India Amends Labeling, Licensing, and Import Regulations for Food and Supplements
The FSSAI has issued multiple gazette notifications in late 2025 and Q1 2026, amending crucial Food Safety and Standard regulations concerning labeling, licensing, and import procedures. These updates demand immediate attention from supplement manufacturers and brand owners operating in or exporting to India.
New regulatory gazette notifications from the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) have introduced significant amendments across several critical areas, impacting supplement and food businesses in India. The FSSAI uploaded these changes between November 2025 and April 2026, requiring prompt compliance from manufacturers, brand owners, and importers. Key among these are changes to labelling, licensing, and import protocols.
Specifically, the Food Safety and Standards (Labelling and Display) First Amendment Regulations, 2026, issued on 30 March 2026, provide exemptions for Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) declarations for infant nutrition products and non-retail containers. This modification can simplify labelling artwork and reduce compliance complexities for producers of these specific goods. Concurrently, the Food Safety and Standards (Licensing and Registration of Food Businesses) Amendment Regulations, 2026, published on 12 March 2026, signals potential changes to the operational requirements for obtaining and maintaining food business licenses. Operators must reassess current licensing frameworks to ensure ongoing adherence.
Further, the Food Safety and Standards (Import) First Amendment Regulations, 2025, dated 06 November 2025, outline revised procedures concerning “Method of Analysis and Signing Authority” for imported products. This update will directly influence the import clearance process, potentially altering lead times and demanding adjustments in documentation and quality control protocols for all imported supplements. Additionally, throughout Q1 2026 and Q4 2025, the FSSAI has issued numerous notifications appointing and denotifying Food Safety Officers and NABL-accredited laboratories, including those specifically for airports, railways, and fortified rice kernels. These appointments enhance the regulatory oversight and enforcement infrastructure across various points of entry and specific product categories within India.
What this means for India
Indian supplement brand owners and manufacturers must immediately review their labelling compliance for infant nutrition and bulk products, capitalising on the new RDA exemption to potentially reduce print costs or streamline design approvals. Procurement and import teams must update their standard operating procedures (SOPs) to align with the FSSAI's new 'Method of Analysis and Signing Authority' rules from 06 November 2025, mitigating risks of import delays and ensuring customs clearance. Manufacturers need to assess the implications of the updated Licensing and Registration Regulations from 12 March 2026 on their operational continuity and compliance costs. These changes underscore a heightened regulatory environment, demanding proactive engagement to maintain market access and operational efficiency.
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