Through initiatives such as SWIFT 2.0 and tighter controls on ingredient sources, regulators are strengthening oversight across food supply chains to reduce contamination risks, improve traceability, and protect product integrity.
Why India’s food safety policy matters on a global scale
For consumer packaged goods (CPG) manufacturers, stronger food safety oversight extends beyond compliance and can support brand trust, operational efficiency, and long-term growth in India, one of the world’s largest consumer markets.
India’s role as a major exporter of staples including rice and tea, as well as speciality ingredients like spices also gives these regulatory changes broader global significance.
Stronger standards could contribute to more consistent supply chains and reinforce confidence in Indian-origin products across global retail and FMCG supply chains.
India’s latest reforms
Launch of SWIFT 2.0
India’s SWIFT 2.0 (Single Window Interface for Facilitating Trade) is a digital initiative intended to streamline cross-border trade and customs processes through a unified system.
“India’s SWIFT 2.0 initiative is a positive step toward building a more connected and responsive food safety system. Food safety today cannot depend only on inspections. It increasingly requires real-time surveillance, better traceability, and faster coordination between regulators, laboratories, and enforcement agencies,” said Equinox founder and CEO Ashwin Bhadri.
“If implemented well, SWIFT 2.0 can improve risk monitoring, strengthen supply chain transparency, and help regulators respond faster to emerging issues. The technology is important, but the real success will depend on consistent implementation, strong laboratory integration, and the ability to convert data into meaningful enforcement and preventive action.”
What is SWIFT 2.0?
SWIFT 2.0, or the Single Window Interface for Facilitating Trade, is a digital system designed to streamline regulatory processes. It allows traders to submit regulatory documents through a single platform instead of separate agencies.
It connects various partner government agencies through the Indian Customs Electronic Gateway, or ICEGATE, which serves as a platform for electronic filing, payments, and import-export tracking.
With FSSAI’s integration into SWIFT 2.0, importers can expect quicker processing and real-time data exchange. All documentation will be submitted and verified online, making the system more transparent and efficient. This change will reduce paperwork and improve coordination between customs and food safety authorities.
The system will initially operate across four Inland Container Depots – ICD Dadri, ICD Star Track, ICD Albatross, and ICD Patparganj. The system will later expand to more ports across India after evaluating its performance during the first phase.
Amendment regulations for minor seed oils and edible seeds
The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has proposed amendments to regulate the extraction of crude vegetable oils. This includes minor seed oils from chilli, muskmelon, okra, and tomato.
The final date for public comments on these amendments is July 25, 2026.
Minor seed oils are less commonly used plant-derived oils extracted from crops such as chilli, muskmelon, okra, and tomato. Unlike high-volume oils such as soybean or canola, these oils are often used in specialised food, nutraceutical, and supplement products.
A key amendment proposes that the raw oils be obtained from “clean, sound and mature seeds of the specified plant(s) using methods that do not alter inherent qualities of the oil. The oil shall be clear and free from rancidity, adulterants, sediment, suspended and other foreign matter, separated water and added colouring and flavouring substances or mineral oil.”
Although crude oils are not intended for direct consumption, regulating them at an earlier stage can strengthen quality controls across the supply chain. By formally defining standards for emerging minor oils, India is improving traceability, reducing contamination risks, and supporting CPG innovation. This upstream oversight is critical for meeting both domestic safety goals and international export requirements.
Similar oversight is also extending to botanical ingredients such as ashwagandha, which are increasingly used in nutraceutical and wellness products.
Ban on ashwagandha leaves
On April 16, FSSAI announced that only ashwagandha roots and root extracts may be used in regulated food categories.
This affects food categories such as health supplements, nutraceuticals, food for special dietary use, and food for special medical purposes.
“Restricting ashwagandha usage to roots is a scientifically sensible move and helps improve standardization within the category. The root is the most widely studied and traditionally accepted part of the plant for consumption,” said Bhadri.
“Different parts of botanical ingredients can contain very different compound profiles. In some cases, leaf extracts may not yet have sufficient long-term safety validation for widespread daily use in consumer products.”
The larger challenge is that the wellness industry is evolving much faster than scientific validation in many areas. Regulations like these help create clearer boundaries for manufacturers while improving consistency, safety, and consumer confidence, Bhadri added.
Companies including Sami-Sabinsa Group and Kerry Inc have challenged the restriction in Karnataka High Court, arguing that the advisory bypassed amendment procedures under the Food Safety and Standards (Health Supplements) Regulations, 2016.
The court temporarily stayed the FSSAI’s advisory for the petitioners. The court proceedings and subsequent hearings are ongoing to determine if the ban will be officially enforced across the broader nutraceutical and supplement market.
Regulatory changes aimed at boosting food safety ecosystem
India’s recent regulatory changes seek international collaboration and aim to build “inclusive food safety frameworks”, according to a September 2025 press note that followed an India-led global summit attended by dignitaries from more 70 countries and international organisations.
Officials say these efforts are intended to strengthen India’s food safety ecosystem while supporting trade facilitation goals.
Discussions at the summit focused on regulatory cooperation, consumer trust, compliance, and strengthening food safety practices across industry sectors.
