FSSAI is the competent authority under the FSS Act 2006 which looks after the food industry in India. As per the food safety laws of India its necessary for all the food businesses to obtain FSSAI certification in order to do food business in the market. FSSAI certification is also known as FSSAI License or FSSAI Registration or Food License. All of them are the same hence don’t be confused among them all. One thing here which must be cleared is that whether you are importing food from outside India or exporting food from India to any other country in the world it’s necessary to obtain a Central FSSAI License. If you are caught doing export food business without his license you may face fine or penalty. Hence must obtain FSSAI license or certification in order to do food export business in India.
Basic Understanding of Export of Food
India has been the manufacturing or production site for several food goods. Food products from India are exported when they are shipped by India to any other nation on the planet for commercial purposes. On paper, exporting food items appears to be quite simple, but in reality, the opposite is true. This is due to the fact that these businesses are closely tied to the food industry, and neglect in these areas can have negative effects on the general public. Therefore, there are numerous formalities involved in exporting food goods from India to any other nation while keeping in mind the health of the populace.
Mandatory FSSAI Certification for Export Food Business
Because of the following reasons it is mandatory to obtain FSSAI Certification to do export food business in India:
- Many countries and international markets recognize FSSAI Registration or certification as proof of compliance with robust food safety standards, facilitating smoother entry into global markets.
- FSSAI registration or certification adds credibility to the exported food products, building trust among international consumers and businesses about the safety and quality of the goods.
- FSSAI registration or certification involves rigorous quality checks, ensuring that the exported food items meet the defined quality parameters, which is crucial for sustaining business reputation.
- Customs authorities in both India and the importing country often require FSSAI registration or certification as part of the documentation for customs clearance, streamlining the export process.
- Having FSSAI registration or certification reduces the risk of rejection of food products at international borders, preventing financial losses and maintaining a positive market image.
- Exporting food products without FSSAI certification can lead to legal repercussions, including penalties and bans, emphasizing the importance of regulatory compliance.
- FSSAI registration or certification aligns with the commitment to prioritizing consumer safety, reflecting responsible and ethical business practices in the export of food items.
- Many international buyers and retailers insist on FSSAI-certified products, making it a prerequisite for market access and successful participation in the global food trade.
Export Food Business and its Key Requirements
Some of the key Requirements of the food business are:
- Register your business as a legal entity, such as a Private Limited Company, Partnership, or LLP.
- Obtain relevant certifications like ISO, HACCP, or others to ensure the exported food products meet international quality standards.
- Adhere to labeling regulations, providing information such as ingredients, nutritional facts, and expiration dates as per FSSAI guidelines.
- Comply with SPS measures to ensure that the exported food products meet the sanitary and phytosanitary requirements of the importing country.
- Maintain proper documentation, including the Certificate of Origin, health certificate, and any specific documents required by the importing country.
- Check and complete any necessary product registrations required by the importing country.
- For certain food products, approval from the Export Inspection Council may be required to ensure compliance with export standards.
- Select dependable logistics and transportation partners to guarantee the prompt and secure delivery of food items to their intended location.
- To determine the target market’s requirements, preferences, and laws regarding certain food goods, conduct in-depth market research.
- Complete customs formalities and submit required documents for customs clearance, including the Bill of Lading, commercial invoice, packing list, etc.
- Use internationally accepted payment methods and comply with any financial regulations applicable to international trade.
- Build a network of distributors, agents, or partners in the target market for effective business operations.
- Keep abreast with modifications to laws and standards to guarantee ongoing adherence and long-term export success.
Process to Obtain FSSAI Certification for Export Food Business
In order to obtain FSSAI certification follow the steps given below:
- As a legal entity, such as a Private Limited Company, Partnership, or LLP, register your export food business.
- Determine the category of FSSAI license required based on the scale and nature of your food business. Categories include Basic, State, and Central licenses.
- Prepare and submit the FSSAI license application through the online portal or by visiting the FSSAI regional office.
- Fill the designated application form based on your business category (Form A for Basic License, Form B for State License, and Form C for Central License).
- Furnish details about your export food business, including the type of food products, manufacturing or processing units, and storage facilities.
- Upload necessary documents such as identity proof, address proof, business registration certificate, food safety management plan, and NOC from manufacturers (if applicable).
- Depending on the classification of your food business, pay the appropriate fee for your FSSAI license. Through the portal, you can pay the charge online.
- The FSSAI authorities will review the submitted documents and conduct inspections if necessary to verify compliance with food safety standards.
- Upon successful verification, the FSSAI license will be issued.
Conclusion
Obtaining FSSAI certification is a crucial step for anyone involved in the export food business in India. This certification, also known as FSSAI License, is mandatory to ensure that exported food products meet safety standards, comply with legal regulations, and gain acceptance in international markets. FSSAI certification not only safeguards consumer health but also enhances the credibility and market reputation of the exported food items, making it an essential requirement for responsible and successful participation in the global food trade. Failure to comply with FSSAI regulations may lead to legal consequences, emphasizing the significance of regulatory adherence for sustainable and ethical export practices.
