FSSAI has permitted the import of certain special food formulations for personal use on the basis of a signed declaration. The FSSAI has permitted the import of these food articles keeping in mind that a number of patients require these special foods which are prescribed to them by their doctors.

Certain patients face life threatening diseases and doctors sometimes prescribe special food formulations for them which are not available or manufactured in India. These foods therefore need to be imported from other countries. Some patients find it difficult to import such foods because of the lack of awareness of regulations and procedures required for such imports. Therefore FSSAI has clarified how these patients can import these special food formulations for their personal use and as prescribed by doctors without encumbering any difficulty.

The FSSAI has stated in the order that patients who have been prescribed such special food formulations or their relatives can import these articles of food for personal use. The importer has to simply submit the signed declaration in FORM 7 to the Authorised Officer/ Customs either personally or through email. Once the declaration has been submitted the food articles can be procured either through a courier service or any other suitable mode of transport. Submission of signed Form 7 is sufficient requirement for the import of special food imports for personal use.

Form 7 is a declaration and undertaking by the importer that the food articles are for their personal special need. The declaration and undertaking has to be in accordance with the format given by FSSAI. Importer has to mention

  • Name, address and contact information
  • Name of the food and country from where it is being imported
  • Mode of import with Bill of entry number and date
  • Net weight has to be declared
  • Passport number and country of issue, in case foreigners and NRIs are bringing or importing such food into India for their personal use

In the undertaking the importer has to submit that the imported special food formulation is for personal use and will not be sold or released into the domestic market in any manner whatsoever. They have to affirm that all the information given in the form is true and correct. Signing on the form means that the importer has declared that they will be liable if there is any contravention of the FSS Act 2006 through such imports.