Steps to Import Animal Food in India - A Complete Procedure

Although the process of importing the Animal food into India may not always be very easy but if the proper knowledge and adequate planning and conduct have been done then it becomes very easy and fruitful. Animal food products that one would want to introduce into the India market are bound by regulation stipulated by the Food Safety and Standards Authority Of India. This will be a blog post that needs to be detailed for various procedures as well as things to consider while importing Animal food into India.

Table Of Content

What is Animal Food?

Animal food is the commercially prepared food that comes in various forms: For Animals, you might have options such as dry kibble, wet pouches or canned food. These are created to meet the dietary requirements or needs of the Animal in its particular life stage whether it is a playing puppy or a geriatric cat. Since each canine is unique, one has to eat the right food for his or her age, breed, and level of activity. Others may choose to provide table scraps or cook food, and while this practice may help the animal avoid metabolic diseases, the food must be identified and recommended by a vet so that it contains the right nutrients in the correct portions.

There are basic nutritional needs which animals that are raised for food on farms need to meet. Cargo feed consists of substances such as grains (corn, oats), protein sources (soybean meal), as well as vitamins and minerals. This way the mixture formulated is enough to supply all the nutrients in order for the animals to grow in healthy and hearty formation.

Why do you need to Import Animal Food?

There are several reasons why importing animal food can be necessary or beneficial:

Variety and Choice: The importation of Animal products gives the Animal owners a variety of products that might not be available in the market. This comprises natural foods, organic foods or specific brands of foods that cater for special diet requirements or that of the preferences of the specific Animal.
Quality Assurance: This is due to perceptions of Animal owners as far as quality is concerned or set nutritional requirements that may not be satisfied by locally manufactured brands.
Demand for Premium Products: As more and more consumers are willing to spend more of their money on the food they buy for their Animals, there is consequently a demand for more imported products that contain diversified ingredients or formulas.
Specialized Needs: Some animals may have specific diseases or allergies that can only be addressed through a diet that can only be sourced from other countries.
Market Trends: Some global trends in Animal food or other ingredients like grain-free diets or natural ones may lead to the importation of goods through intermediaries that are preferred by consumers.

Step by Step Procedure to Import Animal Food

The procedure to import Animal food in India involves several steps:

Step 1: Obtain Import Permit from DADF

The Indian importer must apply to the Department of Animal Husbandry, Dairying, and Fisheries (DADF) for an import license. The importer is required to give details on the processing of the product and the details of the method used in the processing.

Step 2: Ensure Compliance with Sanitary Conditions

Temperature Processing: The Animal food also has to be heated at a minimum temperature of 70°C for a period of thirty minutes and can be done through another method that has been approved by the DADF.
Ingredient Origin: Any product of another animal (except milk or milk products, protein-free rendered fat of ovine or caprine origin or ovine or caprine materials from countries that are BSE and scrapie free) cannot be used in the Animal food.

Step 3: Obtain Certificate of Origin

Country of Origin: The country of origin must be stated and clearly noticeable on the surface of the certificate.

Step 4: Obtain Phyto-Sanitary Certificate

Phyto-Sanitary Certificate: The exporting country is required to provide a phyto-sanitary certificate featuring details of country of origin as well as necessary treatment and certifications.

Step 5: Labeling Requirements

Labeling: The labeling of Animal food products must be accurate and must contain the following information on its label, including the country of origin, ingredients, and declaration of the final use of the product.

Step 6: Post-Entry Quarantine

Post-Entry Quarantine: Some of the samples will be taken for lab analysis to determine if the Animal food conforms to specifications relevant to the Indian market. If there is any disease or anything that poses a risk will be found, the shipment will be turned down and the necessary measures taken.

Step 7: Clearance and Distribution

Clearance: The Animal food will be released from the customs after producing permit and certificate documents as required.
Distribution: The Animal food will reach the targeted location in India.

Additional Requirements

End-Use Declaration: The importer is required to provide information on the use of the product that is imported into the country.
Temperature Chart: The temperature chart or report may be necessary if the Animal food is trans-shipped using cold chain technologies.
Commercial Invoice: It is also important to know certain facts such as every Bill of Entry must contain a commercial invoice.
Packing List: In the Bill of Entry, it will be necessary to provide a packing list.

Special Conditions to Import Animal Food

Quarantine Checks: Pre-shipment certification and quarantine checks that may be required at any stage of the transportation process are likely to be placed on the shipment.
Risk Analysis: The provisions of the application will be understood in light of the threat to animal and human health in India by the trade division of the department of animal husbandry and dairying.

Timeline to Import Animal Food

Sometimes Import permits may take a few weeks, a few months clearance and distribution of the imported goods depends on the complicated process of import and heavily bound customs and regulatory frameworks.

Conclusion

The process of importing Animal food to India has various regulatory laws and guidelines set by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India. Animal food refers to food manufactured and processed for consumption by the animals and comes in various classes that include; Puppy, gilt, mature and geriatric among others. Importation of Animal foods benefits owners in the way of variety, quality of the Animal food products, and the core need of specific Animals. It includes import permit from the DADF, sanitary regulations, Certificate of origin, phyto-sanitary certification, proper labeling, post-entry examination, clearance and/or distribution, and other formalities such as end-use declaration, temperature chart, commercial invoice, packing list, further tests in quarantine, and risk assessment. Exporting Animal food takes a reasonable time depending on the procedures involved and other legislations set in place.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How do I obtain an Importer Exporter Code (IEC)?

An IEC can be obtained through an online application at the DGFT website after uploading essential documents:

PAN card
Bank certificate or a canceled cheque
Passport-sized photograph
Address proof

How do I ensure that the pet food meets Indian safety standards?

It must be tested and it must be FSSAI compliant pet food. It must not contain any contaminants, toxins or pathogenic microorganisms in it before its preparation. Additional certification from a third-party lab may be necessary to establish compliance with safety standards that may exist.

Can I import all types of pet food into India?

Some pet foods are not permitted for sale or consumption. There could be limitations or even total ban on particular ingredients or additives. Before importing pet food, every person should review the FSSAI regulation and AQCS guidelines if there is any ban in importing that particular product.

Are clearance certificates required to import animal food in India?

Yes, importing animal food requires proper clearance certificates to comply with health and import regulations, similar to the requirements for tea import and export. For details, visit Clearance Certificate for Import and Export of Tea.