An Indian processed food exporter needs an Importer Exporter Code (IEC) from DGFT and an FSSAI licence. Most processed foods are APEDA scheduled products, so the exporter usually also holds an APEDA RCMC.
Those are the legal basics. Most serious buyers abroad also want a food safety certification, often a scheme recognised by the Global Food Safety Initiative (GFSI). Which one depends on who you sell to.
Legal registrations in India
- IEC: the basic code for any Indian business that exports or imports.
- FSSAI licence: required for food businesses. Exporters usually need a central licence. See what FSSAI is and whether it matters for export.
- APEDA RCMC: for exporters of scheduled products such as processed fruit and vegetables, pickles and many snacks. See what APEDA registration is.
- Spices Board CRES: may apply if the product is a spice or spice blend. Confirm with the Spices Board for the specific product.
Food safety certifications buyers ask for
These are voluntary in law but often required by contract. Retailers and large food manufacturers usually set the scheme.
- HACCP: a hazard analysis system, often the minimum a buyer will accept.
- ISO 22000: a food safety management standard. On its own it is not GFSI recognised.
- FSSC 22000: built on ISO 22000 with added requirements, and GFSI recognised.
- BRCGS Food Safety: widely required by UK retailers and many others.
- IFS Food: common with German, French and other European retailers.
- SQF: more common with buyers in North America.
Market and customer specific
Ask your own customers which schemes they accept before you shortlist factories. Switching later costs time.
- US FDA food facility registration, if the product is sold in the US. See what US FDA facility registration is.
- Organic certification, such as NPOP or USDA NOP, if you sell organic.
- Halal and kosher certificates, if your customers require them.
- Social compliance audits, such as SMETA, which some retailers require.
How to check a certificate
A certificate on a wall proves little. Ask for the certificate and the latest audit report, then check them. Certification audits happen on set dates, so a plant can pass the audit and slip between visits.
- The site address matches the plant you will buy from, not a head office.
- The scope covers your product category and process.
- The certificate is current, and the certification body is accredited.
- The audit grade and any non-conformities, and how they were closed.
- The certificate appears in the scheme owner's public directory where one exists.
How we help
We collect and verify each factory's registrations and certificates against the actual site and product scope before you place an order. We also run our own audit of the plant, so you see how it works between certification visits. Talk to us through a free sourcing review.