Required Report - public distribution

**Date:** 7/29/2004

**GAIN Report Number:** IN4077

IN4077

**India**

**Food and Agricultural Import Regulations and Standards**

**Country Report**

**2004**

**Approved by:**

![](media/image1.wmf)Chad R. Russell

U.S. Embassy, New Delhi

**Prepared by:**

A. Govindan

**Report Highlights:**

\*Updated on August 1, 2004\*. \*All sections updated\*. \*Plant
Quarantine (Regulation of Import into India) Order, 2003, with
amendments, implemented\*. \*New labeling requirement for food products
containing permitted artificial sweeteners established\*. \*MRLs for
additional 50 pesticides finalized, but not implemented\*. \*\"High
Risk\" food items, subject to 100 percent sampling, announced \*. \*Sale
of fresh fruits and vegetables coated with all types of waxes, minerals,
and colors prohibited\*.

Includes PSD Changes: No

Includes Trade Matrix: No

Annual Report

New Delhi \[IN1\]

\[IN\]

**Table of Contents**

[**I. FOOD LAWS 3**](#__RefHeading___Toc78687687)

[II. LABELING REQUIREMENTS 4](#ii.-labeling-requirements)

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

[IV. FOOD ADDITIVE REGULATIONS 6](#iv.-food-additive-regulations)

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

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

[VII. OTHER SPECIFIC STANDARDS 7](#vii.-other-specific-standards)

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

[IX. IMPORT PROCEDURES 8](#ix.-import-procedures)

[Appendix I. Regulatory Agency Contacts
9](#appendix-i.-regulatory-agency-contacts)

[Appendix II. List of Approved Food Additives
11](#appendix-ii.-list-of-approved-food-additives)

[Appendix III: Commodity Specific FAIRS Reports submitted since last
FAIRS Country Report
14](#appendix-iii-commodity-specific-fairs-reports-submitted-since-last-fairs-country-report)

**NOTE: This report was prepared by the Office of Agricultural Affairs,
US Department of Agriculture, New Delhi, India 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 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 the nation against impure, unsafe, and fraudulently
labeled foods is the **Prevention of Food Adulteration Act (PFA) of
1954** and **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, 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, such as prescribing recipes for how food products are to
be manufactured. Concerned parties can 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 **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 in 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 **Standards of Weights and Measures (Packaged
Commodities) Rule, 1977** and 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 sale 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 Fruit Products Order, 1955 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
imports. For details see: <http://agmarknet.nic.in/mfpo1973.htm>

# Livestock Importation Act, 1898

Under the Livestock Importation Act, 1898, the government laid down
procedures for the importation of livestock and 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 milk 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 imports of agricultural products into India. 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)

# 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, lay down
labeling requirements for all packaged foods. The label should provide
the following information:

-   Name, trade name or description contained in the package

-   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 (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, fresh water or marine animals, eggs, or
    product of any animal origin as an ingredient, [not]{.underline}
    including milk or milk products), must have a symbol of a brown
    color-filled circle inside a square with a brown outline to be
    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 to be 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.

In the case of imported packaged food, all declarations 1) may be
printed on a label securely affixed to the package; or 2) may be made on
an additional wrapper containing the imported package; or 3) may be
printed on the package itself; or 4) may be made on a card or tape
affixed firmly to the package or container and bearing the required
information prior to customs clearance. 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.

**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.\"

**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. (See
[www.mohfw.nic.in/GSR%20388(E).pdf](http://www.mohfw.nic.in/GSR 388(E).pdf))

**B. Requirements Specific to Nutritional Labeling**

Implied nutritional and health claims are allowed on food products.
However, there are no statutory nutritional requirements. Manufactured
and imported food stuffs 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 and/or 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. Use of materials such as Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) is not
allowed in 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**

**Anti-Oxidants, Emulsifying,**

## Stabilizing, and anti-caking Agents Part XII

> **Flavoring agents and related Substances Part XIII**
>
> **Sequestering and buffering agents Part XVI**
>
> **Food Additives 1/ Part XIX**

**1/** As 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))

Imported processed foods containing coloring matter, preservatives, food
additives, etc. should conform to the regulations contained in the PFA
rules, 1955.

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

# 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 181 pesticides registered
(<http://cibrc.nic.in/reg_products.htm>) for regular use in India, only
71 (<http://mohfw.nic.in/pfarules.pdf>, Part XIV pages 95-107) have MRLs
notified. For an additional 50 pesticides, MRLs are finalized and draft
notifications have been issued (see
[http://mohfw.nic.in/GSR%20768%20(E).pdf](http://mohfw.nic.in/GSR 768 (E).pdf)),
but they have not been implemented yet. There are 27 pesticides that do
not require MRLs. For the remaining 33 pesticides, MRLs have not yet
been established. The CODEX MRLs may be accepted for imported foodstuffs
only for those pesticides not included in India's positive list of
pesticides. See also IN4054 "Frequently Asked Questions About Pesticide
MRLs."

# VI. OTHER REGULATIONS AND REQUIREMENTS

Product registration is not required for imported products. All imported
foods are randomly sampled at the port of entry for their conformity to
PFA standards. On June 16, 2004, the Ministry of Commerce and Industry
published a list of "high risk" food items, imports of which will be
subject to 100 percent sampling with immediate effect. The 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 for sample shipments is provided in
Appendix I. Once the products enter the domestic market, they are to be
monitored randomly at the retail/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 renewable for 2 years at a time,
subject to terms and conditions.

# 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.

**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. However, the enforcement of this regulation
has been very lax, as current import volumes of these products have been
small (mostly in mixed containers).

# VIII. COPYRIGHT AND/OR TRADEMARK LAWS

Indian law is supposed to provide rigorous protection for copyrighted
material. 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.

The reputation of foreign trademarks are recognized in India, and there
is significant judicial precedence to protect them. 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. However, it may take 3-5 years for the trademark to be
officially accepted and notified.

# IX. IMPORT PROCEDURES

**Documentation:** Importers are required to furnish an import
declaration in the prescribed Bill of Entry format, disclosing full
details of the value of 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 regulation 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 vary from one day to 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 #IN3091), 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 Bhavan

Maulana Azad Road

New Delhi, 110 - 001

> Phone: (91-11) 23019195
>
> Fax: (91-11) 23017924
>
> 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: <asca@fca.delhi.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@hub.nic.in>
>
> Website:
> [www.plantquarantineindia.org](http://www.plantquarantineindia.org/)

D. Livestock and Products Imports

Joint Secretary (Trade)

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@hub.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)23011573
>
> 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

Registrar of Trademarks

Trademark Registry

Central Building

M. Karve Road

Mumbai -- 400 020

> Phone: (91-22)22035007
>
> Fax: (91-22)22089995
>
> E-mail: <tmrmum@bom5.vsnl.net.in>
>
> Website: [www.skorydov.com/tmr/](http://www.skorydov.com/tmr/)

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:
> [www.cbec.gov.in/cae/customs/cs-mainpg.htm](http://www.cbec.gov.in/cae/customs/cs-mainpg.htm)

# 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

P.S. Maximum limit of permitted synthetic coloring matters - 100 parts
per million

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.  Nicin

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 stuff in which it is used. Please note that there is no
maximum allowed limit in the use of class I preservatives.

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 the poisonous metals vary with the food stuffs in
which they are added.

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, mehtyl 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).

V. Flavoring Agents and related substances

All flavoring agents other than 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 Mehtyl Ketone

6.  Ethyl-3-Phenylglycidate

7.  Eugenyl methyl ether

8\. Mehtyl Beta napthyl Ketone

9\. P. Propylanisole

10. Saffrole and Isosaffrole

11. Theyone and Isotheyone alpha and beta theyone

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

13\. Fumeric acid.

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

# Appendix III: Commodity Specific FAIRS Reports submitted since last FAIRS Country Report

  ------------------- ---------------------------------------------------
  **Report \# and     **Topic**
  Date**              

  IN3085, 9/11/2003   Proposed Amendments to the PFA Rules relating to
                      Beverages

  IN3102, 10/21/2003  Amendment to the PFA Rules relating to Waxing of
                      Fresh Fruits

  IN3114, 11/19/2003  Proposed Amendment to the PFA Rule relating to Dry
                      Fruits & Nuts

  IN3115, 11/20/2003  Proposed Amendment to the PFA Rule relating to
                      Pesticide Tolerance Limits

  IN3126, 12/29/2003  Plant Quarantine (Regulation of Import into India)
                      Order 2003

  IN4011, 2/10/2004   Additional Declarations for Pet Food Importers

  IN4012, 2/12/2004   Plant Quarantine (Regulation of Import into India)
                      Order, 2004

  IN4024, 3/18/2004   New Sanitary Conditions for Dairy Product Imports

  IN4032, 4/5/2004    Plant Quarantine (Regulation of Import into India)
                      (2^nd^ Amend.) Order, 2004

  IN4054, 6/4/2004    Frequently Asked Questions About Pesticide MRLs

  IN4055, 6/7/2004    Plant Quarantine (Regulation of Import into India)
                      (3^rd^ Amend.) Order, 2004

  IN4061, 6/22/2004   GOI Notifies "High Risks" Food Items for Imports

  IN4066, 7/6/2004    GOI Publishes Two Amendments to PQO 2003

  IN4069, 7/13/2004   Amendment to the GOI Order Banning Imports of All
                      Poultry and Pork Products

  IN4073, 7/16/2004   GOI Publishes an Amendment to the PFA Rules
  ------------------- ---------------------------------------------------

Any questions regarding Indian food and agricultural import regulations
and standards may also 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) 24198297**

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

E-mail: [**AgNewDelhi@fas.usda.gov**](mailto:AgNewDelhi@fas.usda.gov)