Government allows export of gelatin capsules to EU

NEW DELHI: India allowed export of empty gelatin capsules to the European Union with certain conditions.

Empty gelatin capsules are used for making vitamins and herbal supplements with capsule machines.

The export of the item produced from animal by-products, will be allowed only when the export promotion council of chemical and allied products, CAPEXIL, issues a shipment clearance certificate, the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) said in a notification.

Also, the exporter will have to provide 'Health Certificate' consignment-wise to the buyer.

"...Health certificate will be issued jointly by CAPEXIL and Regional Animal Quarantine Officer, Department of Animal Husbandry, Dairying and Fisheries, Ministry of Agriculture, Government of India," the DGFT said.

In an another notification, DGFT extended the implementation date of its earlier amendment, to June 15 next year, which suggested that meat exporters would be required certification that the items have been obtained/sourced from an APEDA registered integrated abattoir.

Earlier, the provision was to be implemented from October 31, 2011.

"This transitional arrangement would enable the exporters of meat and meat products to upgrade their abattoirs for sourcing of raw material and obtain registration from APEDA. Keeping in view paramount concern for public health and hygiene, no further extension of time will be granted," it said.

Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) is the export promotion body for farm items.