Is FSSAI License required for exporting food products from India?

Minakshi Bindhani

09 Aug, 2023

Exporting food goods from India usually necessitates a licence from the FSSAI (Food Safety and Standards Authority of India). The FSSAI licence guarantees that the exported food products meet the appropriate quality and safety standards, supporting the overall food safety framework and regulatory compliance for global trade. Depending on elements, including the nature of the items, the number of exports, and the destination country’s laws, a specific sort of FSSAI licence may be necessary.

Significance of FSSAI License for Exporters

Countries welcome those food products that meet the standards of FSSAI. Those products that are safe and fit for human consumption are preferred by importers; therefore, exporters are required to meet the guidelines and standards laid down by the food regulatory body, FSSAI.

Export of unsafe and substandard food products will not only impact the importing nation but also India as it can affect its relationship with other countries and lose future associations in the long term. Therefore FSSAI License has been made mandatory for those dealing in food products, as it gives the assurance that the quality and hygiene standards have been met for those food products that are exported from India.

What Is FSSAI Food Licensing?

• It is a certification that attests to the food’s suitability for human consumption and the absence of harmful or undesired substances. The food regulatory organization FSSAI, which is a department of the Health Ministry, gives exporters permission to engage in export commerce.
• Exporters of food items must additionally acquire the import-export license and the no-objection certificate in addition to the FSSAI License for Export Businesses. Once the exporter has received the go-ahead, he may export food products to any destination.
• A food exporter must register the items as a distinct identity before they can be licensed and approved, and this process can take some time. If you want to export food items outside of India, you can apply for either an FSSAI State License or an FSSAI Central License.
•  It should be mentioned that only food items with the FSSAI certification can be exported from India. Additionally, anyone looking to start a business exporting food goods from India must be aware of the process for acquiring an FSSAI licence, the labelling regulations for food exports, and the necessary documentation.

What is the procedure to obtain FSSAI License for exporting food products?

The step-by-step procedure provided below will help you know the procedure to obtain this license:

• Firstly, get your company registered as a legal entity
• Thereafter, acquire the Import Export Code.
• Get a No-Objection Certificate concerning the quality of food and regulating compliances presented by the FSSAI authority¹ by taking into account the health of consumers and their safety concerns.
• Get the approval concerning the food product.
• Lastly, obtain an export license from the central authority of Licensing.

Labelling Requirements

• Ensure the food product packaging contains all the necessary information to make the exporter’s food items acceptable on the global market.
• The following information should be on the package of food products being exported:
  • Data and information regarding the nutritional value;
  • The name of the food item, the name of the business and the brand;
  • Product details;
  • The components’ names;
  • A statement indicating whether the food item is vegetarian or not;
  • A statement regarding food additives;
  • The nation from which imported food comes;
  • Either the date of packaging or the date of manufacture;
  • Before or after the expiration date;
  • Net weight and contents’ volume;
  • The exporter’s name and residence address;
  • User instructions;
  • Numbers for the batch and the code.

To be recognised by the global market, the organization that exports food items outside India’s boundaries must adhere to certain labelling regulations. The Health Ministry monitors compliance with the set standards and regulations by each exporter of food from India.

Documents required for exporting food products

The documents required to export food products from India are as follows:

• Narcotics certificate;
• FSSAI Licence
• Import Export Code;
• Permit from Ministry of Agriculture;
• Certificate of product approval;
• Permit from the animal husbandry ministry.

Obtaining a No-Objection Certificate for Export of Food Products from India

• As mentioned, the exporter must get a No-Objection Certificate before shipping a food item overseas. This certificate allows you to obtain an FSSAI License to export food items. You cannot complete the additional formalities required to export food goods if the exporter lacks a No-Objection Certificate.
• An exporter should have the necessary paperwork on hand, including the bill of entry, the country of origin certificate, the Import Export Code issued by the Directorate General of Foreign Trade, the end-use declaration, etc., in order to obtain a No-Objection Certificate.
• Then, you may quickly submit an application for a No-Objection Certificate and pay the fee for food laboratory testing.
• In addition to the requirements mentioned above, the following FSSAI requirements must be met:
• The food goods should have a long shelf life at the time of clearance; the sample should be free of insects and fungus; and the exporter should adhere to the FSSAI Packaging and Labelling Regulations 2011.
•  A No-Objection Certificate is acquired after all of these requirements have been satisfied.

Observations for Exporters

• Manufacturers of food items for export and Exporting traders/merchants are the two subtypes of exporters covered by the FSSAI license. An owner of a food business may apply for one of these two.
• When applying for an FSSAI exporter licence, the applicant must specify if they are interested in the domestic and export markets.
• The FBO should ensure that the IEDC certificate and FSSAI are mentioned on the premises.
• The food goods should have a long shelf life at the time of clearance; the sample should be free of insects and fungus; and the exporter should adhere to the FSSAI Packaging and Labelling Regulations 2011.
•  A No-Objection Certificate is acquired after all of these requirements have been satisfied.

Observations for Exporters

• Manufacturers of food items for export and Exporting traders/merchants are the two subtypes of exporters covered by the FSSAI licence. An owner of a food business may apply for one of these two.
• When applying for an FSSAI exporter license, the applicant must specify if they are interested in the domestic and export markets.
• The FBO should ensure that the IEDC certificate and FSSAI are mentioned on the premises.

Conclusion

FSSAI License for exporting food products is essential for your business. It gives a sense of assurance to the importing countries that the food products have went through proper procedural requirements before being consumed.

FAQs

Read our article:FSSAI Regulations: FSSAI reduces levels of Trans Fat in Food

1. https://www.fssai.gov.in/