The Department of Food and Public Distribution, under the Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution, has issued a sharp warning that non-compliance with the amended Vegetable Oil Products, Production and Availability (Regulation) Order, 2025 (VOPPA Order) will result in strict penal action. The Department plans to initiate inspection drives and field verification checks to ensure compliance across the entire edible oil sector.
The amended VOPPA Order, 2025, is a crucial enhancement to the existing 2011 Order, aiming to bring greater regulatory oversight, transparency, and data resilience to India’s edible oil supply chain, thereby advancing national food security efforts.
Mandatory Online Registration and Returns
The amended VOPPA Order introduces a compulsory two-step online compliance process for all stakeholders involved in the supply chain:
- Registration: All edible oil manufacturers, processors, blenders, re-packers, and other stakeholders must first register their units via the National Single Window System (NSWS) portal.
- Monthly Returns Filing: After registration, units must then regularly submit monthly production and stock returns through the designated online portal.
The Department noted that the initial response from the edible oil industry has been encouraging, with a significant number of units already complying by registering and submitting returns.
Consequences for Non-Compliance
Non-compliance with the requirements—including failure to register or submit monthly returns—will be treated as a violation under the amended VOPPA Order.
Units that fail to comply will face penal action under the provisions of the amended VOPPA Order and the Collection of Statistics Act, 2008.
The upcoming inspection drives and field verification are intended to reinforce the seriousness of compliance and maintain the integrity of the national data ecosystem for the edible oil sector. The Ministry stressed that adherence to the amended order is a critical contribution to India’s food security infrastructure, fostering better planning and informed decision-making.