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Step-by-Step Process for Processed Food Export

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Financial Analyst

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Processed food exports from India—such as snacks, spices, ready-to-eat items, beverages, pickles, and packaged foods—are growing rapidly worldwide. To export processed foods safely and legally, businesses must follow proper guidelines, documentation, and quality standards.

Here is a simple and easy-to-understand step-by-step process.

Step 1: Complete Mandatory Registrations

Before exporting processed food items, ensure you have:

  • IEC (Import Export Code)
  • GST Registration
  • FSSAI Registration / License
  • APEDA or MPEDA registration (depending on product category)
  • AD Code registration at the shipping port

These registrations ensure your food products meet national and international standards.

Step 2: Identify the Processed Food Products for Export

Decide what type of products you want to export, such as:

  • Spices and masalas
  • Pickles
  • Ready-to-eat meals
  • Frozen foods
  • Snacks (chips, namkeen, biscuits)
  • Juices and beverages
  • Sauces and chutneys

Each product has specific packaging and labeling requirements.

Step 3: Ensure Compliance with Food Safety Standards

Processed foods must follow:

  • FSSAI standards
  • Codex guidelines
  • Importing country regulations

Check for:

  • Ingredient limits
  • Additives
  • Shelf life requirements
  • Allergen declarations
  • Hygiene and manufacturing standards (HACCP recommended)

Step 4: Prepare Export-Quality Packaging

Proper packaging ensures safety, hygiene, and long shelf life. Use:

  • Food-grade containers
  • Vacuum packing or nitrogen flushing
  • Air-tight jars or pouches
  • Moisture-proof and tamper-proof packaging
  • Labels following export rules

Labels must include:

  • Product name
  • Ingredients
  • Manufacturer details
  • Net weight
  • Batch number
  • Manufacturing & expiry date
  • FSSAI license number
  • Allergens
  • “Made in India”

Step 5: Get Lab Testing and Health Certificates

Processed foods may require:

  • Lab test reports
  • Microbiological testing
  • Nutritional analysis certificate
  • Health certificate (required by many countries)
  • Certificate of Origin
  • Phytosanitary certificate (for plant-based items)

These certificates prove product safety and quality.

Step 6: Prepare Export Documentation

You will need:

  • Commercial Invoice
  • Packing List
  • FSSAI License
  • IEC
  • APEDA Registration
  • Health Certificate
  • Certificate of Origin
  • Lab Test Report
  • AD Code Registration
  • Shipping Bill (ICEGATE)

Documentation must match the shipment details exactly.

Step 7: Choose the Right Mode of Transport

Processed foods can be shipped by:

  • Sea (for large bulk shipments)
  • Air (for smaller or high-value items)
  • Refrigerated transport (if temperature control is required)

Use proper pallets, cartons, and sealing methods.

Step 8: Customs Clearance

At the port or airport:

  • File shipping bill online
  • Submit necessary certificates
  • Provide product samples if required
  • Cooperate with customs inspections

After approval, the goods are cleared for export.

Step 9: Shipment, Delivery & Payment Realisation

After shipment:

  • Buyer receives goods
  • Payment is routed through the bank
  • Bank verifies documents
  • E-BRC (Bank Realisation Certificate) is issued

E-BRC is essential for DGFT incentives and compliance.

Why Processed Food Export Is Growing

  • High global demand for Indian food
  • Strong Indian diaspora abroad
  • Government schemes supporting food exports
  • Better packaging and cold chain facilities

FAQ

Q1. Do all processed foods require FSSAI license?
Yes, every food processing and export business must have a valid FSSAI license.

Q2. Is APEDA registration mandatory?
Yes, for most agricultural and processed food items, APEDA registration is required.

Q3. Do processed foods require lab testing?
Many countries require lab tests for safety, nutrition, and allergens.

⚠ Disclaimer

This article provides general information about the processed food export process. Actual requirements may vary based on product type, importing country rules, and customs procedures. Always consult an export professional, freight forwarder, or regulatory expert before exporting food items.

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