Required Report - public distribution

**Date:** 7/22/2005

**GAIN Report Number:** IN5080

IN5080

**India**

**Food and Agricultural Import Regulations and Standards**

**Country Report**

**2005**

**Approved by:**

![](media/image1.wmf)Michael Riedel

U.S. Embassy, New Delhi

**Prepared by:**

A. Govindan

**Report Highlights:**

\*Updated on July 22, 2005.\* \*All sections updated.\* \*Food Safety
Standards Bill in the making.\* \*Labeling law for infant milk
substitutes and infant food modified.\* \*New standards for raisins,
pistachios, and dry fruits and nuts (including almonds) established.\*
\*Permitted food additives and microbiological requirements of thermally
processed fruits, fruit cocktail, vegetable soups, fruit juices, fruit
vegetable cereal flakes, squashes, tomato ketchup, tomato sauce, soy
sauce, jam, jelly, etc. notified.\* \*Use of additives in sugar, salt,
cocoa powder, chocolate, sugar boiled confectionary, and chewing gum
specified.\*

Includes PSD Changes: No

Includes Trade Matrix: No

Annual Report

New Delhi \[IN1\]

\[IN\]

**Table of Contents**

[**I. FOOD LAWS 3**](#__RefHeading___Toc109797481)

[II. LABELING REQUIREMENTS 5](#ii.-labeling-requirements)

[III. PACKAGING AND CONTAINER REQUIREMENTS
7](#iii.-packaging-and-container-requirements)

[IV. FOOD ADDITIVE REGULATIONS 7](#iv.-food-additive-regulations)

[V. PESTICIDES AND OTHER CONTAMINANTS
8](#v.-pesticides-and-other-contaminants)

[VI. OTHER REGULATIONS AND REQUIREMENTS
8](#vi.-other-regulations-and-requirements)

[VII. OTHER SPECIFIC STANDARDS 8](#vii.-other-specific-standards)

[VIII. COPYRIGHT AND/OR TRADEMARK LAWS
9](#viii.-copyright-andor-trademark-laws)

[IX. IMPORT PROCEDURES 9](#ix.-import-procedures)

[APPENDIX I. REGULATORY AGENCY CONTACTS
10](#appendix-i.-regulatory-agency-contacts)

[APPENDIX II. LIST OF APPROVED FOOD ADDITIVES
12](#appendix-ii.-list-of-approved-food-additives)

[APPENDIX III. COMMODITY-SPECIFIC FAIRS REPORTS SUBMITTED SINCE LAST
FAIRS COUNTRY REPORT
16](#appendix-iii.-commodity-specific-fairs-reports-submitted-since-last-fairs-country-report)

**NOTE: The Office of Agricultural Affairs, US Department of
Agriculture, New Delhi, India, prepared this report for US exporters of
food and agricultural products. While great care was taken in its
preparation, this information may not be entirely accurate either
because policies may have changed since the report was written or
because clear and consistent information is unavailable. It is highly
recommended that US exporters verify import requirements with their
foreign customers before goods are shipped. FINAL IMPORT APPROVAL IS
ALWAYS SUBJECT TO THE IMPORTING COUNTRY'S RULES AND REGULATIONS AS
INTERPRETED BY BORDER OFFICIALS AT THE TIME OF PRODUCT ENTRY.**

# I. FOOD LAWS

Currently there are more than twenty Indian laws relating to food, which
are administered by a number of different Ministries and Departments.
Among the more important food laws are:

**Prevention of Food Adulteration Act (PFA) of 1954** and **the PFA
Rules of 1955**

The law to protect India against impure, unsafe, and
fraudulently-labeled foods is the **Prevention of Food Adulteration Act
(PFA) of 1954 with the PFA Rules of 1955**, as amended from time to
time. PFA standards and regulations apply equally to domestic and
imported products. The PFA covers various aspects of food processing and
distribution, such as food color, preservatives, pesticide residues,
packaging and labeling, and regulation of sales. **The PFA Act and
Rules, and recent notifications are available at**:
**<http://mohfw.nic.in/pfa.htm>[.]{.underline}** The law is enforced by
**the Director General of Health Services, Ministry of Health and Family
Welfare (MHFW), Government of India (GOI)**, which is somewhat akin to
the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) of the United States.

The PFA focuses primarily on the establishment of regulatory standards
for primary food products, which constitute the bulk of the Indian diet.
The PFA does not always keep pace with advances in the food processing
sector. Moreover, PFA rules sometimes appear to be drafted in a manner
that goes beyond the mere establishment of minimum product quality
specifications, by prescribing recipes for how food products are to be
manufactured. Concerned parties may appeal to have the PFA Rules
amended. The Central Committee for Food Standards, chaired by the
Director General of Health Services, is the decision-making entity. The
appeals process, however, is cumbersome and time-consuming. All imported
products must adhere to the rules as specified in the regulation,
including the labeling and marking requirements.

**The** **Standards of Weights and Measures Act, 1976,** and **the
Standards of Weights and Measures (Packaged Commodities) Rule, 1977**

These legislative measures are designed to establish fair trade
practices with respect to packaged commodities. The rules aim to ensure
that the basic rights of consumers regarding vital information about the
nature of the commodity, the name and address of the manufacturer, the
net quantity, date of manufacture, and maximum sale price are provided
on the label. There may be additional labeling requirements for food
items covered under the PFA. The Department of Consumer Affairs, located
within the Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food, and Public Distribution,
is the regulatory authority. The entire text of the **Standards of
Weights and Measures Act, 1976,** and **the Standards of Weights and
Measures (Packaged Commodities) Rule, 1977,** and related notifications,
can be accessed from: <http://fcamin.nic.in/wm_ind.htm>[.]{.underline}
Importers of packaged food products must adhere to these acts, including
labeling the product. The name and address of the importer, the net
quantity, date of manufacture, best-before date, and maximum sales price
must be included on the label.

**The Fruit Products Order, 1955**

The fruit and vegetable processing sector is regulated by the Fruit
Products Order, 1955 (FPO), which is administered by the Department of
Food Processing Industries. The FPO contains specifications and quality
control requirements regarding the production and marketing of processed
fruits and vegetables, sweetened aerated water, vinegar, and synthetic
syrups. All such processing units are required to obtain a license under
the FPO, and periodic inspections are carried out. Processed fruit and
vegetable products imported into the country must meet the FPO
standards. The FPO can be accessed from:
<http://mofpi.nic.in/fpoact.pdf>.

**Meat Food Products Order, 1992**

This order administers the permissible quantity of heavy metals,
preservatives, and insecticide residues for meat products. The
Directorate of Marketing and Inspection, Ministry of Agriculture, is the
regulatory authority. This order is equally applicable to domestic
processors and importers of meat products. However, its implementation
is weak, due to unorganized production in the domestic market and few
subject imports. For details, see:
<http://agmarknet.nic.in/mfpo1973.htm>

Livestock Importation Act, 1898

Under the Livestock Importation Act, 1898, the government established
procedures for the importation of livestock and related products to
India, which are implemented by the Department of Animal Husbandry and
Dairying, Ministry of Agriculture. These procedures are available at:
<http://dahd.nic.in/order/livestockimport.doc>

**Milk and Milk Products Order, 1992**

This order regulates the production, distribution, and supply of milk
products; establishes sanitary requirements for dairies, machinery, and
premises; and sets quality control standards for milk and milk products.
Standards specified in the order also apply to imported products. The
Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying, Ministry of Agriculture, is
the regulatory authority. For details see:
<http://dahd.nic.in/order/mmpo.doc>

**Plant Quarantine (Regulation of Import into India) Order, 2003**

Under the Destructive Insects and Pests Act, 1914, the GOI formulated
the Plant Quarantine (Regulation of Import into India) Order, 2003. It
was published on November 18, 2003, with "...the purpose of prohibiting
and regulating the imports into India of agricultural articles..." The
implementing agency is the Directorate of Plant Protection, Quarantine,
and Storage, under the Department of Agriculture and Cooperation,
Ministry of Agriculture, which is similar to the Animal Plant Health
Inspection Service (APHIS) of the USDA. This Order, along with several
subsequent amendments, is available at:
<http://agricoop.nic.in/gazette/gazette.htm>,

as well as at
[www.plantquarantineindia.org/PQO_amendments.htm](http://www.plantquarantineindia.org/PQO_amendments.htm)

### The Food Safety and Standards Bill, 2005

The GOI is in the process of enacting an integrated food law, which is
called the "Food Safety and Standards Bill, 2005," in order to establish
science-based standards for articles of food and to regulate their
manufacture, import, export, storage, distribution, and sale. The Bill
would bring all existing food-related legislation under one umbrella,
which would entail the establishment of a Food Safety and Standards
Authority of India. It is expected that the Bill will pass through
Parliament by the end of 2005 or early 2006. The full text of the Food
Safety and Standards Bill, 2005, is available at:
<http://mofpi.nic.in/foodsfty.htm>

# II. LABELING REQUIREMENTS

A. General Requirements: **Part VII of the PFA Rules, 1955,** and **the
Standards of Weights and Measures (Packaged Commodities) Rules, 1977**,
as amended, establish labeling requirements for all packaged foods. In
general, the label should provide the following information:

-   Name, trade name, or description of product

-   Name of ingredients used in the product, in descending order of
    their composition by weight or volume

-   Name and complete address of manufacturer, packer, importer, or
    vendor, and country of origin of the imported food (including if the
    food article is manufactured outside India and packed in India)

-   Net weight, number, or volume of contents

-   Distinctive batch, lot, or code number

-   Month and year the product was manufactured or packed

-   Month and year by which the product is best consumed

-   Maximum retail price (MRP)

Where applicable, the product label should also contain the following:

-   The purpose of irradiation and license number, in case of irradiated
    food

-   Extraneous addition of coloring matter

-   Non-vegetarian food (any food which contains whole or part of any
    animal including birds, marine animals, eggs, or product of any
    animal origin as an ingredient, excluding milk or milk products),
    must have a symbol of a brown color-filled circle inside a square
    with a brown outline prominently displayed on the package,
    contrasting against the background on the principal display panel,
    in close proximity to the name or brand name of the food.

-   Vegetarian food must have a symbol of a green color-filled circle
    inside a square with a green outline prominently displayed on the
    package, contrasting against the background on the principal display
    panel, in close proximity to name or brand name of the food.

There are special labeling requirements for certain packaged food items,
such as infant foods, condensed milk, milk powder, blended vegetable
oils, etc. For details see Section 42, Part VII of the PFA Rules updated
on October 1, 2004,
([www.mohfw.nic.in/pfa%20acts%20and%20rules.pdf](http://www.mohfw.nic.in/pfa acts and rules.pdf))
and any subsequent notifications.

In the case of imported packaged food, all declarations may be 1)
printed on a label securely affixed to the package or 2) made on an
additional wrapper containing the imported package or 3) printed on the
package itself or 4) made on a card or tape affixed firmly to the
package or container and bearing the required information. Labels must
be printed in English or Hindi (Devnagari script). The responsibility
for labeling lies with the importer, and should be done before products
are presented for custom clearance. Products exhibiting only the
standard US label will not be allowed to enter.

Per Notification No. 44 (RE-2000)/1997-2002, issued by the Department of
Commerce on November 24, 2000, all packaged commodities imported into
India should carry the following declarations:

-   Name and address of the importer.

-   Generic or common name of the commodity packed.

-   Net quantity using standard units of weights and measures. If the
    net quantity of the imported package is given in any other unit, its
    equivalent terms of standard units shall be declared by the
    importer.

-   Month and year of packaging in which the commodity was manufactured,
    packed, or imported.

-   The MRP at which the commodity in packaged form may be sold to the
    ultimate consumer. This price shall include all taxes, local or
    otherwise, freight, transport charges, commission payable to
    dealers, and all charges towards advertising, delivery, packing,
    forwarding, and the like.

<http://dgftcom.nic.in/exim/2000/not/not00/not4400.htm>

Shelf Life: Notification No. 22 (RE-2001) 1997-2002, dated July 30,
2001, issued by the Department of Commerce, states:

\"Imports of all such edible/food products, domestic sale and
manufacture of which are governed by the PFA shall also be subject to
the condition that, *at the time of importation* \[emphasis added\],
these products are having a valid shelf life of not less than 60 percent
of its original shelf life. Shelf life of the product is to be
calculated, based on the declaration given on the label of the product,
regarding the date of manufacture and the due date of expiry.\"
<http://dgftcom.nic.in/exim/2000/not/not01/not2201.htm>

**Per notification G.S.R. 388 (E), issued by the Department of Health,
on June 25, 2004,** every package of food which contains permitted
artificial sweetener shall carry the label "CONTAINS ARTIFICIAL
SWEETENER AND FOR CALORIE CONSCIOUS," along with the name or trade name
of the product.
([www.mohfw.nic.in/GSR%20388(E).pdf](http://www.mohfw.nic.in/GSR 388(E).pdf))

**Per notification G.S.R. 339 (E), dated May 27, 2005, issued by the
Department of Health**, "No containers or label relating to infant milk
substitute or infant food shall have a picture of infant or women or
both. It shall not have picture or other graphic materials of phrases
designed to increase the salability of the infant milk substitute or
infant food. The terms "Humanized" or "Maternalized" or any other
similar words shall not be used. The package and/or any other label of
infant milk substitute or infant food shall not exhibit words, "Full
Protein Food," "Energy Food," "Complete Food," or "Health Food," or any
other similar expressions."
([www.mohfw.nic.in/F33927052005.pdf](http://www.mohfw.nic.in/F33927052005.pdf))

**B. Requirements Specific to Nutritional Labeling**

Implied nutritional and health claims are allowed on food products, and
there are no statutory nutritional requirements. Manufactured and
imported food claiming to be enriched with nutrients such as minerals,
proteins, or vitamins, should indicate quantities of such added
nutrients on the label. Although there is no official position on
implied health claims, such claims should be able to withstand
verification by a court of law, if challenged.

# III. PACKAGING AND CONTAINER REQUIREMENTS

All weights or measures are to be reported in metric units.

Certain commodities can only be packed in specified quantities (weight,
measure, or number). These include baby food, weaning food, biscuits,
bread, butter, coffee, tea, vegetable oils, milk powder, and wheat and
rice flour. The use of materials such as Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) is not
allowed for packaging in most cities, due to environmental concerns and
waste disposal problems.

# IV. FOOD ADDITIVE REGULATIONS

Information regarding permitted coloring matter, preservatives, etc.,
are provided in various sections of the PFA Rules, 1955, as amended,
which are listed below:

> Coloring Matter Part VI
>
> Preservatives Part X
>
> Poisonous metal Part XI
>
> Crop contaminants and naturally
>
> occurring toxic substances Part XIA

Anti-Oxidants, Emulsifying,

## Stabilizing, and anti-caking Agents Part XII

> Flavoring agents and related Substances Part XIII
>
> Carry over of food additives Part XIIA
>
> Sequestering and buffering agents Part XVI
>
> Antibiotic and other pharmacologically
>
> active substances Part XVIII
>
> Food Additives 1/ Part XIX

1/ Per Gazette notification G.S.R. 388 (E), dated June 25, 2004,
([www.mohfw.nic.in/GSR%20388(E).pdf](http://www.mohfw.nic.in/GSR 388(E).pdf))

On August 13, 2003, the Department of Health issued a final Gazette
notification under the PFA Act that prohibited the sale of fresh fruits
and vegetables coated with waxes (both edible and non-edible), mineral
oils, and colors.

[www.mohfw.nic.in/656(E)Dated13.8.03.pdf](http://www.mohfw.nic.in/656(E)Dated13.8.03.pdf)

On December 1, 2004, the Department of Health issued a final Gazette
notification that lists permitted food additives in fish and fish
products and microbiological requirements of seafood.
[www.mohfw.nic.in/GSR821(E)21102004.pdf](http://www.mohfw.nic.in/GSR821(E)21102004.pdf)

On March 21, 2005, the Department of Health issued a final Gazette
notification under the PFA Act that pertains to the use of additives in
sugar, salt, cocoa powder, chocolate, sugar boiled confectionary, and
chewing gum.

[www.mohfw.nic.in/F18421032005.pdf](http://www.mohfw.nic.in/F18421032005.pdf)

On March 21, 2005, the Department of Health issued a final Gazette
notification under the PFA Act that provided a list of permitted food
additives and microbiological requirements of thermally-processed
fruits, fruit cocktail, vegetable soups, fruit juices, fruit vegetable
cereal flakes, squashes, tomato ketchup, tomato sauce, soy sauce, jam,
jelly, etc.
[www.mohfw.nic.in/F18521032005.pdf](http://www.mohfw.nic.in/F18521032005.pdf)

# V. PESTICIDES AND OTHER CONTAMINANTS

The PFA Rules, 1955, include a positive list for the presence of
pesticide residues in various commodities and food
(manufactured/imported) products, and their respective tolerance levels.
Of the 189 pesticides registered
(<http://cibrc.nic.in/reg_products.htm>) for regular use in India, only
121
([www.mohfw.nic.in/pfa%20acts%20and%20rules.pdf](http://www.mohfw.nic.in/pfa acts and rules.pdf),
Part XIV pages 163-177) have Maximum Residue Limits (MRLs) notified.
There are 27 pesticides that do not require MRLs. For the remaining
pesticides, MRLs have not yet been established. CODEX Alimentarius MRLs
may be accepted for imported foodstuffs only for those pesticides not
included in India's own positive list of pesticides.

# VI. OTHER REGULATIONS AND REQUIREMENTS

All imported foods are randomly sampled at the port of entry for their
conformity to PFA standards. On June 16, 2004, with immediate effect,
the Ministry of Commerce and Industry published a list of "high risk"
food items, imports of which are subject to 100 percent sampling. This
list includes edible oils and fats, pulses and pulse products, cereal
and cereal products, milk powder, condensed milk, food colors, and food
additives, among other items. The import of product samples via express
mail or parcel post is allowed, contingent on obtaining prior permission
from the Directorate General of Foreign Trade. Mail order imports are
not allowed. Contact information to arrange sample shipments is provided
in Appendix I. Once the products enter the domestic market, they are to
be monitored randomly at the retail and wholesale level by the
respective regulatory authorities.

The **Genetic Engineering Approval Committee (GEAC)** is the
decision-making authority on allowing imports of bioengineered products.
Food ingredients and additives containing bioengineered organisms shall
not be produced, used, or imported without the approval of the GEAC. All
such approvals, if granted, shall be for a specific period not exceeding
four years at the first instance, and are renewable for 2 years at a
time, subject to terms and conditions. For additional details see:
[www.dbtindia.nic.in/thanks/biosafetymain.html](http://www.dbtindia.nic.in/thanks/biosafetymain.html).

# VII. OTHER SPECIFIC STANDARDS

**The PFA Rules, 1955 (Appendix B),** and **the Fruit Products Order,
1955**, as amended, contain definitions and specific quality standards
for certain food products, such as processed cheese, ice cream, spice
mixes, milk and milk products, infant food, vegetable oils and
margarine, fruits and vegetable products, and basic food items like
wheat, rice, and pulses. Imported products must also meet the specified
quality standards.

**The Department of Commerce Notification No. 44 (RE-2000)/1997-2002,**
dated November 24, 2000, requires imports of certain products, including
some food products (milk powder, condensed milk, infant milk foods,
milk-cereal based weaning foods) and food additives, to comply with
mandatory Indian quality standards. All manufacturers and exporters
whose products are sold in India are required to register with the
Bureau of Indian Standards.
<http://dgftcom.nic.in/exim/2000/not/not00/not4400.htm>

However, the enforcement of this regulation has not been strict, as
current import volumes of the concerned products have been small (mostly
in mixed containers).

On March 21, 2005, the Department of Health issued a final Gazette
notification under the PFA, which establishes new standards for raisins,
pistachios, and dry fruits and nuts (including almonds).
[www.mohfw.nic.in/F18521032005.pdf](http://www.mohfw.nic.in/F18521032005.pdf)

# VIII. COPYRIGHT AND/OR TRADEMARK LAWS

The Indian Copyright Act of 1957 is based on the Bern Convention on
Copyrights, to which India is a party. May 1995 and December 1999
amendments increased protection and introduced stiff mandatory penalties
for copyright infringement. On paper, Indian copyright law is now on par
with the most modern laws in the world. Trademark protection was raised
to international standards with the passage of a new Trademark Bill in
December 1999. It codified the use and protection of foreign trademarks,
including service marks. Enforcement of intellectual property rights has
been weak, but the situation is improving, as the courts and police
respond to domestic concerns about the high cost of piracy to Indian
rights holders.

There is significant judicial precedence to protect foreign trademarks
in India. Indian courts have gone beyond the existing statutes and
restrained local companies from using world-renowned trademarks even
when they have not been registered in India. Nevertheless, foreign firms
can register their trademarks through a local agent by applying at the
office of Registrar of Trademarks
([www.ipindia.nic.in](http://www.ipindia.nic.in/)). However, it may take
3-5 years for the trademark to be officially accepted and notified.

# IX. IMPORT PROCEDURES

**Documentation:** Importers must furnish an import declaration in the
prescribed Bill of Entry format, disclosing the value of the imported
goods. This must be accompanied by any import licenses and phytosanitary
certificates (in case of agricultural commodities), along with
documentation such as sales invoices and freight and insurance
certificates. All consignments are required to be inspected prior to
clearance. In the current Customs set-up, appointing a clearing agent
avoids delays.

The clearance of imported food products at the port of entry requires a
certification from the port health authority that the product conforms
to the standards and regulations of the PFA. However, certification is
based mostly on visual inspection and records of past imports, as most
ports have very limited testing facilities. Consequently, importers of
new products can sometimes face undue delays in clearing their products.
The custom clearance period may last between one day and one month,
depending on the product and experience of the importer. In case of a
dispute or rejection of the consignment, the importer can file an appeal
at the Customs office at the port of entry.

Additional information on exporting food products to India is available
in the \"Exporter Guide\" (GAIN Report #IN4103), which can be accessed
via the FAS homepage.

# APPENDIX I. REGULATORY AGENCY CONTACTS

A. Prevention of Food Adulteration Act

Joint Secretary (PFA)

Department of Health

Ministry of Health & Family Welfare

Nirman Bhawan

Maulana Azad Road

New Delhi, 110 - 001

> Phone: (91-11) 23061195
>
> Fax: (91-11) 23061842
>
> E-mail: <dghs@nb.nic.in>
>
> Website: [www.mohfw.nic.in/pfa.htm](http://www.mohfw.nic.in/pfa.htm)

B. The Standards Weights and Measures Act

Additional Secretary (Weights & Measures)

Department of Consumer Affairs

Krishi Bhavan

New Delhi - 110 001

> Phone: (91-11) 23383027
>
> Fax: (91-11) 23386575
>
> E-mail: <as-ca@fca.nic.in>
>
> Website: <http://fcamin.nic.in/wm_ind.htm>

C. Phytosanitary issues

Plant Protection Advisor

Directorate of Plant Protection, Quarantine, and Storage

Ministry of Agriculture

N.H. IV

Faridabad - 121 001

Haryana

Phone: (91-129)2413985

(91-11)23385026 (Delhi Office)

> Fax: (91-129)2412125
>
> E-mail: <ppa@nic.in>
>
> Website:
> [www.plantquarantineindia.org](http://www.plantquarantineindia.org/)

D. Livestock and Products Imports

Joint Secretary (Administration)

Department of Animal Husbandry & Dairying

Ministry of Agriculture

Krishi Bhavan

New Delhi - 110 001

> Phone: (91-11)23387804
>
> Fax: (91-11)23386115
>
> E-mail: <jsadd@nic.in>
>
> Website: <http://dahd.nic.in/>

E. Ministry of Commerce

Director General of Foreign Trade

Ministry of Commerce

Udyog Bhavan

New Delhi - 110 011

> Phone: (91-11)23016262
>
> Fax: (91-11)23016225
>
> E-mail: <dgft@ub.nic.in>
>
> Website: <http://dgft.delhi.nic.in/>

F. Ministry of Food Processing Industry

Joint Secretary

Ministry of Food Processing Industries

Panch Sheel Bhawan

August Kranti Marg

New Delhi -- 110 049

Phone: (91-11)26492475

Fax: (91-11)26493228

E-mail: <anpsinha@mofpi.delhi.nic.in>

Website: <http://mofpi.nic.in/>

G. Registry of Trademarks

Office of the Controller General

Patents, Designs & Trade Marks

Old CGO Building

101 M. Karve Road

Mumbai -- 400 020

> Phone: (91-22)22035007
>
> Fax: (91-22)22089995
>
> E-mail: <cgpdtm@vsnl.net>
>
> Website: [www.ipindia.nic.in](http://www.ipindia.nic.in/)

H. Central Board of Excise & Customs

> Chairman
>
> Central Board of Excise & Customs
>
> Ministry of Finance
>
> North Block
>
> New Delhi -- 110 001
>
> Phone: (91-11)23092849
>
> Fax: (91-11)23093215
>
> E-mail: <cbecoff@finance.delhi.nic.in> 
>
> Website: <http://www.cbec.gov.in/>

# APPENDIX II. LIST OF APPROVED FOOD ADDITIVES

I. Coloring Matter

A. Natural Coloring Matters 1. Beta-carotene

2\. Beta-apo-8\'-carotenal

3\. Methylester of Beta-apo-8\' carotenoic acid

4\. Ethylester of Beta-apo-8\' carotenoic acid

5\. Canthaxanthin

6\. Chlorophyll

7\. Riboflavin/Lactoflavin

8\. Caramel

9\. Annatto

10\. Saffron

11\. Curcumin (or Turmeric)

B. Synthetic Coloring Matters 1. Ponceau 4R

2\. Carmoisine

3\. Erythrosine

4\. Tartrazine

5\. Sunset Yellow FCF

6\. Indigo Carmine

7\. Brilliant Blue FCF

8\. Fast Green FCF

Note: Maximum limit of permitted synthetic coloring matters is 100 parts
per million.

For details on uses and other terms and conditions relating to coloring
matter, please see Part VI of the PFA Rules updated, on October 1, 2004,
([www.mohfw.nic.in/pfa%20acts%20and%20rules.pdf](http://www.mohfw.nic.in/pfa acts and rules.pdf)),
and any subsequent notifications.

II\. Preservatives

A. Class I Preservatives 1. Common Salt

2\. Sugar

3\. Dextrose

4\. Glucose (Syrup)

5\. Spices

6\. Vinegar or Acetic Acid

7\. Honey

8\. Edible oils

B. Class II Preservatives 1. Benzoic acid including salts thereof

2\. Sulphurous acid and salts thereof

3\. Nitrates of Sodium or Potassium

4.  Sorbic acid and its sodium, potassium and calcium

> salts

5.  Nisin

6\. Sodium and calcium propionate

7\. Methyl or propyl Parahydroxy Benzoate

8.  Propionic acid, including esters or salts thereof

9\. Sodium diacetate

10. Sodium, potassium and calcium salts of lactic acid

The maximum allowable limit for class II preservatives varies with the
type of food in which it is used. There is no maximum allowed limit in
the use of class I preservatives.

For details on the specific use and other terms and conditions relating
to preservatives, please see Part X of the PFA Rules, updated on October
1, 2004,
([www.mohfw.nic.in/pfa%20acts%20and%20rules.pdf](http://www.mohfw.nic.in/pfa acts and rules.pdf)),
and any subsequent notifications.

III\. Poisonous Metal 1. Lead

2\. Copper

3\. Tin

4\. Zinc

> 5\. Cadmium
>
> 6\. Arsenic

7\. Mercury

8\. Methyl mercury

9.  Chromium

Tolerance limits for poisonous metals vary with the food in which they
appear.

For details on the specific use and other terms and conditions relating
to poisonous metals, please see Part XI of the PFA Rules, updated on
October 1, 2004,
([www.mohfw.nic.in/pfa%20acts%20and%20rules.pdf](http://www.mohfw.nic.in/pfa acts and rules.pdf)),
and any subsequent notifications.

IV\. Anti-oxidants, Emulsifying, Stabilizing, and Anti-Caking Agents

A. Anti-Oxidants 1. Lecithin

2\. Ascorbic acid

3\. Tocopherol

4.  Ethyl gallate

5\. Propyl gallate

6\. Octyl gallate

7\. Dodecyl gallate

8.  Ascrobyl palmitate

9\. Butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA)

10\. Citric acid

11\. Tartaric acid

12\. Gallic acid

13\. Resin Guaiac

14\. Tertiary Butyl Hydro Quinone (TBHQ)

B. Emulsifying and stabilizing agents

Permitted emulsifying and stabilizing agents include:

Agar, alginic acid, calcium and sodium alginates carrageen, edible gums
(such as guar, karaya arabic, carobean, furcellaran, tragacanth, gum
ghatti), dextrin, sorbitol, pectin, sodium and calcium pectate, sodium
citrate, sodium phosphates, sodium tartrate, clacium lactate, lecithin,
albumen, gelatin quillaia, modified starches, hydrolysed, proteins,
monoglycerides or diglycerides of fatty acids, synthetic lecithin,
propyleneglycol stearate, propylenegylcol alginate, methyl ethyl
cellulose, methyl cellulose, sodium carboxymethyl cellulose, stearyl
tartaric acid, esters of monoglycerides and digylcerides of fatty acids,
monosterin sodium sulphoacetate, sorbitan esters of fatty acids or in
combination, polyoxy-ethylene sorbiton monostenrate, sodium
stearoyl-2-lactylate and calcium stearoyl-2 lactylate, Polyglycerol
Esters of fatty acids and polyglycerol Ester of interesterified
Ricinoleic acid, and brominated vegetable oil, Glycerol esters of wood
resins (Ester Gum).

For details on the specific use and other terms and conditions relating
to anti-oxidants, emulsifying, stabilizing, and anti caking agents,
please see Part XII of the PFA Rules updated on October 1, 2004,
([www.mohfw.nic.in/pfa%20acts%20and%20rules.pdf](http://www.mohfw.nic.in/pfa acts and rules.pdf)),
and any subsequent notifications.

V. Flavoring Agents and related substances

All flavoring agents [other than]{.underline} the following may be used
in food

> 1\. Coumarin and dihydrocoumarin
>
> 2\. Tonkabean (Diptery adorat); and

3\. B-asarone and cinamyl anthracilate

4\. Estragole

5\. Ethyl Methyl Ketone

> 6\. Ethyl-3-Phenylglycidate
>
> 7\. Eugenyl methyl ether
>
> 8\. Methyl Beta napthyl Ketone
>
> 9\. P. Propylanisole
>
> 10\. Saffrole and Isosaffrole
>
> 11\. Thujone and Isothujone alpha and beta thujone

For details on the specific use and other terms and conditions relating
to flavoring agents ad substances, please see Part XIII of the PFA Rules
updated on October 1, 2004,
([www.mohfw.nic.in/pfa%20acts%20and%20rules.pdf](http://www.mohfw.nic.in/pfa acts and rules.pdf)),
and any subsequent notifications.

VI\. Sequestering and buffering agents

The following sequestering and buffering agents are allowed, subject to
limits prescribed in the PFA rules.

1\. Acetic acid

2.  Adlipic acid

3\. Calcium gluconate

4\. Calcium carbonate

> 5\. Calcium oxide

6\. Citric acid

7\. Malic acid

8\. DL Lactic acid (food grade)

a\) L (+) Lactic acid (food grade)

9\. Phosporic acid

10. Polyphosphate containing less than 6 phosphate

> mouties

11\. L (+) Tartaric acid

> 12\. Calcium Disodium, Ethylene, diamine tetra acelate

10. Fumeric acid.

For details on specific use and other terms and conditions relating to
sequestering and buffering agents, please see Part XVI of the PFA Rules
updated on October 1, 2004,
([www.mohfw.nic.in/pfa%20acts%20and%20rules.pdf](http://www.mohfw.nic.in/pfa acts and rules.pdf))
and any subsequent notifications.

VII\. Artificial Sweeteners

The following artificial sweeteners may be used in selected food
articles, subject to limits prescribed in the PFA rules.

1.  Saccharin Sodium

2.  Aspertame (methylester)

3.  Acesulfame Potassium

4.  Sucralose

For details on specific use and other terms and conditions relating to
artificial sweeteners, please see Part VIII (Section 47) of the PFA
Rules updated on October 1, 2004,
([www.mohfw.nic.in/pfa%20acts%20and%20rules.pdf](http://www.mohfw.nic.in/pfa acts and rules.pdf))
and any subsequent notifications.

# APPENDIX III. COMMODITY-SPECIFIC FAIRS REPORTS SUBMITTED SINCE LAST FAIRS COUNTRY REPORT

  ------------------- ---------------------------------------------------
  **Report No. and    **Topic**
  Date**              

  IN4086, 08/12/04    GOI Continues to ban imports of Poultry and Pork
                      Products

  IN4096, 09/10/04    Draft standard for Indian ready to serve
                      non-alcoholic beverages

  IN4099, 09/16/04    Plant Quarantine (Regulation of import into India)
                      (4^th^ Amendment) Order 2004

  IN4116, 10/20/04    Plant Quarantine (Regulation of Import into India)
                      Order, Amendment dated October 12, 2004

  IN5003, 01/28/05    The Food Safety and Standards Bill, 2005

  IN5008, 02/11/05    GOI Continues to ban imports of poultry and Pork
                      products

  IN5022, 03/11/05    GOI publishes an Amendment to the PFA Rules
                      pertaining to Food Additives

  IN5023, 03/11/05    GOI publishes an Amendment to the PFA Rules
                      pertaining to Infant Food

  IN5024, 03/11/05    Draft Standards for Spices and Products

  IN5025, 03/11/05    GOI Amends PFA Rules pertaining to Food Additives
                      in Edible Oils

  IN5035, 04/08/05    GOI publishes an Amendment to the PFA Rules
                      pertaining to Fish and Fish Products

  IN5040, 04/20/05    Plant Quarantine (Regulation of Import into India)
                      Amendments

  IN5046, 05/03/05    GOI publishes PFA Rules Amendment Regarding Food
                      Additives in Chocolates, Chewing Gum, etc.

  IN5049, 05/11/05    GOI Announces and Amendment to the Import Ban on
                      Live Vaccines

  IN5053, 05/13/05    Parliamentary Committee Invites Comments on the
                      Seeds Bill

  IN5058, 05/26/05    Prevention of Food Adulteration (Second Amendment)
                      Rules, 2005

  IN5063, 06/06/05    Standards for Vegetable Oils

  IN5068, 06/15/05    Plant Quarantine (Regulation of Import into India)
                      Proposed Third Amendment, 2005
  ------------------- ---------------------------------------------------

Any questions regarding Indian food and agricultural import regulations
and standards may be directed to the Agricultural Counselor's Office at
the US Embassy, New Delhi:

###### Counselor for Agricultural Affairs

**American Embassy, New Delhi**

**Department of State**

**Washington, DC 20521-9000**

**Phone: (91-11) 24198000**

**Fax: (91-11) 24198530**

**E-mail: <AgNewDelhi@usda.gov>**