Important Keywords: Instruction No. 04/2025 – Customs, NFFRL Kathmandu Nepal, CBIC lab recognition, food import clearance Nepal, Indo-Nepal food trade, Finodha customs compliance, DGFT lab recognition,
Words: 880; Read time: 5 minutes.
Table of Contents
Instruction No. 04/2025-Customs
F. No.401/103/2021-Cus.III
Government of India
Ministry of Finance,
Department of Revenue
(Central Board of Indirect Taxes & Customs)
21-04-2025
Instruction No. 04/2025 – Customs dated 21.04.2025 regarding Recognition of National Food & Feed Reference Laboratory (NFFRL), Kathmandu, Nepal
To
All Principal Chief Commissioners/ Chief Commissioners of Customs/Customs (Preventive)/Customs & Central Taxes.
All Principal (Preventive). Commissioners/Commissioners of Customs /Customs
All Pr. Director General/Director Generals under CBIC.
Subject: Recognition of National Food & Feed Reference Laboratory (NFFRL), Kathmandu, Nepal- regarding.
Madam/Sir,
Reference is invited to Food Safety and Standards Authority of India’s Order dated 04.04.2025 issued from File No. QA-12012/141/2021-QA-FSSAI (copy attached), on the above subject.
2. As stated in the said Order dated 04.04.2025, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) has been signed between the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) and the Department of Food Technology and Quality Control (DFTOC), Nepal, for cooperation in the field of food safety. One of the areas of cooperation under the aegis of the MoU is the mutual recognition of each other’s laboratories as per the policy prevailing from time to time.
3. Accordingly, the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has recognized the National Food & Feed Reference Laboratory (NFFRL), Kathmandu, Nepal, for the analysis of food samples under the Food Safety and Standards Regulations, 2011, till the period of accreditation of the laboratory as per ISO/IEC 17025 from NABL.
4. The analysis certificates issued by NFFRL, Kathmandu, Nepal, for the following food products shall be accepted by the relevant authorities in India dealing with food imports.
(i). Juice
(ii). Jam
(iii). Jelly
(iv). Pickles
(v). Candies
(vi). Ginger
(vii). Fresh fruits and Vegetables
(viii). Instant noodles.
5. In view of the above, it is requested that necessary action may be taken to sensitize officers under your jurisdiction regarding the said matter.
6. The difficulties, if any, may be brought to the notice of the Board.
Hindi version follows.
Yours faithfully.
Encis : as above.
(Neeraj Goyal)
OSD (Cus-III)
Email: uscus.3-dor@gov.in
Tele: 011 23094012
Copy to: (for information and necessary action)
- The Webmaster, CBIC. 35°C Mostly cl
📘 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) on Instruction No. 04/2025 – Customs
Q1: What is Instruction No. 04/2025 – Customs about?
Answer:
Instruction No. 04/2025-Customs, issued by CBIC, formally recognizes the National Food & Feed Reference Laboratory (NFFRL) in Kathmandu, Nepal, for the purposes of food safety testing related to import/export procedures. This means Indian customs can now accept food and feed testing reports issued by NFFRL at land border customs locations, simplifying Indo-Nepal food trade.
—
Q2: What is NFFRL and where is it based?
Answer:
NFFRL stands for National Food & Feed Reference Laboratory. It is a premier laboratory based in Kathmandu, Nepal, specializing in food safety, quality, and contaminant testing in alignment with international standards. Its recognition by Indian Customs marks a milestone in regional food trade trust.
—
Q3: What is the significance of this customs recognition?
Answer:
The recognition:
✅ Facilitates quicker customs clearance at India-Nepal borders
✅ Eliminates need for redundant re-testing in India
✅ Boosts trade efficiency, especially for perishable food and feed products
✅ Ensures harmonization of food safety standards between India and Nepal
—
Q4: Will this impact all customs points connected with Nepal?
Answer:
Yes. The instruction directs all Principal Chief Commissioners, Chief Commissioners, and customs formations handling India-Nepal trade to honor NFFRL’s testing certificates for food and feed imports originating from Nepal.
—
Q5: Which categories of products benefit from this recognition?
Answer:
Products such as:
🍚 Rice and cereal grains
🥬 Fresh fruits and vegetables
🐮 Animal feed and protein mixes
🧃 Beverages and processed food items
will see faster movement and lower risk of rejections due to test harmonization.
📦 Exporting from or importing into Nepal? Finodha can help with documentation: https://finodha.in/gst-return-filing/
—
Q6: What must Indian importers ensure while using NFFRL reports?
Answer:
Importers must ensure that:
🔹 Products tested are listed in the recognized scope of NFFRL
🔹 Reports are valid and correctly mention batch/sample numbers
🔹 All packaging matches the test report descriptions
—
Q7: How will customs officers verify NFFRL reports?
Answer:
Customs officers may verify:
📋 Certificate authenticity via NFFRL’s database
🔍 Document number matching shipping details
📤 Any discrepancies will be escalated to CBIC for clarification
—
Q8: Is NFFRL the only recognized lab from Nepal?
Answer:
Currently, yes. Instruction No. 04/2025-Customs specifically recognizes NFFRL. Any future additions would be notified separately by the DGFT or CBIC.
🌐 For customs and international documentation help, visit: https://finodha.in/setup-business/
—
Q9: What are the benefits of this recognition to Indian traders?
Answer:
✅ Reduced compliance burden
✅ Fewer shipment delays at borders
✅ Faster movement of agri/food goods
✅ Enhanced trade trust with Nepalese exporters
—
Q10: How can Finodha support India-Nepal trade compliance?
Answer:
Finodha provides:
📝 Export/import documentation audits
🔐 Digital Signature Certificates (DSC): https://finodha.in/online-dsc-digital-signature-certificate/
📦 GST Compliance for traders: https://finodha.in/gst-compliance/
📈 Setup and registration for cross-border businesses: https://finodha.in/setup-business/
✅ Conclusion:
CBIC’s Instruction No. 04/2025-Customs paves the way for smoother India-Nepal food trade by formally recognizing Kathmandu-based NFFRL as a trusted testing lab. This improves food safety assurance and trade ease between the two neighbors.
📢 For expert customs handling, registration, or compliance — trust Finodha: https://www.finodha.in
Download PDF: Instruction No. 04/2025 – Customs
Read more interesting articles:
