Key Development

The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) and the Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC) have joined forces to make food imports quicker and more transparent. Their systems are now integrated under the upgraded SWIFT 2.0 platform. Previously, FSSAI’s Food Import Clearance System (FICS) worked with CBIC’s ICEGATE system through SWIFT 1.0. The new integration simplifies the process, allowing importers to obtain the FSSAI No Objection Certificate (NOC) directly via the ICEGATE SWIFT portal, eliminating the need to navigate multiple platforms.

Pilot Launch at Key Entry Points

SWIFT 2.0 has been rolled out on a pilot basis at four major food import locations: ICD Dadri (INDER6), ICD Star Track (INSTT6), ICD Albatross (INAPL6), and ICD Patparganj (INPPG6). Importers handling consignments at these sites can now experience faster and more efficient clearance. The pilot phase will help fine-tune the system before a nationwide rollout.

Boosting Digital India and Ease of Doing Business

This digital integration aligns with the Government of India’s initiatives, such as Ease of Doing Business and Digital India. By reducing paperwork and minimising manual interventions, SWIFT 2.0 ensures a smoother, technology-driven, and reliable food import process. Once the pilot proves successful, the platform will expand to all major food import points across the country.

Ensuring Safe and Transparent Food Imports

FSSAI has reaffirmed its commitment to a secure and efficient import system. This upgrade not only strengthens India’s food safety framework but also facilitates smoother international trade, supporting a transparent and accountable import ecosystem.

Source: Foodtech Network