INDIA EXPORTATION

Last month we’ve successfully cleared some orders that exported to India, although the tax in India is crazy due to Protectionism, but we believe that our product will make you feel worthy enough.

According to our experience, best-seller in India are those which has a colorful appearance、 rich display or shape, full with visual tension, and chewy 、sweet taste are their favorite, so our toppings are very popular in India! This can be your reference when creating your menu!

It comes with a difficult challenge when exporting to India, what do I need to prepare?

Most goods are shipped to Nhava Sheva or Chennai, for a 20 ' container, shipping fee costs about 9000 USD as C.I.F. term to Nhava Sheva (Feb), to ensure your material can arrive in your hands safely, some documents are needed! Notice that all document work should be done first to make sure nothing goes wrong, we suggest applying for them 2~3 months in advance.

FSSAI Importer License

1. IEC (Acquire Importer-Exporter Code)

Obtaining an Importer-Exporter Code (IEC) is a crucial step when importing or exporting goods to or from India. The importing party should apply for an IEC well in advance, as it is a prerequisite for obtaining the necessary licenses and No Objection Certificate (NOC).

2. FSSAI (Food Safety and Standards Authority of India)  

Source: wiki

These labs will help test food for microbial contamination that can lead to spoilage of food and potential health risks,” said a senior health official of FSSAI.

Visit the official website of Food Safety Compliance System (FoSCoS), and complete the license registration, some documents are required, e.g. List of directors、Photo ID、Partnership Deed、 Form IX、 IE code…

Upon completing the payment process, a receipt with a 17-digit reference number will be generated. This reference number can be used for future reference and tracking.

The users can monitor the status of their application through the FoSCoS homepage.

3. PAN (Permanent Account Number)

PAN is a unique 10-digit alphanumeric number issued by the Income Tax Department to Indian taxpayers. The department records all tax-related transactions and information of an individual against his unique permanent account number.

Whether it is a domestic or foreign enterprise, as long as it has business dealings with India, it is necessary to apply for a PAN.

4. GSTIN (Goods and Services Tax Number)

Under the Indian Goods and Services Tax (GST) Act, Registrants will be registered based on their (PAN), Based on this, a set of 15-digit GSTIN is obtained. When the taxpayer opens a bill and declares GST, it must be noted.

5. HALAL Certification
source:Linkin

A guarantee that the food is prepared according to the Islamic law and is unadulterated. In India, halal certification is given by many private companies which marks the food or products permissible for the followers of the Islam. All our company’s products are HALAL-certificated, ensuring cleanliness and suitability for use by Muslims.

CUSTOMS CLEARANCE

Before the arrival of a food consignment at an Indian air or seaport, it is crucial for the importing food business operator to initiate the customs clearance process.

The following steps needed for customs clearance for imported food items:

•    Authorization letter to Customs Handling Agent (CHA):

The importing food business operator must prepare an Authority Letter in favor of a Customs Handling Agent (CHA). This letter is addressed to the FSSAI or Authorized Officer and grants the CHA the authority to represent the importer in customs clearance proceedings.

•    Arrival of the consignment:

Upon the arrival of the food consignment at the Indian port of entry (air or seaport), the authorized Customs Handling Agent takes charge of the process.

•      Application for clearance:

The Customs Handling Agent, armed with the authorization letter, proceeds to apply for the clearance of the consignment with the Department of Customs. This application typically involves the submission of a Bill of Entry, which is a formal document containing details of the imported goods, their value, and other relevant information.

•    Customs verification:

A Government Customs Agent conducts a thorough verification of the consignment. This process includes inspecting the physical condition of the goods to check for any visible issues, such as insect infestations or damage.Below are mandatory Documents for FSSAI Clearance:

•    IEC issued by the DGFT.

•    FSSAI food business license.

•    Bill of Entry.

•    Examination order generated by the EDI system of Customs, requiring NOC from FSSAI.

•    Customs formalities:

The Government Customs Agent clears the consignment after all customs formalities have been completed. This may include verifying that the applicable customs duties and taxes have been paid.

•    Payment of customs duty:

The importing food business operator is responsible for paying the customs duties and taxes required for the clearance of the food consignment. The payment is typically made based on the assessed value of the imported goods and in accordance with Indian customs regulations.

•    Customs clearance certificate:

Once the customs formalities are successfully completed, and all required payments have been made, the Government Customs Agent issues a Customs Clearance Certificate, allowing the consignment to proceed to the next stage of the import process.

Approval of Food Product Imported in India

The final step in the process of importing food products into India involves obtaining clearance and approval from the FSSAI. It entails the following steps:

1.     Laboratory Report Confirmation

If the authorized laboratory issues a report confirming that the food consignment conforms to the FSSAI regulations, this report serves as an important document in the clearance process. It indicates that the imported food product meets the safety and quality standards set by the FSSAI.

2.     No Objection Certificate (NOC)

Based on the laboratory’s report, the FSSAI Officer will issue a NOC if the food product conforms to the FSSAI regulations. This NOC essentially confirms that the imported food product is safe, compliant, and approved for consumption in India. It is a crucial document that allows the food product to enter the Indian market.

3.     Non-Conformance Certificate (NCC)

In cases where the laboratory report indicates that the food consignment does not conform to the FSSAI regulations, a Non-Conformance Certificate (NCC) may be issued. This certificate signifies that the product failed to meet the required standards, and it may lead to rejection or other regulatory actions.

4.     Clearance for Import

Once the NOC is issued and the food product is deemed compliant, it can be cleared for import into India. The customs handling agent will facilitate the release of the consignment from the customs warehouse.

Essential Labeling Requirements for Imported Food Products in India

Besides, the FSSAI label needs to be added on the box, Here are the key labeling requirements by FSSAI for food imports in India:

1. Labelling language: Labels must adhere to the FSSAI Packaging & Labelling Regulations, 2011, and specific product-related labeling requirements. Compliance with the Food Safety & Standards (Import) Regulations, 2017, is mandatory.
2. Volume and net weight: The packaging should clearly state the volume of contents and net weight of the product.
3. Best before date: Products must display the “Best Before” date, indicating the date until which the product is expected to remain at its best quality.
4. Nutritional information: Nutritional facts and information, including details about calories, fat, protein, carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals, should be provided on the label.
5. Brand, company, and product name: The label must include the name of the brand, company, and the specific product name.
6. Product description and ingredients: A detailed product description, along with the names of the ingredients used in the product, must be provided. This is crucial for consumers with allergies or dietary restrictions.
7. Vegetarian and non-vegetarian declaration: Vegetarian and non-vegetarian products should be clearly distinguished using appropriate symbols.
8. Batch, code, or lot number: Each batch of products must have a unique identification number, code, or lot number for traceability.
9. Importer’s name and address: The label should include the name and address of the importer in India.
10. Country of origin: The country of origin of the product must be clearly stated on the label.
11. Instructions for use: If applicable, the label should provide clear instructions on how to use or consume the product.
12. Storage instructions: Information about storage conditions, such as temperature and humidity, should be included.

In addition to above content needed to be noticed,  regular documents such as SC (specification certificate)、COA (certificate of analysis)、B/L、CO、I &V and health specification are suggest to be prepare, the sooner the better, usually forwarder and exporter will do that for you.

source: India briefing