Regulatory Framework for Imports in India

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has also issued a Master Direction on Imports of Goods and Services, which gives the procedural and regulatory guidelines for all imports to India. These guidelines establish the manner in which import payments can be made and documentary requirements for processing imports.

Specific Procedure of Import of Fine Frozen Duck Meat

Step 1: Find out whether the Product is restricted or Free in the FTP

• According to the Foreign Trade Policy (FTP) operated by DGFT (Director General of Foreign Trade), there are some products subject to special import authorisation or licensing.
• Meat items, such as high-quality frozen duck meat, generally come under restricted goods or sanitary import permit (SIP) items according to the Livestock Importation Act dealt with by the Department of Animal Husbandry (DAHD).

Step 2: Get Sanitary Import Permit (SIP)

To import frozen duck meat, you will need to:

• Apply for a Sanitary Import Permit (SIP) from the Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying (DAHD).
• This ensures the product is conforming to Indian food safety, veterinary, and health regulations.
• The SIP is obligatory even before you start the import.

Step 3: Import Authorisation (if applicable)

If the product falls in restricted category (refer DGFT ITC(HS) Code list), you require:

• Import Authorisation from DGFT.
• Application is filed online on the DGFT portal (https://dgft.gov.in), with supporting documents such as:

o Proforma Invoice

o SIP copy

o Product specifications

o Justification for import

o Importer Exporter Code (IEC)

Step 4: Comply with RBI Payment Regulations

• RBI circular mandates that all import payments take AD Bank route.
• Payment terms (Advance, Sight Payment, Usance LC, etc.) should be as per FEMA and RBI guidelines.
• AD banks will check:

o Validity of IEC

o Filing of Bill of Entry

o Adherence to allowed payment terms

o Documentation (invoice, packing list, import license/SIP, etc.)

Step 5: Customs Clearance

• You will have to file a Bill of Entry with Indian Customs upon arrival of the shipment in India.
• Clearance will be followed by inspections by FSSAI (for food safety) and Animal Quarantine & Certification Services (AQCS).
• You should ensure labelling, documentation, and health certificates from the exporting country are compliant.

Step 6: Post-import Compliance

• RBI expects importers to provide proof of import (BoE) within a stipulated time (3 months in most cases) to the AD Bank.
• Non-compliance may result in reporting under XOS (Outstanding Import Remittance) by the bank to RBI.

Summary of Required Authorisations/Compliance:

Step Document/Approval Issuing Body

1. IEC Code – DGFT
2. Sanitary Import Permit (SIP) – DAHD
3. Import Authorisation (if restricted item) – DGFT
4. Payment Compliance AD Bank (RBI Oversight)
5. Bill of Entry & Customs Clearance Indian Customs
6. FSSAI Approval FSSAI
7. Post-import Filing (BoE submission) AD Bank

Major Reference Documents:

• RBI Master Direction No. 17/2016-17 (Imports of Goods and Services)
• Foreign Trade Policy (FTP) 2023
• ITC (HS) Classification of Export and Import Items
• Sanitary Import Permit Guidelines by DAHD
• FSSAI (Food Safety and Standards Authority of India) Import Clearance Procedures

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