OFFICE OF THE COMMISSIONER OF CUSTOMS CUSTOM HOUSE, KANDLA, KUCHCHH COMMISSIONERATE
Subject:- Monitoring of food import from Japan for radioactive contamination –Reg.
A copy of Instruction dated 17th March’2011 issued from F.No. 450/22/2011-Cus-IV by Sh. RP Singh, Director (Customs) to the Government of India, Ministry of Finance, Department of Revenue, CBEC, New Delhi, is enclosed herewith for information, guidance and necessary action.
2. Any difficulty faced in implementation of the above Instructions may be brought to the notice of the undersigned immediately.
3. All the Trade Associations/Chamber of Commerce/Members of Regional Advisory Committees and Custom House Agents’ Association are requested to publicize the contents of this Public Notice among their members/constituents, for their information and necessary action.
Encl.: As above.
(D. S. Negi)
Commissioner
F.NO.: S/20-02/2011-Appg (G)
Date: 11.03.2011
To,
Instructions
F.No.450 /22/2011-Cus.IV
Government of India
Ministry of Finance
Department of Revenue
Central Board of Excise & Customs
227-B, North Block,
New Delhi – 110001.
17th March, 2011.
To
All Chief Commissioners of Customs / Customs (Prev.).
All Chief Commissioners of Customs & Central Excise.
All Commissioners of Customs / Customs (Prev.).
All Commissioners of Customs & Central Excise.
All Directors General under CBEC.
Director, Central Revenues Control Laboratory.
Subject: Monitoring of food import from Japan for radioactive contamination – regarding.
*****
Sir / Madam,
Following the recent earthquake in Japan and concerns of possible radiation leakage from the affected nuclear plants, there is a need to increase surveillance of food imports from Japan to ensure that they are safe for consumption.
2. Accordingly, it has been decided that Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) would test samples of food articles, particularly fresh produce exported from Japan after March 11, 2011, such as sea food, fruits, vegetables and meat for radioactive contamination. FSSAI has directed their Authorised Officers to have the food articles tested for radioactive contamination from BRIT (Board of Radiation and Isotope Technology),Navi Mumbai before issuing ‘No Objection Certificate’ to Customs.
3. In view of the above, it is directed that all officers in charge of Ports, Airports, ICDs / CFSs, Land Customs Stations should ensure that clearance of such food items imported from Japan after 11.3.2011 is allowed only after complying with the above requirements and obtaining ‘No Objection Certificate’ from FSSAI.
4. A suitable Public Notice and Standing Order may be issued for the guidance of the trade and staff.
Yours faithfully,
Sd./
( R. P. Singh )
Director (Customs)