Know the Procedure to Import Animal Food in India with us

Animal foods import particularly in India has substantially risen hence this paper due to the expansion of Animal markets and the shift in demand for high-quality Animal food. The primary products it imports include many Animal foods for consumption, complete diet products, treats and specific nutrition products. Key suppliers are the US and EU countries Specifically, Europe gets its oil imports from Saudi Arabia , and the USA has the largest portion of its oil imports from Canada. 

The Indian counterpart is the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India or FSSAI which monitors the regulatory environment, and imported products must adhere to high quality standards. Note that FSSAI stipulates quality and safety standards for imported products in order to protect the local population from inferior and substandard products. E-commerce has also made it easier to access imported varieties of Animal food products given that there is a vast market demand.

Table Of Content

What is Animal Food?

Animal food, which is also called Animal food or animal feed, is a specific kind of food for domestic animals, for example dogs and cats, birds and fish, cattle and others, as well as exotic animals for Animals. It delivers staple vitamins such as protein, fats, carbohydrates, and minerals, vitamins for their proper and healthy living. Specific types of animal food are dry kibble food, wet or canned food, semi-moist food products and homemade or raw diets. Any type has its benefits and meets the needs of various individuals and their diets. Products fed to animals are touches for meat, grains, vegetables, and supplements for a balanced diet. The Animal food in terms of quality and ingredients have the guidelines to follow set by organizations like Food Safety and Standards Authority so as to be safe for the Animals and adequate in nutritional value. For growth, energy, reproduction, and general wellbeing, it is important for proper nutrition which is why feeding the Animals and livestock appropriately is essential.
 

HSN Code for India's top-imported animal food 

HSN (Harmonised System Nomenclature) Code refers therefore to a universally adopted systematic arrangement of codes and names to help categorize goods for trading purposes. Initiated by the WCO that makes sure that there is standard in the classification of goods to the international boundaries. Animal food is found under HSN which is a broader classification of preparations used in animal feeding and has sub code of 2309.

The top HSN codes for Animal food imports in India are:

HSN Code	Product Description
23091000	Dog Food
23099090	Fish Food
39269099	Chew Sticks
39231090	Bird Food
25152090	Food Processors

Types and Classification of Animal Food Import in India

Types of Animal Food by Nutritional Content

1. Dry Food: Kibble, biscuits.
2. Wet Food: Canned food, pouches.
3. Semi-Moist Food: Meatloafs, pouches.
4. Raw Food: Fresh meat, BARF.
5. Specialty Diets: Grain-free, organic, holistic.

Classification by Intended Species

1. Dog Food: Puppy, adult, senior, breed-specific.
2. Cat Food: Kitten, adult, senior, breed-specific.
3. Specialty Animals: Bird, fish, small mammals, reptile food.

Classification by Form

1. Dry Form: Pellets/kibble, baked goods.
2. Wet Form: Canned food, pouches.
3. Frozen/Refrigerated: Raw food, fresh food.

Benefits to Import Animal Food in India

Importing animal food into India can offer various benefits to businesses and consumers. Here are some of the key advantages:

• Variety and Quality: Importing gives the Indian consumers an opportunity to get access to more varieties of Animal foods that cannot perhaps be produced locally. This includes prescription diets for various health issues that Animals may have, organic/natural foods, and well-known brands from around the world.
• Nutritional Diversity: Animal foods produced in other countries have some standard recipes that offer many nutrients, which may lead to enhanced health in animals. This is especially helpful in cases where people own Animals and they want to feed them balanced meals.
• Meeting Demand for Premium Products: Animal food is a product that is gradually gaining traction in India and a good number of consumers prefer to spend extra for quality Animal food products. Importing enables the retailers and distributors to meet this demand and provide the premium brands that may not be availed locally.
• Innovation and Technology: Some of the key markets, many of which are global, focus on research and development to enhance their Animal food formulations. Such products can help introduce new nutritional technologies and inventions into the country, which would assist in overall Animal health.
• Economic Opportunities: Despite the growth of local production of Animal foods, importation of Animal foods opens business opportunities for importers, distributors, wholesalers, and retailers in India. It creates employment and trading opportunities for Animal care sectors.

 

Who can apply to Import Animal Food in India

A valid & eligible Import Export Code (IEC) holder, especially in trading and marketing of various animal food products, and industries sourcing the same for further processing can apply for the sanitary import permit.

 

Procedure to Import Animal food in India 

Importing animal food into India involves several steps to ensure compliance with various regulations and standards. Here is a general procedure for importing animal food into India:

1. Business Registration:

• Company Registration: In case the business is not registered, it must be registered as a business entity in India like Pvt Ltd, LLP etc.
• GST Registration: It is important for businesses to register for GST or Goods and Services Tax as well.

2. Importer Exporter Code (IEC):

• IEC Application: Under the Foreign Trade Policy, you should apply and secure an Importer Exporter Code (IEC) from the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT).

3. Product Approval:

• Product Classification: The other way is by categorizing the Animal food product under the Indian Trade Classification or known as the HSN Code.
• FSSAI Approval: Make sure you have the proper FSSAI permit before importing Animal foods into India. Ensure that the quality of the product meets the requirements of the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India.

4. Documentation:

• For proper registration the exporter should ensure that he has the following documents; Commercial invoice, packing list, bill of lading or airway bill, certificate of origin, import permit or license and any other relevant document that may be required.

5. Customs Clearance:

• Submit a customs declaration through ICEGATE or engage a customs agent and estimate the customs tariffs, the GST and any other taxes or charges.
• Also your shipment may be required to go through a customs clearance process.

6. Transportation and Logistics:

• Transport Arrangement: Organize for transport from the entry port to your business premises either your office or the warehouse.
• Insurance: There are proposals to arrange insurance of shipment as this will guarantee that your shipment is protected against potential damages.

7. Post-Arrival Formalities:

• Port Clearance: Get permission from the port authorities.
• FSSAI Inspection: The FSSAI may conduct an inspection on the Animal food at its arrival.

8. Distribution and Sales:

• Market Entry: After clearing, sell your Animal food to the public through business outlets either physical or online, depending on your strategy.

 

Documents Required to Import Animal Food

To import animal food into India, you need to prepare and submit various documents to ensure compliance with regulatory requirements. Here is a list of essential documents required for importing animal food:

1. Sanitary Import Permit
2. Import-Export Code (IEC)
3. FSSAI Importer License 
4. Certificate of Origin 
5. Phyto-Sanitary Certificate 
6. Certificate of Analysis 
7. End-User Declaration
8. Labeling Requirements 
9. Veterinary Health Certificate

 

Fee Charges to Import Animal Food in India 

The total cost to import animal food into India would include the costs of obtaining the necessary licenses and permits, meeting labeling requirements, as well as the applicable import duties and taxes. The exact costs would depend on the specific product, country of origin, and other details of the import transaction.
 

Port to Import Animal Food 

Importation of Animal Food in India is only allowed through Sea and Airport of Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata and Hyderabad.

Conclusion

The Indian market in Animals is expanding the consumption of animal food due to the higher standard products imported. Major products include canned and dry Animal foods, complete diet Animal foods, Animal treats, and nutrition supplementary products from the leading supply countries such as the America and the Europe Countries. Some of the high-quality products imported into the country meet Indian Interests and quality tests as arranged by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI). Importing offers better opportunities such as getting a variety, better quality, and new products, increasing diversity in food nutrition, and business opportunities for domestic companies. The ones for importing include registration of the business, registration of IEC or Importer Exporter Code, the approval of the FSSAI, and documentation properly.