Duty-free shops now out of FSSAI purview

NEW DELHI: Food, drinks and other edibles sold at duty-free shops at all airports will no longer need a stamp of approval from India’s top food regulatory body.

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In a decision taken last month, the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has exempted these retail outlets at airports from following the country’s food import regulations.

A notice in this regard was uploaded on the FSSAI website on Thursday.

“We heard their side carefully and after a thorough consultation with our experts came to the decision that these outlets are customs-bound and don’t technically import any items directly on Indian soil so they will not be subject to FSSAI inspection and licensing processes,” said Pawan Agarwal, CEO, FSSAI.

“...It was decided that duty free shops would be outside the ambit of food safety standards Act 2006 and regulations made there under till the time import regulations are finally notified,” read the FSSAI notice.

The regulatory body changed its earlier stand where it had said the provisions of the Food Safety Act and the regulations will be applicable to all duty-free shops at all airports.

“After due consideration of representations received from various stakeholders, the issue has been re-examined and it has been decided that Duty Free Shops would be outside the ambit of the Act. The earlier clause stands deleted with immediate effect...” reads the notice.

The FSSAI’s earlier directive was reportedly challenged in court, after which the regulatory body re-examined the whole issue.