The FSSAI has set a final deadline for food businesses to utilise the pre-printed packaging materials and asked them to use any such material by December 31, 2023.
“It has been decided to grant a final one-time permission up to 31.12.2023 to the FBOs seeking permission to use such non-complying pre-printed packaging materials (PPMs),” reads the order issued by the FSSAI after Food Business Operators (FBOs) sought time to use pre-printed packaging materials which are non-complying with the FSS (Labelling & Display) Regulations, 2020, and its amendments.
Additionally, the FSSAI has updated the charges associated with applications from food establishments seeking approval to utilize pre-printed packaging materials. The new fee structure is set at INR 30,000 plus GST for Central license holders and INR 12,000 plus GST for state license holders. These fees are required to be submitted via the FSSAI’s e-payment portal.
Meanwhile, as per the FSSAI’s guidelines, applications requesting approval for the utilization of pre-printed packaging materials due to (i) alterations in address, (ii) modifications in company name, or (iii) changes in license number will be handled in accordance with the existing directives outlined in the orders released on November 23, 2016. The corresponding fee structure as stipulated in the order issued on November 14, 2017, will be applicable in these cases.
In accordance with these notifications, food enterprises were granted permission to utilize pre-printed packaging materials for a duration of six months subsequent to the payment of a fee amounting to INR 6,000.