TMI BlogApplication of PFA Act, 1954 for the clearance of consignments of food articles – instructions – regarding -X X X X Extracts X X X X X X X X Extracts X X X X ..... g no objection certificate from the Port Health Officers (PHOs). Since then several references have been received from the trade as well as Customs field formations stating that the testing of samples of all the consignments of food articles in Central Food Laboratories causes delay in clearance of such articles. The Ministry of External Affairs has also highlighted such problems faced by trade at the Indo-Nepal border. Considering the difficulties faced by the trade, the said Circular has been reviewed in consultation with the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. 2. Pursuant to the said review, the following decisions have been taken for clearance of food articles. 2.1.The Customs shall undertake following general checks ..... X X X X Extracts X X X X X X X X Extracts X X X X ..... to clearance of the same. Such items should be cleared after conducting the checks as mentioned in sub-para 2.1 above and relying on the certificates from internationally known testing labs or Government labs about these products conforming the food safety and quality of such products. If perishable items such as raw meat, fish etc. are not meant for direct use by the importer, samples shall be taken and tested. The consignments should be released after receipt of test report. Pending testing goods may be stored under bonded warehouse in proper refrigerated conditions. 2.3(i) As regards non-perishable items, it has been decided to categorise the products of mass consumption like edible oil, pulses, cereals as high risk products. ..... X X X X Extracts X X X X X X X X Extracts X X X X ..... s are re-exported out of the country or destroyed as required under the relevant rules. 2.5. As regards ICDs, CFSs ports airports, where Port Health Officers are not available, the Customs shall draw the samples and get these tested from the nearest Central Food Laboratory or a laboratory authorised for such testing by the Directorate General of Health Services. 2.6. The Customs shall also develop a data base regarding importers and import sources and products which are found to consistently fail the tests and give some feedback on the nature of the shortcomings noted to the DGHS to serve as input for policy formulation. 3. The Board Circular No. 29/99-Cus., dated 25th May, 1999 [1999 (108) E.L.T. (T48)] st ..... X X X X Extracts X X X X X X X X Extracts X X X X
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