It has been decided by Government to establish risk based sampling of consignments for faster clearance of import and export at the ports/airports/other points of entry.
After detailed consultations, it has been decided that amongst others, it is possible to reduce the time taken for clearance of imported consignments by adopting a risk based criteria for clearance of such consignments in place of samples being drawn from each consignment.
Therefore, the Government of India has, with a view to facilitate speedier trade across borders, decided to introduce risk based sampling of import consignments covered under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006 and regulations thereunder and the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940 and Rules thereunder.
For this purpose, a software is being developed by the Department of Revenue in consultation with other Departments concerned. Subject to development of software, the new procedure of risk based sampling for clearance of imported consignments would be operationalized with effect from 01.03.2016.
Accordingly, samples from only such consignments of food and drugs as identified on the basis of pre-defined risk parameters will be subjected to sampling at the ports/airports other points of entry.
