,"India has issued a Veterinary Health Certificate (VHC) specifying mandatory sanitary and documentary requirements for the import of gelatine derived from bovine and porcine bones or skins. The measure is implemented under the Livestock Importation Act, 1898, and related rules and regulations, and applies to imports through designated ports of entry as notified by the Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying.
The requirements aim to ensure that imported gelatine complies with animal health, processing, and biosecurity standards, aligned with World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) recommendations and consistent with the WTO SPS Agreement.
Scope and Product Identification
The certificate applies to:
Gelatine derived exclusively from bovine or porcine bones, hides, or skins
Animals must be domesticated (non-wild/feral)
Products intended for human use or further processing
Each consignment must clearly identify:
Product description and HS code
Intended purpose
Manufacturing or processing establishment details
Approval number, date, and validity issued by the competent veterinary authority
Key Sanitary and Animal Health Requirements
The exporting country’s Official Veterinarian must certify that:
Country of Origin Compliance
Raw materials originate from a declared country free from relevant animal health risks.
Ante- and Post-Mortem Inspection
Source animals were slaughtered for human consumption in abattoirs approved by the National Veterinary Authority.
Inspections were conducted in accordance with WOAH Chapter 6.3, with favourable results.
Disease-Free Status
Animals showed no clinical signs of infectious or contagious diseases, including:
Anthrax
Peste des Petits Ruminants (PPR)
Swine Influenza
Non-Infected Zones
Raw materials were not sourced from animals kept in infected zones or establishments.
No Eradication Program Animals
Materials were not derived from animals slaughtered or culled under disease eradication or control programmes.
Approved Processing and Heat Treatment
Raw materials were processed in premises approved and controlled by the Veterinary Authority.
Processing included validated treatments ensuring pathogen destruction, or
Gelatine production involved a physical process including heat treatment at 80°C for at least 4 hours.
Segregation and Contamination Control
Bones, hides, skins, and final gelatine products were not co-mingled with other tissues posing contamination risks during collection, processing, storage, or transport.
Packaging Requirements
Final products were packed in new, clean, and uncontaminated packaging materials.
Traceability and Record-Keeping
Exporters must maintain detailed sourcing and processing records for raw materials used in gelatine production.
Post-Import Controls in India
Upon arrival:
Consignments and documentation will be examined by Animal Quarantine and Certification Services (AQCS) officials.
Non-compliance with documentation or sanitary requirements may result in regulatory action, including rejection or other measures by the Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying.
Regulatory Significance
This certificate formalizes India’s sanitary import conditions for animal-derived gelatine, strengthening:
Animal health safeguards
Biosecurity controls
Traceability and accountability in international trade
Exporters and importers of bovine- and porcine-derived gelatine intended for the Indian market should ensure full alignment with the prescribed veterinary certification and processing conditions prior to shipment to avoid clearance delays or rejection."
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