoholic beverages (especially for RTDs and whisky, which are regulated under excise law). 
    3. FSSAI Central License for Imported Products: [28] 
      • Apply for an FSSAI Central License through the FSSAI Food Licensing and Registration System (FLRS). 
      • To obtain the license, the foreign manufacturer (through their Indian importer or distributor) must apply on the FLRS portal. 
    4. Food Import Clearance System (FICS): [29] 
      • Once the foreign manufacturer is registered and has obtained an FSSAI Central License, they need to go through the Food Import Clearance System (FICS) to import their products into India. 
      • The FICS system is used to clear all imported food products, including alcoholic beverages like beer, whisky, and RTDs. 
      • The FICS process includes submitting a product notification through the FSSAI portal and providing documentation like: 
        • Certificate of Analysis (showing compliance with FSSAI safety standards). 
        • Certificate of Origin from the exporting country.
        • Labeling compliance as per FSSAI requirements. 
    5. Documentation Requirements:
      • FSSAI Application: A detailed application including the product name, manufacturer’s details, and ingredient list. 
      • Product Labeling: The product must comply with FSSAI’s labeling guidelines, including information like alcohol content, nutrition information, expiry date, and health warnings (e.g., "Consumption of alcohol is injurious to health").
      • Excise Compliance: For alcoholic beverages, state excise laws must also be adhered to, and the importer must ensure that the product labeling aligns with both FSSAI and excise rules.

    Source: Summary prepared based on Refer [20] and [21]  

    Product

    1) Beer

    Same as "Category" (alcoholic beverages) above.

    2) Alcoholic ready-to-drink beverages 

    Same as "Category" (alcoholic beverages) above.

    3) Whisky

    Same as "Category" (alcoholic beverages) above.

    6.4.1 Standard/Rules for Manufacturing Site

    General Food

    The Manufacturing site should comply with the safety, sanitary, and hygienic requirements provided by Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) standards, BIS Certification for Packaged Goods, BIS- Foreign Manufacturers Certification Scheme (FMCS),[12] Codex General Standards for Alcoholic Beverages [3], FSSAI Alcoholic Beverages Standards, Environmental and safety standard.

    Many overseas manufacturers must have certifications such as ISO 9001 (Quality Management), ISO 22000 (Food Safety Management), and relevant HACCP (Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points) certifications that demonstrate the safety and quality of their products. 

    Category

    Alcoholic beverages

    Same as General Food.

    Product

    1) Beer

    Same as "Category" (alcoholic beverages) above.

    2) Alcoholic ready-to-drink beverages 

    Same as "Category" (alcoholic beverages) above.

    3) Whisky

    Same as "Category" (alcoholic beverages) above.

    6.4.2 Other Notes or Requirements for Manufacturing Site Registration

    Foreign manufacturers exporting beer, RTDs, and whisky to Delhi and Haryana must first comply with FSSAI requirements (Central License and FICS notification) and then meet state-specific excise laws for distribution and retail sales. 

    6.5 References

    1. FSSAI Act 2006 

    https://fssai.gov.in/cms/food-safety-and-standards-act-2006.php 

    2. FSSAI Guidelines on Alcoholic Beverages 

    https://www.fssai.gov.in/upload/uploadfiles/files/Gazette_Notification_Alcoholic_Beverages_05_04_2018.pdf

    3. Alimentarius - Alcoholic Beverages Standards

    https://www.fao.org/fao-who-codexalimentarius/en/ 

    4. Alcoholic Beverages Standards Regulation, 2018, updated 28 08 2023

    https://fssai.gov.in/upload/uploadfiles/files/Comp_Alcoholic_Beverages(III)_28_08_2023.pdf

    5. Draft notification on Food Safety and Standards (Alcoholic Beverages) Amendment Regulations, 2023 related to standards of Mead (Honey wine), Craft Beer, Indian liquors and definition of Low Alcoholic Beverages/ RTD, wine-based Beverages and, Country Liquors, etc. 

    https://comments.fssai.gov.in/Bestviewwl.aspx?NOTIFICATION_ID=4345 

    6. FSSAI Food Additives Regulations (2011) 

    https://www.fssai.gov.in/upload/uploadfiles/files/Food_Additives_Regulations.pdf 

    7. FSSAI Packaging and Labelling Regulations, 2011 

    https://www.fssai.gov.in/upload/uploadfiles/files/Compendium_Labelling_Display_23_09_2021.pdf 

    8. FSSAI Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006 (Chapter 9 – Penalties and Offenses)

    https://www.indiacode.nic.in/bitstream/123456789/7800/1/200634_food_safety_and_standards_act,_2006.pdf 

    9. FSSAI Nutrition and Health Claims Regulations, 2018 

    https://fssai.gov.in/upload/uploadfiles/files/Gazette_Notification_Advertising_Claims_27_11_2018.pdf 

    10. FSSAI proposed standards Claims 

    https://fssai.gov.in/upload/uploadfiles/files/Notice_Comments_Alcoholic_Beverages.pdf 

    11. FSSAI Food Safety and Standards (Advertising and Claims) Regulations, 2018 

    https://fssai.gov.in/upload/uploadfiles/files/Compendium_Advertising_Claims_Regulations_04_03_2021.pdf

    12. BIS FMCS - Foreign Manufacturer Certification Scheme 

    https://www.bis.gov.in/fmcs/certification-process/products-under-fmcs/ 

    13. Custom clearance process 

    https://www.icegate.gov.in

    14. Direct and Indirect Taxes 

    https://www.cbic.gov.in/

    15. Pesticide residue FSSAI Pesticide and Contaminant Regulations (Food Safety and Standards (Contaminants, Toxins, and Residues) Regulations, 2011) 

    16. Consumer Protection Act, 2019 Specifies penalties for misleading advertisements, including alcohol-related campaigns

    https://legislative.gov.in/

    17. BIS standards for packaging materials (e.g., IS 15410 for food-grade plastics)

    https://www.services.bis.gov.in/php/BIS_2.0/bisconnect/standard_review/Standard_review/Isdetails?ID=NzUxMg%3D%3D 

    18. IS 3752 Specification for Beer 

    https://services.bis.gov.in/php/BIS_2.0/bisconnect/standard_review/Standard_review/Isdetails?ID=MTAzNDc%3D

    19. IS 6613: Standards for distilled beverages 

    https://www.services.bis.gov.in/tmp/rp_19122023_658141877ea41.pdf 

    20. Haryana Excise law

    haryanatax.gov.in

    21. Delhi Excise Law 

    excise.delhi.gov.in 

    22. Advertising Standards Council of India (ASCI): ASCI oversees advertising content to ensure ethical practices, including compliance for surrogate advertising of alcoholic beverages. For detailed guidelines

    https://www.ascionline.in/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Code-Book_Codes_Webready.pdf 

    23. Cable Television Networks (Regulation) Act, 1995: This act prohibits direct advertising of alcohol on cable TV and sets conditions for surrogate advertising

    Home | Ministry of Information and Broadcasting 

    24. Food Safety Mantra Blog on FSSAI Alcoholic Beverages Standards: A helpful summary of the FSSAI and excise-related guidelines for alcohol advertising

    Alcoholic Beverages | FSSAI Guidelines | Food Safety Mantra Blog 

    25. Consumer Protection Act, 2019: Specifies penalties for misleading advertisements, including alcohol-related campaigns

    Legislative Department | Legislative Department | India 

    26. Alcohol test 

    https://fssai.gov.in/upload/uploadfiles/files/Order_Manual_Analysis_Alcoholic_Beverages_20_07_2021.pdf

    https://www.fssai.gov.in/upload/uploadfiles/files/Compendium_Alcoholic_Beverages_Regulations_04_03_2021.pdf

    27. Food Safety and Standards (Approval for Non-Specified Food) Regulations, 2017

    https://fssai.gov.in/upload/uploadfiles/files/FAQs_FSS_Approval_NonSpecified_Ingredients_06_05_2020.pdf

    28. FSSAI Food Licensing and Registration System 

    https://foscos.fssai.gov.in/about-flrs

    29. Food Import Clearance System 

    https://fics.fssai.gov.in 

    30. ReFoM portal 

    https://sites.fssai.gov.in/refom/ 

    31. Food safety and standard (Import) Regulation, 2017 

    https://www.fssai.gov.in/upload/uploadfiles/files/Compendium_Food_Import_Regulations_05_06_2022.pdf 

    32. Microbiological standards 

    https://www.fssai.gov.in/upload/uploadfiles/files/20_%20Appendix%20B.pdf 

    33. Shipment declaration 

    https://www.dgft.gov.in/CP/ 

    34. ISO 5555: Standard for testing phenolic compounds in wines 

    35. ISO 15192: Standard for beer quality testing, including compounds like esters and aldehydes 


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