Department of Food and Public Distribution (DFPD), under the Ministry of Consumer Affairs, has amended the Vegetable Oil Products, Production and Availability (Regulation) Order, 2011 to improve transparency and ensure a steady supply of edible oils across the country. The amendment aims to strengthen data collection and enable faster policy decisions in the edible oil sector, which is crucial for ensuring food security and price stability.
The amendment updates the 2011 regulation to reflect institutional changes made after the merger of two key departments in 2014. It also incorporates provisions from the Collection of Statistics Act, 2008, to strengthen the monitoring of domestic production, imports, and stock levels.
Revised framework is expected to help the government take timely policy actions, such as adjusting import duties or facilitating imports, to address supply-demand imbalances. Improved data visibility will support evidence-based policymaking and contribute to stabilizing retail prices across the country. Better tracking of stocks and production will also help ensure the consistent availability of edible oils, which is vital for maintaining nutritional security.
The amendment was formulated in consultation with key stakeholders, including regulatory bodies such as the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), Department of Animal Husbandry, and various industry associations. The edible oil industry has welcomed the initiative and is encouraging its members to register through the National Single Window System (NSWS) and submit monthly returns via the official portal.
To make the compliance process more user-friendly, government has upgraded the VOPPA portal www.edibleoilindia.in, with a simplified interface and redesigned return submission forms. These improvements are expected to increase compliance and streamline data reporting.
The integration of the Collection of Statistics Act, 2008, gives the DFPD greater enforcement authority, enabling more effective collection of production and stock data. This will help create a robust database for strategic planning and facilitate quicker responses to any potential disruptions in the edible oil supply chain.
All edible oil processors, manufacturers, repackers, and related stakeholders have been asked to comply with the new requirements and submit their returns through the official portal, as the government moves to secure long-term stability in the edible oil sector.
