Introduction
The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) issued a Public Notice on 10 August 2026. The notice covers Non Food Grade Items in Bills of Entry. FSSAI has identified a routing issue with these imports. Many Bills of Entry for non food grade items reach FSSAI for clearance. This issue mainly affects items with both food and non food uses under the same HSN code.
FSSAI has now provided a specific declaration for such items. Importers and Customs Brokers may declare the “NFG” qualifier in ICEGATE. The qualifier indicates non food end use.
Why Are Non Food Items Routed to FSSAI?
Some products have both food and non food uses. These products can fall under the same HSN code. As a result, the HSN code alone may not show the actual end use. A non food item may therefore reach FSSAI for clearance. FSSAI has issued this notice to address that issue. The notice focuses on non food grade items with dual food and non food use under the same HSN code.
What Is the NFG Qualifier?
The NFG qualifier indicates that an imported item has a non food end use. Importers and Customs Brokers may declare “NFG” in ICEGATE for this purpose. FSSAI has also advised them to use the qualifier while filing Bills of Entry under the Single Window system, where applicable. The qualifier helps identify the intended use of the imported item during the import process.
How Will the NFG Qualifier Help?
The NFG qualifier supports the correct routing of Bills of Entry. FSSAI states that the use of “NFG” in the SWIFT system will enable correct PGA routing. It will also help prevent non applicable Bills of Entry from reaching FSSAI.
This change is relevant to products with both food and non food applications. It helps distinguish non food consignments during the import process.
What Should Importers Do?
Importers should review the end use of products that fall under dual use HSN codes. Where the product has a non food end use, the importer or Customs Broker should consider the NFG qualifier in ICEGATE. The importer should provide accurate product and end use information during the Bill of Entry process. The NFG qualifier should apply only where the imported item has a non food end use.
Role of Customs Brokers
Customs Brokers will support the implementation of this clarification. They should review the relevant product details before filing the Bill of Entry. They should also consider the declared end use of the imported item.
Where applicable, Customs Brokers should use the NFG qualifier while filing the Bill of Entry under the Single Window system. This can support the appropriate PGA routing or non routing of the Bill of Entry.
FSSAI Non Food Grade Items and PGA Routing
The Public Notice links the NFG qualifier directly with PGA routing. FSSAI states that the qualifier will help the system route the Bill of Entry correctly. It will also prevent non applicable Bills of Entry from reaching FSSAI.
This approach is particularly relevant when the same HSN code covers both food and non food products.
Alignment With the CBIC Circular
FSSAI states that the Public Notice aligns with the Customs Circular dated 22 April 2026. The Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs issued the circular on the declaration of Non Food Grade Items in Bills of Entry. This provides a consistent approach to the declaration of non food end use.
Key Points for Importers
Importers and Customs Brokers should consider the following points:
- Review products with both food and non food applications.
- Check the applicable HSN code and intended end use.
- Use the “NFG” qualifier in ICEGATE, where applicable.
- Use the qualifier while filing the Bill of Entry under the Single Window system.
- Ensure that the declaration reflects the non food end use.
- Use the NFG qualifier to support appropriate PGA routing or non routing.
What Does This Mean for Businesses?
The clarification is relevant to businesses that import products with dual food and non food applications. The same HSN code may cover both types of products. This can result in a non food item reaching FSSAI for clearance. The NFG qualifier provides a way to identify the non food end use during the import process. For importers, the key step is to assess the intended use of the product. Where applicable, they should declare the NFG qualifier during the Bill of Entry filing process.
Conclusion
The FSSAI Public Notice dated 10 August 2026 provides a clarification for FSSAI Non Food Grade Items. The notice addresses non food items that have dual food and non food use under the same HSN code. FSSAI has advised importers and Customs Brokers to use the “NFG” qualifier in ICEGATE, where applicable. The qualifier indicates non food end use. It also supports correct PGA routing and helps prevent non applicable Bills of Entry from reaching FSSAI. Importers and Customs Brokers should therefore review the end use of relevant consignments. They should use the NFG qualifier where it applies.
Click here to read the full notification
Want to stay ahead of FSSAI advisories and food safety regulations? Download the myFSSAI App for real-time alerts, enforcement updates, and expert compliance guidance all in one place.