Labelling Guidelines for Importing Alcohol Beverages in India

Importing alcoholic beverages into India involves navigating a complex web of regulations, particularly when it comes to product labelling. Compliance with these guidelines is essential to ensure the smooth clearance of goods through customs and to meet Indian market standards. This blog outlines the critical labelling requirements that importers must follow, providing a clear and concise roadmap to help ensure that products are correctly labelled and ready for distribution.

Mandatory Information for Labels

  1. Name of the Product : Clearly state the exact name of the alcoholic beverage.
  2. Manufacturer’s Name and Address: Include the full name and address of the manufacturing entity.
  3. Date of Manufacture (Production Date): The label must display the date when the product was manufactured.
  4. Lot/Batch Number: Assign a unique lot or batch number to the product.
  5. % of Alcohol: Indicate the alcohol content as a percentage.
  6. List of Ingredients: Provide a list of ingredients in descending order of quantity. Note: This is not required for whiskey.
  7. Net Quantity (Volume Content): Specify the net volume of the product.
  8. Allergen Warning: If the wine contains more than 10 mg of sulfur dioxide per litre, include a declaration such as “Contains sulfur dioxide” or “Contains sulfite.”
  9. Health Caution: Print the following caution on the product label:
    ‘Consumption of alcohol is injurious to health. Be safe—don’t drink and drive.’
  10. Best Before/Use By Date or Date of Expiry: This is required unless the alcohol content is greater than 10%. Not required for wine, spirits, and liquor.

Shelf Life Requirement: Products must have a valid shelf life of:

    •  Not less than 60% of its original shelf life, OR
    •  At least 3 months before expiry,
    • Whichever is less at the time of import.

Failure to meet these requirements will result in the goods being denied entry into the country.

Additional Labelling in Bonded Warehouses

Some labelling elements can be added in a bonded warehouse prior to customs checks, with prior permission. Stickers are allowed for the following information:

  1. Importer’s FSSAI License Number
  2. Customer Care Information
  3. Importer’s Name & Address

Adhering to these guidelines ensures that your alcoholic beverages meet the regulatory requirements, facilitating smooth importation and distribution within India. Proper labelling is not just a legal mandate but also a crucial step in ensuring consumer safety and product authenticity.