In a move aimed at easing operational challenges for alcohol importers on June 13, 2025, the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has announced a significant extension in the validity of the No Objection Certificate (NOC) for imported alcoholic beverages.
According to the official notification issued by FSSAI’s Trade and International Cooperation Division, the NOC validity for alcoholic beverages either bottled at origin or imported in bulk will now be extended to 365 days under specific conditions.
What the New Order for Imported Alcoholic Beverages
The revised directive, issued under Regulation 14(2) of the Food Safety and Standards (Import) Regulations, 2017, applies to alcoholic beverages containing more than 10% alcohol by volume and not bearing an expiry date. Key highlights include:
- The NOC will remain valid for 365 days from the date of issue.
- If the consignment remains unclaimed or delayed at the port beyond this period, revalidation may be granted through visual inspection, subject to payment of the standard visual inspection fee.
- This notification overrides all previous orders concerning NOC validity for such imports.
Extended NOC Validity for Imported Alcoholic Beverages Explained
The extension is designed to streamline port procedures and reduce bottlenecks often faced by importers of alcoholic products. It also offers much-needed clarity and flexibility to businesses dealing in non-expiring items such as wine, whisky, vodka, and fortified liquors.
This update serves several strategic objectives:
- Facilitates smoother customs clearance
- Minimizes administrative burden
- Supports inventory management and long-haul shipping logistics
- Ensures food safety compliance without slowing trade
Industry Impact
Industry insiders have welcomed the decision, calling it a practical step that aligns food safety enforcement with the realities of international alcohol trade.
“This policy shift by FSSAI is crucial for improving efficiency in import operations. With longer NOC validity and revalidation options, we can better manage shipments without the constant pressure of regulatory timelines,” said a Mumbai-based wine importer.”
This move is also in sync with FSSAI’s broader agenda of enhancing India’s ease of doing business score, while maintaining stringent quality control in the import of food and beverage products.
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