FSSAI Sets July 1 as Annual Implementation Date for Labeling Regulations

The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has issued a press release regarding the enforcement of its labelling regulations, stating that any amendments issued under Food Safety and Standards (Labelling and Display) Regulations, 2020 will be enforced from July 1 each year. The enforcement date is subject to a minimum of 180 days from the date of notification for the amendments related to the labeling regulations and also for any change in labelling specified in other FSS Regulations.

This announcement marks a key step toward streamlining the ease of doing business and simplifying compliance requirements in the food sector, providing manufacturers with a clear, annual deadline for compliance. By establishing a clear and predictable timeline for enforcement, the authority aims to help food manufacturers avoid disruptions and manage their operations more efficiently. Food manufacturers will have uniform timelines to make adjustments to their labelling practices in accordance with updated regulations.

Businesses often found themselves in a situation where changes to food labels were required immediately after a regulation was updated, which created challenges in managing inventory, packaging, and marketing strategies. This move allows the utilization of pre-printed packaging materials over a longer duration, reducing waste and fostering operational efficiency.