Exporter-Exporting FBOs
Expoter Introduction
The export of food Products from India to other countries is subject to such products meeting the standards/ specifications applicable in the importing country.
Keeping the aforesaid in view, it has been decided to create a separate distinct category of ‘Exporting FBO’ for grant of License under the applicable regulations, without requiring submission of a certificate of conformity to the prescribed India Standards or seek Product Approvals in view of the fact that such food products are required to confirm to the standards/ specifications and regulations of the importing countries.
Export Food Control Policy and Strategy
Export food control activity is a multi-disciplinary activity covering a number of aspects such as food science, microbiology, analytical chemistry, plant pathology, veterinary science, etc. A number of agencies would normally be involved in any country including various departments of government, control organizations, promotional bodies, research institutions, agricultural institutions, farming community, trade associations, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), consumers etc.
There needs to be a suitable documented export control food strategy with clear objectives, including the countries of focus, well designed plan of action with role clarity provided for different players and clear networking of the organizations within the country.
Legislative Framework
Food legislation includes acts, regulations, and requirements or procedures prescribed by the government relating to export of foodstuffs to meet requirements of the importing country while ensuring conditions of fair trade. Food control needs to be simple, complete, covering various aspects of the food chain as needed and address requirements of importing country – both issues of safety and quality. It should provide authority to carry out controls at all stages of the food chain. Furthermore, it should be flexible to allow taking into account new technologies, developments and changing trade needs.
Legislation may also include provisions for registration of establishments or listing of certified processing plants, establishment approval, licensing or registration of traders or agents, equipment design approval, penalties, coding requirements and charging of fees. Necessary provisions need to be included for ensuring integrity, impartiality and independence of the official and officially recognized inspection and certification systems.
Control Programmes and Operations
Inspection services should design control programmes based on precise objective and appropriate risk analysis. HACCP or a similar quality and safety assurance and management system based approach should be encouraged with responsibility for meeting the food quality and safety regulatory requirements of importing country resting with the food industry with all segments of the food chain having responsibility for establishing food safety and quality controls. The responsibility of food control regulators is to ensure, through a surveillance system of industry and other components of the food chain that they meet the requirements specified by the importing country.
it is important to be strict quality conscious about the export. Food products are subject to compulsory pre-shipment inspection. Foreign buyers may also lay down their own standards/specifications and insist upon inspection by their own nominated agencies. Maintaining high quality is necessary to sustain in export business.
Labeling, Packaging, Packing and Marking
The export foods should be labeled, packaged and packed strictly as per the requirements specified by the importing country. Food packaging delivers and presents the foods in top condition and in attractive way. Similarly, food packing helps easy handling, maximum loading, reducing shipping costs and to ensuring safety and standard of the cargo. Marking such as address, package number, port and place of destination, weight, handling instructions, etc. provides identification and information of cargo packed.
Labelling helps consumers to make an informed choice while purchasing their foodstuffs. This application have all relevant Labeling Requirements for USFDA, EUROPE and FSANZ.
Mandatory FSSAI Licensing Category for Export of Food Businesses in India
– 100% Export Oriented Unit (EOU)
– Export House
– Manufacturer Exporter
– Trader Exporter / Merchant Exporter
– Highseas Sales Trader (Billing Food/Beverage/Food Additive)
Exporters are required to file Quarterly Return Online on FoSCoS portal of FSSAI.
To know more about Eligibility Criteria, documentation required, procedure to obtain Fssai License and Licensing Conditions, Chat with and ASK THE EXPERT.
