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FSSAI Export Certification for Food Businesses

Q: What is FSSAI Export Certification, and why is it necessary?

For Indian food companies looking to export, FSSAI Export Certification is a must. This certification guarantees that the products fulfil international and national standards for food safety and quality, promoting customer confidence and international trade.

Q: Who should apply for FSSAI Export Certification?

To make sure their goods are suitable for foreign markets, any Indian food business owner who produces, prepares, or handles food products for export needs to get FSSAI Export Certification.

Q: How can I apply for FSSAI Export Certification?

Through the FoSCoS platform, businesses can apply for FSSAI Export Certification. To do so, they must register their company, fill out the application, and send in the necessary paperwork.

Q: What documents are required for obtaining export certification?

Product specifications, quality assurance certificates, business registration information, and any pertinent certifications for the food safety management system are usually required documentation.

Q: What standards must my products meet for FSSAI Export Certification?

Products must adhere to all applicable international norms and laws of the destination country in addition to the food safety and quality criteria set out by the FSSAI.

Q: How long is the Export Certification valid, and how can it be renewed?

The Export Certification's validity duration is for 5 years, it usually needs to be renewed every year. A review of compliance is part of renewal, and new documents can be needed.

Q: What happens if my product fails to meet the required standards during the certification process?

A product will not be granted certification if it does not fulfil the necessary requirements. Companies may have to reapply for certification after making the required enhancements or modifications to their processes and goods.

Q: Can FSSAI Export Certification improve my business's marketability abroad?

Yes, by proving adherence to acknowledged food safety and quality standards, FSSAI export certification or food products can greatly improve a company's credibility and marketability in foreign markets.

Read about the FSSAI export certification process for food businesses.

Contains information on FSSAI export certification and FoSCoS registration.

Get a complete overview of the FSSAI export certificate

Know about the FSSAI export certification process

Understand the eligibility criteria and documentation required

Get a step-by-step application guide

Know more about compliance renewal and maintenance of export certificates.

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Overview of FSSAI Export Certification

Having a central FSSAI license is mandatory for food businesses looking to export their products from India. This ensures that the exported food items meet the safety and quality standards required by international markets. The process of becoming a food exporter involves securing the necessary licenses, including a Central License and an IEC. The FSSAI export certification cost varies based on the size and nature of the business, typically involving an application fee and potential additional charges for inspections and documentation.

The FSSAI Export Certification requirements include submitting several documents, including proof of business registration, a detailed product list, manufacturing unit details, and compliance with FSSAI guidelines. The FSSAI guidelines for export outline the necessary steps and regulations, including maintaining hygienic production facilities, accurate record-keeping, and adhering to food safety management systems.

Introduction to FSSAI Export Certification

The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) primarily focuses on maintaining food quality across the country. Every food business operator, including food exporters, should apply for an FSSAI license to make sure that their food products are of high quality and would not cause any damage to the health of people outside the country. All the export standards are set in place to protect the best interests of the people and maintain health decorum outside the country too.

The FoSCoS, initiated by the FSSAI, focuses on easy licensing and registration processes for food business operators. Through various international collaborations, FSSAI improves food standards and food export standards across the country. Food Exporters can easily file for food export license on the FoSCoS website.

The FSSAI Export Certification Process

In order to export your food products abroad you should have an active FSSAI licence. The licence varies greatly based on the type of business and the food products that you handle. The eligibility criteria for food licensing is outlined by the FSSAI. Here is a general outline of the same:

Step-1: Apply on the FoSCoS
Apply online on the FoSCoS website for a new FSSAI license. Provide the required information and forms for units that are 100% export-oriented or manufacturer-export, and upload all supporting files and pay the fee. An ARN will generate that can be used to track the progress of your application after a successful submission.

Step-2: Inspection by FSSAI
In accordance with FSS norms, authorities will reply to your application. The food safety office will conduct an on-site inspection and will provide you with a report.

Step-3: Approval from FSSAI
Authorisation for certification for the FSSAI license or registration will be given following the inspection and document verification conducted by the food safety officer designated by the FSSAI.

Step-4: Issuance of license
After all clearances, the FSSAI license for food export will be issued by the FSSAl central licensing body.

Eligibility Criteria for Export Certification

As per the eligibility criteria outlined by the FSSAI, any exporter, irrespective of the capacity of turnover, should have a central license. Exporters who fulfill the following eligibility criteria can apply for a central license:

100% EOU-FBO having certificate from ministry of commerce

Manufacturer exporters can apply for export license

Merchants and traders can apply for export license

Step-by-Step Application Guide

Any exporter and food business operator can apply for a FSSAI license directly on the FoSCoS website. Here is a complete outline of the same:

Step 1: Visit the official FoSCoS website

Step 2: Select the ‘license registration’ option and apply for a license or registration in the yellow menu box

Step 3: Select the ‘apply for license class registration’ option

Step 4: Select the state. Now a notice pops up. Make sure to give it a read

Step 5: Read the group and choose the business kind and choose exporters under the manufacturer option

Step 6: Under the exporters option, there are three kinds of businesses.

Step 7: Select the mandatory field presented in Form B. Enter the communication details (contact details, mobile number, email ID, GST/PAN/CIN) in the relevant field.

Step 8: Upload the relevant set of documents, pay the fee with more available, and submit the application. An ARN of 17 digits will be generated. You can use this for future reference and tracking.

Documentation Required for the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) Licenses the Following

The following documents have to be provided while applying for an FSSAI export license or a central license:

Fully completed and duly signed Form B

The layout plan of the processing unit shows all the dimensions

List of directors, partners, proprietors, and other team members

List of equipment and machinery along with the numbers and other criteria

Director’s photo ID and address proof you should buy from the government authority

Food category list that is planned to be manufactured or exported authority letter with the name and address of the nominated person. Analysis report of water and other ingredients proof of position of premises, including sale deed, rent deed, or electricity bill partnership deed

Self-declaration in the case of proprietorship memorandum of association

Copy of certificate obtained under the COOP Act 1861 NOC

Copy of license from the manufacturer

Food safety management system plan

Source of raw materials

Pesticide residue report

NOC from municipality or local body

Ministry of commerce certificate for 100%

Supporting documents for proof of annual turnover

NOC/PA document issued by FSSAI document.

Apart From the Above Mentioned Documents You Might Also Need to do the Following:

Get the necessary Importer-Exporter Code (IEC) from DGFT for exporting food items

Get Halal certification for food intended for Muslim consumers

Acquire organic products certification from accredited bodies like APEDA or NPOP

Avail a Certificate of Origin from the Chamber of Commerce to confirm product provenance

Obtain a Certificate of Health from EIC or approved third-party inspection organisations to ensure compliance with import nation's health regulations

Understand the destination country's import laws

Secure required certificates such as PhytoSanitary, Health, Halal, and Kosher

Ensure packaging and labelling compliance with import country laws

Organise logistics and transportation with a reliable partner

Ensure customs clearance with necessary paperwork and compliance with importing country's regulations.

Compliance and Quality Standards for Export

Food products which are meant for 100% export only, and are prepared as per standard/specification of the importing country. No part thereof shall be sold/supplied for domestic consumption. However, NOC shall be required.

Renewal and Maintenance of Export Certification

FSSAI central licence is mandatory for all export businesses. As per the law the granted Central licence is valid for a period of up to 5 years from the date of registration. Before the period of tenure comes to an end it is crucial to Renew the license to avoid cancellation. You can also manually renew the FSSAI licence on the FoSCoS official website. Here is a complete outline for the same:

Now choose to apply for renewal of licence / registration

Now a list of licences will appear

Click on the proceed option against your licence.

Now the Form B will open in the window

Enter the required details and make the payment

After the payment is done a 17 digit ARN number will be generated. You can use this for future reference.

Note: Licence or registration certificate is eligible for renewal and has to be listed 120 days before the expiry of licence. Licence or registration certificate might not get listed for renewal once your licence or registration certificate is expired as of today.

In order to renew an FSSAI license, the following paperwork is usually needed:

A certificate pertaining to the Food Safety Management System is known as an FSMS certificate

Details regarding the nominee connected to the FSSAI license

Describes any changes that the license may need

On official letterhead, supporting documentation for any changes is supplied

Any record that the food safety licensing body requires

Extra paperwork that the licensing body determines is required to guarantee food safety.

You can also get it renewed at Vakilsearch in just 3 easy steps. Get on call with our experts, provide all the required documents and our team will file for renewal.

Maintaining Certification Compliance

It is necessary for applicants for FSSAI Exporter Licenses to specify if they deal exclusively in exports or in both the local and export markets

The Import-Export Code (IEC) certificate is a prerequisite for conducting import-export business in India

It is also a prerequisite for obtaining an FSSAI Exporter License

For every location from which food goods are exported, a food business operator must apply separately for an FSSAI Exporter License

The FBO is responsible for ensuring that the IEC certificate includes a list of all the premises for which an FSSAI license for export is needed

An application for an FSSAI Central license for an exporter kind of business may be submitted for a maximum of five years, after which it may be renewed

Frequently Asked Questions

What is FSSAI Export Certification, and why is it necessary?

Who should apply for FSSAI Export Certification?

How can I apply for FSSAI Export Certification?

What documents are required for obtaining export certification?

What standards must my products meet for FSSAI Export Certification?

How long is the Export Certification valid, and how can it be renewed?

What happens if my product fails to meet the required standards during the certification process?

Can FSSAI Export Certification improve my business's marketability abroad?

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