Instruction
18 Sep 2026
CBIC
Operative & In Force
Instruction No. 16/2026- Customs — Authorised Officers under Section 25 read with Section 47 (5) of Food Safety Standards (FSS) Act, 2006 and Regulation 13 (1) of FSS (Import) Regulation, 2017 .
Legal Citation
CBIC Instruction No. Instruction No. 16/2026- Customs, dt. 18-09-2026
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Executive Directive & Regulatory Background
This CBIC Instruction No. 16/2026-Customs, dated 18-09-2026, modifies the previous Instruction No. 04/2026-Customs (dated 20.04.2026) by expanding the list of 'Authorised Officers' and 'Points of Entry' (PoEs) for food imports under Section 25 read with Section 47(5) of the Food Safety Standards (FSS) Act, 2006, and Regulation 13(1) of the FSS (Import) Regulation, 2017.
Key Statutory Takeaways & Compliance Mandates
01
Applicability & Compliance Framework
The primary purpose is to streamline and enhance the efficiency of food import clearances by designating additional customs and FSSAI officials at various locations.
02
The instruction adds ICD Dhanakya, Jaipur, as a new PoE, increasing the total to 172.
03
Applicability & Compliance Framework
The effective date is immediate, as indicated by the instruction's issuance date.
04
Taxpayers involved in food imports will experience potentially faster clearance processes due to increased personnel and designated locations, reducing logistical bottlenecks and improving trade facilitation.
05
The updated Annexure-A provides a comprehensive list of all 172 PoEs and their respective authorised officers, ensuring clarity for importers and customs brokers.
Key Procedural Changes & Industry Impact
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Addition of ICD Dhanakya, Jaipur (INDNK6) as a new Point of Entry (PoE) for food imports.Expands the geographical reach for food import clearances, offering more options for importers in Rajasthan and surrounding regions, potentially reducing transit times and costs.
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Increase in the total number of notified PoEs from 171 to 172.Provides greater flexibility and capacity for handling food imports across India, contributing to smoother supply chains and reduced congestion at existing major ports.
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Designation of 'Superintendent/Appraiser/Inspector/Examiner' (Customs officials) as Authorised Officers at the newly added ICD Dhanakya, Jaipur, and several other existing PoEs.Empowers more customs officials to conduct necessary checks and clearances for food imports, potentially accelerating the inspection and release process, especially at locations where FSSAI officials may not be permanently stationed.
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Modification of Instruction No. 04/2026-Customs dated 20.04.2026.Supersedes previous guidelines regarding authorised officers and PoEs, requiring all stakeholders to refer to the updated list for compliance and operational procedures.