5 Documents Needed for Dry Fruits Export from India

To export dry fruits from India, businesses must have a few key documents ready. First is the Import Export Code (IEC), which is mandatory for all exporters and issued by DGFT; this 10-digit code stays valid for life. Next comes APEDA registration along with the Phytosanitary Certificate, certifying the produce is free from pests and meets import regulations. The FSSAI Food License ensures the dry fruits meet quality and safety standards. Shipping-related documents like the commercial invoice, packing list, and bill of lading or airway bill are essential for customs clearance and shipment tracking. Lastly, a Certificate of Origin confirms where the products were made, helping determine duties abroad.

Import Export Code (IEC) for Dry Fruits Export

The Import Export Code (IEC) is a crucial document issued by the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT), under the Ministry of Commerce, Government of India. It acts as a 10-digit alphanumeric identifier that every business must have to legally export dry fruits or any other goods from India. Once you obtain an IEC, it remains valid for a lifetime and does not require renewal, which makes it a one-time process. The dry fruits export from India must be quoted on all customs documents related to your export shipments, allowing customs authorities to verify the legitimacy of your business. Without this code, customs will not clear your shipments, which can cause unwanted delays or even rejection of your exports. Applying for an IEC is straightforward and can be done online through the DGFT portal with no minimum export value or fees for renewal. The IEC is linked to your business’s PAN (Permanent Account Number), which helps in tax and identity verification. Getting your IEC on time is essential to ensure a smooth start to your dry fruit export operations without any legal or procedural hurdles.

• IEC is issued by the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) under the Ministry of Commerce, Government of India.
• It is a 10-digit alphanumeric code mandatory for businesses to export or import goods legally from India.
• Once issued, the IEC remains valid for a lifetime and does not require renewal.
• The IEC number must be quoted on all custom documents related to export shipments.
• Application for IEC can be submitted online through the DGFT portal.
• No minimum export value is required to apply for IEC, and there are no renewal fees.
• The IEC helps customs authorities verify the legitimacy of the exporter.
• Without an IEC, customs will not clear shipments, leading to delays or rejection.
• The IEC is linked to the business PAN (Permanent Account Number) for tax and identity verification.
• Timely obtaining IEC ensures smooth start of export operations without legal hurdles.

APEDA Registration and Phytosanitary Certificate Details

APEDA, or Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority, plays a key role in promoting and regulating agricultural exports from India, including dry fruits. Exporters must register with APEDA to be eligible for export benefits and to ensure compliance with government rules. This registration process requires submitting company details, a list of export products, and evidence of quality certifications. One crucial document APEDA provides is the Phytosanitary Certificate, which verifies that the dry fruits meet the plant health standards of the importing country. This certificate confirms the shipment is free from pests, diseases, and other harmful organisms. To obtain it, authorized quarantine officers inspect and test the products before issuing the certificate. Many countries require this document during customs clearance to prevent the introduction of plant pests. The Phytosanitary Certificate is valid only for a limited period and must be presented with every shipment. Without it, shipments may face rejection or quarantine at the destination port, causing delays and additional costs. Beyond certification, APEDA registration also opens doors for exporters to access export subsidies and participate in trade fairs, helping expand their market reach.

FSSAI Food License Requirements for Exporters

The FSSAI (Food Safety and Standards Authority of India) license is a crucial document for dry fruits exporters, as it certifies that the products meet established safety and quality standards. Since dry fruits fall under the category of food business operations, exporters must obtain this license before they can legally export. The license is granted after a thorough verification process that checks compliance with hygiene, packaging, and labeling norms to ensure the product’s safety from origin to destination. There are different registration types under FSSAI: Basic, State, and Central licenses, which depend on the scale and turnover of the business. For example, small-scale exporters may apply for a Basic license, while larger exporters require a Central license. The FSSAI license number must be clearly printed on product packaging and included in export documents to validate compliance. This helps exporters meet both domestic and international food safety regulations, facilitating smoother customs clearance. Applications for the license can be submitted online through the official FSSAI portal, where the exporter must provide necessary documents such as business details, premises information, and product details. To maintain the license, exporters are subject to regular audits and inspections, ensuring ongoing adherence to safety standards. Any changes in business address or product range must be promptly updated in the license to avoid regulatory issues. Failure to comply with FSSAI regulations can result in penalties, rejection of shipments at the border, or even cancellation of export permissions, making it essential for exporters to stay compliant at all times.

Commercial Invoice, Packing List and Shipping Documents

The Commercial Invoice is a crucial document that provides detailed information about the dry fruits being exported, including product description, quantity, price, payment terms, and buyer-seller details. It serves as a legal record for customs clearance and payment processing, making accuracy essential. Alongside this, the Packing List offers specifics about the packaging type, dimensions, weight, and contents of each package. This list helps customs officials verify the shipment and supports efficient inventory management on both ends of the transaction. For the actual shipment, the Bill of Lading (for sea freight) or Airway Bill (for air freight) is issued by the carrier once the goods are received for transport. These shipping documents act as proof of ownership and form the contract of carriage between the exporter and the carrier. Ensuring that all these documents are consistent in product details, quantities, and values is critical to avoid delays, fines, or disputes during customs clearance. Exporters should also keep multiple copies of these documents and be aware that electronic versions are increasingly accepted, provided they are authorized by relevant authorities.

Certificate of Origin for Dry Fruits Export

The Certificate of Origin (COO) is a key document that confirms the country where the dry fruits were produced or manufactured. Typically issued by a Chamber of Commerce or an authorized Export Promotion Council, the COO helps verify the origin claims made by exporters. Many importing countries require this certificate to assess the applicable customs duties and to determine if the shipment qualifies for any trade agreement benefits. There are different types of COO, such as preferential certificates used under free trade agreements and non-preferential certificates for general trade purposes. To obtain the COO, exporters must provide proof of origin, including purchase invoices and production records, ensuring the certificate accurately reflects the source of the dry fruits. The COO must accompany the shipment and be presented at customs during import clearance. Failure to provide a correct or valid COO can lead to shipment delays, additional inspections, or penalties. Some countries also have specific COO formats or require notarization and authentication, so exporters should confirm the exact requirements of the destination country before shipping. Keeping detailed and accurate production and sourcing records is crucial for a smooth and timely issuance of the Certificate of Origin.