CBIC extends NOC validity for imported alcoholic beverages

The Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC) has extended the validity of no objection certificate (NOC) for imported alcoholic beverages bottled at origin or in bulk with more than 10% alcohol content.

The move follows a June 13 order by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India clarifying that such consignments without an expiry date will have a NOC validity of 365 days under FSS (Import) Regulations, 2017.

Consignments remaining in customs areas beyond 365 days can be granted revalidation after a visual inspection and payment of the requisite inspection fee. The CBIC has instructed customs authorities to sensitise officers about the updated provision and advised stakeholders to communicate any implementation issues to the board. The extension is aimed at streamlining the clearance and handling of imported alcoholic beverages.