A peanut or sesame exporter needs, at minimum, an IEC from DGFT, an FSSAI licence and the relevant export registration. If you supply food manufacturers or retailers, you will usually want a GFSI-recognised food safety certificate such as BRCGS or FSSC 22000 as well.
Certificates are a starting point, not proof of safe product. Check each one is current, covers the right site and covers the products you are buying.
Legal registrations
- IEC (Importer Exporter Code) from DGFT: needed by every Indian exporter.
- FSSAI licence: needed by food businesses in India. Check it names the processing address. See what FSSAI is and whether it matters for export.
- Export registration: an RCMC from APEDA or the relevant export promotion council, depending on the product. Ask which body issued it and see the certificate.
- GST registration and the company's legal documents.
Groundnut export procedures
APEDA has run a specific procedure for groundnut exports, especially to the EU, covering registration of processing units, sampling and aflatoxin testing at approved labs. The details have changed over time. Check the current requirements with APEDA and ask the processor how they comply. Background on APEDA is in what APEDA is.
Food safety certification
- BRCGS Food Safety or FSSC 22000: commonly asked for by EU, UK and US manufacturers and retailers.
- ISO 22000: a food safety management standard, sometimes held instead of the above.
- HACCP: a hazard analysis system that should exist in any case, even if not separately certified.
- Certificates should name the site, the scope (for example hulled sesame or HPS groundnut) and the expiry date.
Market and customer requirements
- Organic: NPOP for India and the EU where recognised, USDA NOP for the US. See NPOP certification.
- Kosher and halal: needed by many Middle East, US and ethnic food buyers.
- Social or ethical audits: some retailers ask for them. Ask your customer which scheme they accept.
- Lab accreditation: if the processor has an in-house lab, it is useful, but you should still test at an independent NABL-accredited lab.
How to check a certificate
Ask for a copy, then verify it on the certification body's public database or by contacting the body directly. Make sure the company name and address match the invoice. A certificate held by a sister company or another site does not cover your goods.
Also ask for the last audit report, or at least its summary of non-conformities. A plant that passed with several major findings is different from one with none.
Certificates do not test your lot. Sesame still needs ETO, Salmonella and residue testing, and peanuts still need aflatoxin testing, on every shipment.
Where we come in
We verify every registration and certificate against the issuing body, then audit the plant ourselves. You receive the real factory name, our audit report and original lab reports. Ask for a free sourcing review.