The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) plays a crucial role in regulating the export of food products from India. It ensures that food items meet specific quality and safety standards, which is essential for international trade and consumer protection. The FSSAI, established under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, sets standards, regulates compliance, and enhances consumer confidence both domestically and globally.
The FSSAI license is a key document for businesses exporting food products from India. It is mandatory for all food business operators (FBOs) involved in exporting, whether they are manufacturers or merchant exporters. The FSSAI ensures that the food products meet the necessary quality and hygiene standards for export.
Key Requirements and Procedures
To export food products, businesses must obtain an FSSAI license. The type of license required depends on the nature of the business. There are two main sub-types for exporters: Manufacturers of food products for export and Exporting traders/merchants.
The application process involves several steps:
Registration: Register the company as a legal entity.
Import Export Code (IEC): Obtain an IEC from the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT). This is a basic requirement for import-export business in India.
No-Objection Certificate (NOC): Get a No-Objection Certificate regarding the quality of food and regulating compliances from the FSSAI authority.
Product Approval: Get approval for the food product.
Export License: Obtain an export license from the central licensing authority.
The FSSAI Central License for Exporter is issued by the central authority. The license can be applied for a period ranging from one to five years, and renewal applications should be filed before the expiry date. The government fee for the FSSAI Central license is Rs. 7500 per year.
Documents Required
Several documents are needed to export food products from India:
FSSAI License.
Import Export Code (IEC).
Certificate of product approval.
Permit from the Ministry of Agriculture.
Permit from the animal husbandry ministry.
Narcotics certificate.
Labeling Requirements
Food products for export must adhere to specific labeling regulations. The packaging should include the following information:
Nutritional value data.
Name of the food item, business name, and brand.
Product details.
Ingredient names.
Vegetarian or non-vegetarian statement.
Statement regarding food additives.
Country of origin.
Date of packaging or manufacture.
Expiry date.
Net weight and volume.
Exporter's name and address.
User instructions.
Batch number and code.
Role of FSSAI
The FSSAI ensures that food products meet the required safety standards, which is essential for international trade. The FSSAI license acts as a seal of assurance that the food business operator complies with the comprehensive safety, hygiene, labeling, and quality norms prescribed by Indian law. The Indian Customs Department works closely with FSSAI to ensure only licensed exporters are allowed to dispatch food consignments overseas.
The FSSAI license is mandatory for any entity that exports food products across India’s borders, regardless of whether they directly manufacture the goods or procure them from third-party vendors.