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FSSAI License for exports: A key document for global business

It is important to obtain an FSSAI license to export food products and consumables from India. Here's a complete guide on the process, registration and importance of FSSAI license for Indian businesses and sellers.

Consumables like tea, coffee and spices are on the top in the list of export products from India. The demand for Indian spices – popular for its taste and flavour, is growing. With increasing exports in this industry, it becomes important to ensure the quality of these products match international standards. To ensure this, Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) was established under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006. Indian exporters who want to sell consumables or food products internationally need to obtain an FSSAI certificate. FSSAI license for exports consolidates regulations formed with the help of science-based standards for all processed, semi-processed or unprocessed food products and consumables to ensure the safety of customers, and to regulate the manufacturing, storage and transportation.

What is FSSAI license?

FSSAI license is a certification given to food businesses in India to ensure safety of food products and consumables. Mandated by the FSS Act 2006, FSSAI is administered by the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, Government of India¹. To be a common ground for all food and safety-related matters, FSSAI performs the following functions:

• Sets standard and guidelines in relation to the quality of food products and consumables
• Lays down mechanisms for crediting certifications to various food business operators (FBO). Food Business Operators carry out activities related to manufacturing, processing, storage and distribution of these products
• Lays down the procedure and guidelines for quality testing laboratories and stores information about the accredited laboratories
• Provides scientific advice to Central and state government for policies and rules related to food safety
• Collects and arranges data about food consumption, contamination in food, potential biological risks and risk management systems
• Establishes a network of information across the country to deliver reliable information about food safety and issues of concern
• Provides training programs to businesses and sellers in the sector
• Promotes general awareness about food safety and quality standards

How to obtain FSSAI license to export from India?

It is necessary for every food business operator to have an FSSAI license. Retailers and manufacturers of consumables are required to take a license. An online food safety platform, Food Safety and Compliance System (FoSCoS), is a centralized point for all the FBOs (Food Business Operators) to complete transactions related to license and registration.

Below are the steps to apply for the food registration certificate²:

Open the official website of FoSCoS, FSSAI. Click on “Apply for Registration Certificate”.

Enter your mobile number and other required details. You will receive an OTP on the given mobile number. Enter the code and submit.

Enter your state in the following box and then select the appropriate type of business and click ‘Proceed’.

Fill all the details in the registration form that appears. You will require the following documents here:

• Photo of the business owner
• Government issued identity proof such as Aadhar or PAN or Voter ID.
• Proof of Address of Businesses activity (if address is other than as mentioned in ID Card).

Fill the form and pay the required fee.

A receipt will be generated with a 17-digit reference number that can be used for future reference. The registration will be completed and license will be generated within 30 days.

How to export consumables with Amazon?

Consumables from India are one of the growing export product categories. Indian sellers can export food products and consumables easily via ecommerce with Amazon Global Selling. With simple registration and product listing, you can sell internationally on 18+ international marketplaces like USA, UK, Italy, UAE, Saudi Arabia, Australia, Japan, France and more. Amazon Global Selling offers international tools and solutions in logistics and export compliance, enabling sellers to reach over 300 million customers easily.

I had an idea to export natural herbs because this is a booming industry. With Amazon Global Selling, my sales have picked up especially during sale periods like Black Friday and Cyber Monday.
Manish JainHerbs & Crops Overseas

Register your business

First, you must register your export business with Amazon Global Selling. You don’t have to be an existing Amazon India seller. The registration can be done online on Seller Central. You’ll need the following documents to register:
• PAN
• ID proof (Aadhar, driving license or passport)
• Business address proof (Bank statement)
• Credit card (internationally enabled)

List your products

Once you have successfully registered to sell globally on Amazon, you can list your products. Remember to follow tips on how to list your products include attractive pictures and descriptions that’s clear to international customers. You can also seek help from third party service providers.

Ship & receive payments

Once a customer places an order, you can choose to deliver by yourself or you can opt for Fulfillment by Amazon (FBA). Under FBA, Amazon takes care of shipping, delivery, returns and customer concerns. Once a customer purchases your product, Amazon credits the money in your bank account in the currency of your choice.

Frequently Asked Questions

I get my products manufactured through a third party. Do I need FSSAI License?

Yes, FBOs who get their products manufactured by the third-party manufacturers also need to obtain FSSAI License under the ‘Relabeller’ Kind of Business (KoB).

How to obtain NOC certificate for export of consumables?

NOC is a ‘No Objection Certificate’ that states that food product or consumables are allowed to be exported. To obtain a NOC, the food or consumable sample is sent for laboratory testing to FSSAI. After inspecting it, if the concerned authority finds it safe and complying with all the FSSAI standards, then it is declared fit for use. The NOC is issued after that. Once the FSSAI license is issued and received, you can start your food exports business³.

Published on February 27, 2022.

Sources:
1. https://www.fssai.gov.in/
2. https://fssai.gov.in/cms/registration.php
3. https://fics.fssai.gov.in/pdf/Cha_user_manual_01_07_2016.pdf

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*Map not to scale. The map has been used for design and representational purpose only, it does not depict the geographical boundaries of the country. These do not conform to the external boundaries of India recognized by the Survey of India.

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