How to Export Food Products from India: Step-by-Step Guide for 2026
The idea of exporting food products in India is a good business, yet most of the exporters get into trouble because they lack clarity on how the process works. Loss of documents, misplaced licenses or country-related regulations tend to delay or reject deliveries. In this manual, we shall provide a description of the procedures for exporting food products in India in a straightforward and viable manner. This blog takes a comprehensive overview of the entire export process and also makes key observations about the markets of the Middle East, such as the UAE, Saudi Arabia and Iran.
How to Export Food Products from India
When the process is followed, food products of India are easier to export. The problems many exporters face are not due to the fact that it is hard to export, but simply due to the fact that an exporter begins without the knowledge of the full flow. An outline enables the prevention of delays, additional expenses and shipment rejection.
The initial process would be the completion of the food commodity and the host country. Each nation has its own food import regulations, hence it is a decision that must be made prior to registrations or packaging. Indicatively, the Middle East markets, such as the UAE and Saudi Arabia, have stringent checks that are associated with food safety, labelling documentation.
After deciding on the product and country, the exporter must undertake some compulsory registration in India. This will normally consist of an IEC export code and an FSSAI export license. APEDA registration might also be needed for some types of food. Such approvals are required and checked in the process of customs clearance.
Once registrations are done, compliance is the new focus. The packaging, labelling and quality of the product should be in line with the demand of the importing country. The slightest errors during this phase may lead to delays at the port. Exporting food products in India is a well-organised and dependable procedure when those steps are managed in an appropriate way.
FAQs
What documents are required to export food products from India?
India has IEC codes, FSSAI export licence, commercial invoice, packing list, certificate of origin, and health or phytosanitary certificates, depending on the product and the destination country.
Which food product is most exported from India?
Rice is the most exported food product from India, especially basmati rice. Exports of spices, fruits, vegetables, and grains are also in high global demand.
How do I find international buyers for Indian food products?
You can find international buyers through trade fairs, B2B portals, importer references, direct outreach to overseas importers, and by working with experienced export partners already active in global markets.
What are the major challenges in exporting food products from India?
Major challenges include meeting country-specific compliance requirements, managing export documentation, ensuring proper packaging and labelling, maintaining consistent product quality, and handling logistics delays.
Which Food Items Can Be Exported from India?
India is a huge global food source, and that provides the exporters with a lot of choice. Be it a small trader or a developing food brand, there are numerous food products of India which are already in demand in the world.
Common Food Products Exported from India
The majority of Indian exporters begin with goods, the demand for which in foreign markets is already stable:
- Bananas, mangoes, onions, okra, and potatoes are examples of such fruits and vegetables.
- Spices: turmeric, cumin, chilli, coriander and blends of spices.
- Rice and grains such as basmati rice, non-basmati rice, pulses and millets.
- Packaged and processed food based on country approval.
The quality and taste of such exports of food produced in India, in addition to its regular supply, are the reasons that make it popular in places such as the Middle East.
Important Things to Check Before Finalising the Product
The fact that a food product is popular does not imply that it can be exported without controls.
Each country destination has its own food import regulations.
Exporters should always ensure that they check:
- The destination country permits the food item or not.
- In case of any special quality or safety approval.
- Freshness and shelf life requirements.
- Standards of packing and labelling.
As an illustration, fresh fruit and vegetables are in high demand, yet strict checks are imposed on them. Spices and grains are more exportable, though moisture content, purity and packs are strictly monitored.
Why Product Selection Matters
Selecting the appropriate product in the initial stage saves time and money in the future. At times, most exporters are rejected not because the product is bad, but rather because it fails to meet the expectations of the importing countries. Exporting food products in India becomes very smooth when the product is chosen wisely and packaged in line with the market regulations.
Licenses Required to Export Food Products from India
Prior to exporting Indian food, it is important to have the appropriate licenses. The country that will import the shipments may reject the shipments or stall them at customs without proper registration. The positive thing is that the process of licensing is straightforward as long as you do it in a proper sequence.
Basic Licenses Every Food Exporter Needs
These are the three required registrations by most Indian food exporters:
IEC Export Code
The former is the primary and the most crucial need. The government issues the IEC export code, which is required in case of any export activity in India. Food export cannot take place without an IEC.
FSSAI Export License
An FSSAI export license is needed as it is related to food products. This legitimate paper will ensure that the food that is being exported is safe and of quality. It is inspected when clearing customs and also by most international buyers.
APEDA Registration
In case you are exporting fruits, vegetables, grains, rice, or some processed food products, you have to register with APEDA regarding food export. APEDA is also concerned with ensuring that agricultural food exports in India remain at a high level.
Why These Licenses Matter
These are not mere formalities that these licenses are. The importing nations would prefer to have a guarantee that the food products imported into India are safe, traceable, and that they are exported in accordance with the law. Other countries in the Middle East, such as the UAE and Saudi Arabia, thoroughly check exporter information, and only after that are shipments approved.
This has been a problem for many exporters who begin to package or ship before making their registrations. By doing all the licenses beforehand, it becomes easier to export and creates a relationship of trust with the buyers and the importers.
Simple Tip for New Exporters
Note should never accept large orders or bookings without making all the export registrations first. This saves you the trouble of having last-minute issues and means that you can export the Indian food without the unneeded stress.
Step-by-Step Process to Export Food Items from India
The second thing to do is to know how the export works out once your product and licenses are ready. This section will determine the ease or the strain of your food export business. When the steps are taken in the correct sequence, it is not difficult.
Step 1 : Finalise Buyer and Destination Country.
The first thing that one needs to do is to confirm the place where the food product is to be exported. The food importing rules vary across countries, and hence, the destination has to be established right at the outset. This assists in the decision-making of the packaging, labelling and documentation.
Step 2: Inspections Country-Specific Food Regulations.
Each of the importing countries possesses its own standards of food safety and quality. There are those countries that are more related to the labelling, and others are related to product testing and approvals. Early checking of such rules would prevent issues at the port.
Step 3: Packaging and Labelling.
Food exports are significantly contributed to by packaging. It should also be packaged in such a way that it keeps the product safe, as well as complies with the standards in the importing country. Products should be labelled with all the necessary details about the products, ingredients, the date of manufacture, and the date of expiry.
Step 4: Organise Export Paperwork.
Export documentation is prepared once packaging is done. The customs officials screen these documents before shipment approval. Any discrepancy in the information may result in delays.
Step 5: Shipping and Clearance of Customs.
Upon the approval of documents, the shipment goes to the port where it is cleared by customs. The goods are shipped to the destination country once cleared. At this point, the processes of coordination between the exporter, importer and logistics partner are very critical.
When these steps are handled correctly, exporting food products from India becomes a planned process rather than a risky one. Working with an experienced import partner like D and S International helps Indian exporters manage approvals, documentation, and importer-side coordination more efficiently, especially for markets such as the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Iran.
Documents Required for Food Exports from India
Documentation follows after knowing the export process. The food export documents might appear to be confusing initially, but once aware of what is needed, the process will be a lot simpler. These documents are verified during clearance of customs clearance and also by the importer of the destination country.
Common Documents Needed for Food Export
In the majority of cases, food exported out of India needs the following documents:
Commercial Invoice
This document includes the information concerning the exporter, importer, description of the products, the quantity, and the value of the goods.
Packing List
It displays the method of packing the goods, such as the number of cartons, weight and packaging information.
Certificate of Origin
This proves that the food products are either produced or cultivated in India.
FSSAI Export Documents
This is evidence that the food items that are exported comply with the Indian food safety standards.
Health or Phytosanitary Certificate.
This is particularly so with fruits, vegetables, spices and grains. It ensures that the products are safe to consume and have no pests in them.
Why Documentation Matters
Minor mistakes in paperwork may result in port delays or rejection. Documents that are related to food export are strictly checked by importing nations to make sure that food is safe and that it complies with the standards. The Middle East markets, such as UAE and Saudi Arabia, are extremely rigid as far as food documentation is concerned.
Getting all the paperwork ready and prepared will help in avoiding last-minute problems and will also make the export process a smooth one.
Packaging and Labelling Rules for Food Export from India
Food export shipments often have problems with packaging and labelling. Good food could not be delivered on time or be rejected in the destination port due to poor packaging, lack of label information or worse still, missing it.
In exporting food, the packaging should ensure that the food is safe throughout its transit, as well as it should conform to the destination country standards. Particular attention is paid to this in fruits, vegetables, spices, and grains, the freshness and quality of which are strictly monitored.
LaLabellings are equally significant. The importing countries desire to receive clear information regarding the product with which they are involved. The Middle East region, such as the UAE and Saudi Arabia, is quite rigorous with regard to the label accuracy and readability.
What Information Should Be on Food Export Labels?
Below is a simple overview of common labelling requirements exporters should follow:
Label Requirement | What It Means |
Product name | Clear name of the food item |
Ingredients list | All ingredients used in the product |
Net weight | Exact weight of the packed product |
Manufacturing date | Date when the product was packed or produced |
Expiry or best before date | Shelf life of the product |
Country of origin | Mention that the product is from India |
Importer details | Name and address of importer if required |
There are also countries where labels need to be printed in Arabic besides English. In case of a lack of this requirement, the inspections may be postponed or unsuccessful.
Why This Step Is Critical
Most exporters are simply concerned with documents, and they end up forgetting that the packaging and labelling are also inspected at the port. The shipment may be halted by small errors like incorrect dates, lack of ingredient information or poor packaging.
With proper packaging and labelling initial stage of the export process becomes easier, and they gain confidence with the importers much quicker.
Exporting Fruits, Vegetables, Spices and Grains from India
The best food exports of India include fruits, vegetables, spices, as well as grains, particularly in the Middle East markets. These products require additional attention since the quality check is severe.
Fruits and Vegetables
The most important thing to the importing countries is freshness.
Inspection is done on size, colour, ripeness, and shelf life.
Powerful and perforated packages are needed.
Quality can be compromised and rejected due to delays.
Spices
Cleanliness and purity are highly monitored.
The amount of moisture should be within a reasonable range.
It is significant to use proper processing and sealed packaging.
Pollution leads to the rejection of the shipment.
Grains and Pulses
It is important to consider the grain size and uniformity.
The checked percentage is broken.
The products should not contain pests or moisture.
It is desirable to pack it in moisture-resistant packs.
Important Things to Remember
Quality inspections occur both at loading and unloading.
Products should be documented accordingly.
The importers will favour the exporters who adhere to standards.
These points are addressed properly, and it will be easier and safer to export fruits, vegetables, spices, and grains grown in India.
How to Export Food Products from India to the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Iran
Some of the largest importers of food products in India are the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Iran. These are highly demanded markets, although the food import policies are strict. Those exporters who familiarise themselves with these rules initially avoid any hassle and receive quick approvals.
Export of Food products to the UAE.
- UAE desires many fruits and vegetables, spices, and grains.
- They scrutinise the food safety and labels.
- The labels normally require both the English and Arabic languages.
- Any shipment requires the consent of the importer.
- They pay attention to quality and consistency.
Food Products Exportation to Saudi Arabia.
- There are strict food regulations in Saudi Arabia.
- The ports scrutinise the paperwork of their products.
- Halal regulations are important for most foods.
- Only the approved certifications are received.
- Misplaced names or a lack of information may slow things down.
Food Products Export to Iran.
- Iran purchases most varieties of Indian food.
- Paperwork is essential.
- The information on the products should be the same as the paperwork.
- The packaging should safeguard the goods during protracted travel.
- Collaboration with the importer can prevent the issues of clearance.
Common Points for All Three Markets
- Safety and quality of food cannot be undermined.
- Labelling and packaging should be in accordance with the country.
- The coordination with the importer minimises the risk.
- Disagreement in the documents may slow down the shipment.
The markets in the Middle East have good opportunities, but they should be planned carefully. The exporters that can pack their products to meet the market expectations and collaborate with the importers can easily develop long-term business within these countries.
Conclusion
The export of food in India provides good business opportunities, particularly for fruits, vegetables, spices and grains. However, you should know how to do it, how to make a registration, use packaging and labelling regulations, and prepare documentation properly.
Indian food is in demand in the UAE, Saudi Arabia and Iran. They have strict rules. Exporters can save time by planning, following the requirements, and maintaining quality to make long-term relationships, in case they avoid delays.
This is why you should have a good importer in the Middle East. D and S International collaborates closely with the Indian exporters to deliver food to the UAE, Saudi Arabia and Iran. They assist in clearing documents, organising compliance, and obtaining approvals from the importer. An excellent partner mitigates risk and simplifies the export process, and contributes to long-term expansion.