How to Export Food Products from India – Complete 2025 Guide

Exporting food products from India is one of the most profitable and fast-growing opportunities in global trade. With rising international demand for Indian rice, pulses, spices, snacks, ready-to-eat foods, and beverages, importers and exporters are seeking reliable partners to navigate the process smoothly.

This guide simplifies the entire journey — from documentation to logistics — with updated 2025 standards.

⭐ 1. Understand What Food Products You Can Export

The major food categories exported from India include:

• Rice (Basmati & Non-Basmati)
• Pulses & Lentils
• Wheat, Flour, and Grains
• Spices & Masala Blends
• Tea & Coffee
• Dry Fruits
• Snacks & Namkeen
• Ready-to-Eat Meals
• Frozen Products
• Oils & Ghee
• Beverages

Each category has different compliance requirements, but the core process remains similar.

⭐ 2. Mandatory Registrations for Food Exporters

You need the following certifications to legally and smoothly export food products:

✔ FSSAI License

Mandatory for food handling and exports.

✔ APEDA Registration

Required for agricultural and processed food products.

✔ IEC (Import Export Code)

Issued by DGFT, essential for international trade.

✔ GST Registration

Mandatory for invoicing and taxation.

✔ MSME Registration

Optional but helpful for government benefits.

⭐ 3. Key Export Documents Required

A proper export shipment requires the following:

• Commercial Invoice
• Packing List
• Certificate of Origin
• Fumigation Certificate
• Phytosanitary Certificate
• Bill of Lading / Airway Bill
• Lab Test Reports (if required)
• Export Declaration
• Insurance Certificate (optional)
• Product Labeling as per importing country laws

Avernac handles all documentation end-to-end for clients.

⭐ 4. Packaging Standards for Food Exports

Food packaging must be:

• Air-tight and moisture-proof
• Pest-free
• Properly labeled
• Strong enough for long-distance shipment
• Compliant with country-specific standards (USFDA, EU, GCC, etc.)

Common packaging options:
PP bags, jute bags, PET jars, HDPE bags, laminated pouches, corrugated boxes.

⭐ 5. Choose Shipping Terms: FOB, CIF, or EXW

FOB (Recommended)

You deliver goods to the port; importer handles freight.

CIF

You handle freight + insurance until importer’s port.

EXW

Importer picks goods right from your warehouse.

Avernac offers FOB, CIF, and EXW depending on buyer needs.

⭐ 6. Quality Control & Lab Testing

Food exports require strict quality checks including:

• Moisture analysis
• Purity checks
• Adulteration testing
• Microbial testing
• Grade verification (A/B/C for rice, spices, etc.)

Lab reports are provided to customers for trust and compliance.

⭐ 7. Logistics & Shipping

Shipment options:

• Sea (most common)
• Air (faster, but expensive)
• Road (for SAARC countries)

We work with reliable shipping lines to ensure timely delivery.

⭐ 8. Post-Shipment Support

Importers often need:

• Additional documents
• Confirmation letters
• Insurance papers
• Batch details
• Images of loading

Avernac provides complete post-shipment support.

⭐ Conclusion

Food exports from India offer massive potential. With the right documentation, quality checks, and reliable partners like Avernac, the process becomes smooth, transparent, and profitable.

Looking to import Indian food products? Contact Avernac for catalogues, pricing, and samples.