File No. SSDIV2-PA050(11)/2/2025-Standard-FSSAI
भारतीय खाद्य सुरक्षा एवं मानक प्राधिकरण
(स्वास्थ्य एवं परिवार कल्याण मंत्रालय)
(विज्ञान एवं मानक विभाग)
एफडीए भवन, कोटला रोड, नई दिल्ली -110002
Dated: 06th May, 2026
OFFICE ORDER
Subject: Implementing the process for prior approval and risk assessment through the single window system (ePAAS) - reg.
To ensure parity and transparency in risk assessment and approval mechanisms, it has been decided to implement a Single Window System through the electronic Product and Claim Approval Application System (ePAAS).
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The ePAAS shall serve as a unified digital interface for the submission, processing, monitoring, and appeal/review of all applications related to the prior approval and risk assessment of products, ingredients, and claims, as applicable under relevant regulations.
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In view of the above, the Authority has decided that all applications—accompanied by a complete dossier—for the risk assessment and approval of the following (with relevant regulations/clauses mentioned in Annexure I) shall be submitted exclusively through the ePAAS portal:
- Approval of Non-Specified Food and Food Ingredients (NSF&FI)
- Authorization of r-PET
- Approval of Claims
- Approval of Ayurveda Aahara
- FSMP
- Vegan Endorsement
- Notification of esters/derivatives/salts of vitamins, salts/chelates of minerals, and esters/derivatives/isomers/salts of amino acids
- Any other food, product, process, or system for which prior approval is required by the Food Authority under the provisions of the FSS Act, 2006, and regulations made thereunder, or as notified from time to time.
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Unless otherwise specified in the relevant FSSR, the forms and formats for such applications shall be the same as those specified under the FSS (Approval of Non-Specified Food and Food Ingredients) Regulations, 2017.
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Accordingly, effective June 1, 2026, all aforementioned applications seeking prior approval or authorization from the FSSAI shall be submitted only through the ePAAS portal (https://epaas.fssai.gov.in/login). Necessary guidelines, forms, and formats will be available on the same portal. No manual, offline, or email-based applications shall be entertained thereafter.
This issues with the approval of the Competent Authority.
(Dr. Alka Rao)
Advisor (Science & Standards & Regulations)
Food Safety & Standards Authority of India
To,
- All Food Business Operators and other stakeholders
Copy to:
- PPS to Chairperson, FSSAI
- PS to CEO, FSSAI
- JS, FR, MoHFW
- CITO, FSSAI, wih a request to upload on FSSAI website.
Annexure- I
Regulatory Requirements where Prior Approval in needed as per FSSR
| Sl. No. | Regulation | Clause |
|---|
| 1. | Food Safety and Standards (Food Products Standards and Food Additives) Regulation, 2011 | 2.2.6 (1)Vanaspati: Vanaspati shall be prepared from any of the edible vegetable oils whose standards have been prescribed in these regulations or from any other edible vegetable oil with prior approval of the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India. |
| 2. | | Regulation 2.10.6 (2) (III) (A): Caffeinated Beverages Any additional item or ingredient proposed to be added (other than the substances prescribed in the said table will be subject to approval by the Food Authority after safety assessment and substantiating scientific evidence. |
| 3. | | Regulation 2.10.6 (3) (1): Non-carbonated Water Based Beverages (Non-Alcoholic) Data of toxicological analysis to be provided for its approval for the herbs other than those specified in the Food Safety and Standards (Health Supplements, Nutraceuticals, Food for Special Dietary Use, Food for Special Medical Purpose, Functional Food and Novel Food) Regulations, 2016, and these regulations when added in the beverages. |
| 4. | | Regulation 3 (27): Cereal grains, legumes, fruits and vegetables mentioned in Indian Food Composition Tables published by National Institute of Nutrition, Indian council of Medical Research, and spices included in the list published by the Spices Board of India, may be used either as such or as processed ingredients including extracts, as a supplement or nutraceutical as applicable. However, for claiming specific health benefits prior approval from the Food Authority shall be obtained. |
