Step-by-Step Process for Exporting Sugar Confectioneries & Salts
Step 1: Obtain Importer-Exporter Code (IEC)
IEC issued by DGFT is mandatory for any export of food items.
Documents required:
PAN
Business registration
Address proof
Bank certificate
Step 2: Ensure FSSAI & Factory Compliance
Since confectioneries and salts are food items, exporters must:
Mandatory Requirements:
FSSAI License (Manufacturing/Processing/Relabelling)
GMP and hygiene standards
Product test reports (moisture, purity, nutrition profile, contaminants)
Quality control processes
For confectioneries, ensure compliance with:
FSS (Food Standards & Safety) regulations
Permitted colours/flavours
For salts, ensure:
Iodine level compliance (for iodized salt)
Purity grade
Anti-caking agent compliance
Step 3: Understand Import Country Regulations
Food regulations vary by country.
Study the destination country’s:
Food safety laws
Ingredient restrictions
Additive/colour approvals
Sweetener limitations
Salt purity standards
Halal certification (if exporting to Middle East/Islamic countries)
Some countries require:
Health Certificates
Halal Certificates
Nutritional analysis reports
Shelf-life testing
Step 4: Determine HS Code & Duty Structure
Correct HS codes include:
1704 → Sugar confectionery (including chocolates, candies, chewing gum)
2501 → Salts (including table salt, pure salt, and sea salt)
This helps in:
Duty estimation
Compliance check
Customs classification
Step 5: Prepare Product Documentation
Mandatory Documents:
Commercial Invoice
Packing List
Shipping Bill
Bill of Lading / Airway Bill
Certificate of Origin
FSSAI Export Certificate (if required)
Laboratory test report
Ingredient list & product specification sheet
Health Certificate (for some countries)
Optional/Specific Requirements:
Halal Certificate
Organic certification (if organic sweets/salts)
Private label agreement (if exporting under buyer brand)
Step 6: Packaging & Labeling Requirements
Packaging must be food-grade, moisture-resistant, and tamper-proof.
Label must include:
Product name
Ingredient list
Nutritional information
Net weight
Batch/lot number
Manufacturing date & expiry date
Storage instructions
FSSAI License number
Country of origin (Made in India)
Allergen warning (if any)
For salts:
Purity grade
Iodine level declaration
For confectioneries:
Permitted color/flavour declaration
Some countries require bilingual labels.
Step 7: Select the Right Shipping Method
Sea Freight:
Ideal for bulk shipments of salts or confectioneries with long shelf life.
Air Freight:
Suitable for premium sweets, chocolates, and urgent orders.
Use appropriate Incoterms (FOB, CIF, DDP) depending on buyer agreement.
Step 8: File Shipping Bill & Complete Indian Customs Clearance
Your CHA/freight forwarder will:
File shipping bill on ICEGATE
Submit documentation for customs examination
Obtain Let Export Order (LEO)
Seal and load the consignment
Food items may undergo additional inspection.
Step 9: Import Country Customs Clearance
Once goods reach the destination country, the importer must complete:
Customs filing
Food safety inspection
Label verification
Duty payment
Release of goods
Non-compliance with food standards may cause rejection or re-labeling.
Step 10: Delivery to Buyer or Distributor
Delivered to:
Retailers
Distributors
Hypermarkets
Online marketplaces (Amazon, Carrefour, Walmart, etc.)
Ensure temperature-controlled transport if needed (especially chocolates).
Step 11: Claim Export Benefits in India
Exporters can claim:
RoDTEP rebate
Duty Drawback
GST Refund (LUT/Bond)
Maintain proper documentation for audits.
Top Export Markets for Indian Confectioneries & Salts
Middle East (UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar)
USA & Canada
UK & EU
Africa
Southeast Asia
Australia & New Zealand
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Is FSSAI mandatory for food exports?
Yes, exporters must hold a valid FSSAI license for manufacturing/processing.
- Do confectioneries need special certificates?
Some countries require test reports or health certificates.
- Can sweets/mithai be exported?
Yes, if properly packaged, tested, and compliant with food safety norms.
- Do salts need iodine certification?
Yes, especially iodized salt for human consumption.
- What shelf-life is required for export?
Most countries expect at least 60–80% remaining shelf life upon arrival.
Final Tips for Exporters
Maintain strict hygiene & quality consistency.
Use high-quality moisture-proof packaging.
Understand destination country food laws thoroughly.
Conduct lab testing before shipment.
Work with experienced freight agents for food exports.
Disclaimer
This blog is for informational purposes only. Export regulations, food safety norms, packaging rules, and compliance standards may change based on updates by DGFT, FSSAI, Customs, and international authorities. Readers should consult certified professionals before taking action. Saving Mantra is not responsible for any decisions made based on this content.