Export of Honey from India

[YAGAY andSUN]

The export of honey from India is governed by various regulations to ensure that the product meets both domestic standards and international requirements. Honey, as an agricultural product, requires compliance with food safety, quality, and trade regulations to be exported legally. The process involves ensuring the quality of the honey, obtaining the necessary certifications, and complying with the standards of the importing country.

Here’s a step-by-step procedure and the statutory requirements for the export of honey from India:

1. Quality Standards for Honey Export

Before exporting honey, Indian exporters need to ensure that the honey complies with the standards set by Indian and international regulatory authorities:

Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI)

• FSSAI sets the Food Safety and Standards for honey produced and exported from India under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006. The FSSAI ensures that the honey is free from contaminants and meets the nutritional and labeling requirements.
• The honey must meet the standards for purity, quality, and hygiene as specified in the Food Safety and Standards (Food Products Standards and Food Additives) Regulations, 2011.
  • Honey should not contain added sugars, artificial sweeteners, or other adulterants.
  • The moisture content should be less than 20%, and it should have an acceptable level of acidity and other quality parameters.

Exporter Registration with FSSAI

• Exporters of honey must register with FSSAI under the Food Safety and Standards (Licensing and Registration of Food Businesses) Regulations, 2011. The registration or licensing is mandatory for businesses involved in the production, packaging, storage, and export of honey.
  • FSSAI Registration: If the exporter is a small business (with an annual turnover of less than ₹12 lakh), they may apply for FSSAI Registration.
  • FSSAI License: Larger exporters (with an annual turnover of ₹12 lakh or more) must obtain an FSSAI License.

2. Packaging and Labeling Requirements

Honey must be packaged and labelled according to FSSAI guidelines and the regulations of the importing country. The labeling should include:

• The name of the product.
• List of ingredients (if any additives are used).
• Net weight of the product.
• Batch number and manufacturing date.
• FSSAI License Number and importer's details.
• Best before or expiry date (if applicable).
• Storage instructions.

The packaging must also ensure that the honey remains sealed, clean, and free from contamination during storage and transportation.

3. Certification Requirements

The following certifications and documents are generally required for exporting honey:

Certificate of Analysis (COA)

• A Certificate of Analysis (COA) from an accredited laboratory confirming the honey's quality and purity must be obtained. The COA should include the results for key parameters such as:
  • Moisture content
  • HMF (Hydroxymethylfurfural) level (a sign of honey freshness)
  • Peroxide activity
  • Pollen count (for authenticity)
  • Microbiological testing (e.g., absence of harmful bacteria)

Export Health Certificate

• For international trade, some countries may require a Health Certificate issued by the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) or other recognized authorities in India. This certifies that the honey meets food safety standards and is free from harmful chemicals.

Phytosanitary Certificate

• A Phytosanitary Certificate may be required to ensure that the honey is free from pests or diseases. This certificate is issued by the Plant Quarantine Authorities under the Department of Agriculture and Cooperation (DAC) in India.

Fumigation Certificate

• If the honey is packaged in containers that might require fumigation (e.g., wooden crates), a Fumigation Certificate must be obtained. This ensures that the packaging material is free from pests or contamination.

4. Export Documentation

The following documents are typically required for exporting honey:

1. Commercial Invoice: The invoice should contain the details of the honey, including the description, quantity, and price.
2. Packing List: A list that details how the honey is packed, including the number of packages, weight, and dimensions.
3. Bill of Lading/Airway Bill: This document is proof of the contract of carriage between the exporter and the carrier.
4. Customs Declaration: The exporter needs to submit a Customs Declaration for clearance.
5. Importer Details: Information about the importer in the destination country, including an importer license (if applicable).

5. Customs Clearance and Export Documentation

Customs Procedure

• The exporter must submit a Shipping Bill to Customs at the port of export to comply with Indian customs laws.
• Export Duty: Honey typically has no export duty; however, exporters must verify the regulations to ensure compliance with the Goods and Services Tax (GST) on export.
• The exporter must ensure that the honey and its packaging comply with both Indian customs laws and the importing country's regulations.

GST and Taxation:

• Under India's GST system, honey is zero-rated for exports. This means that no GST is charged on the export of honey.
• Exporters can also claim a refund of input tax credits on taxes paid for goods and services used in the production and packaging of the honey.

Export Procedure via DGFT

• DGFT (Directorate General of Foreign Trade) oversees the export licensing system in India. The exporter must comply with DGFT procedures and ensure that the honey is listed as an item under the Export Promotion Capital Goods Scheme (EPCG) or RODTEP, if applicable.

6. Compliance with Importing Country Regulations

• Destination Country's Standards: Honey export requires compliance with the standards and import requirements of the destination country. Each country may have its own rules on:
  • Pesticide residue limits.
  • Quality checks and standards for honey (e.g., purity, moisture content).
  • Specific labeling and packaging requirements.
• Certifications: Some countries may require specific certifications such as Organic Certification (if the honey is organic), or Non-GMO Certification (if applicable).

7. APEDA (Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority)

• APEDA is the primary agency responsible for promoting the export of agricultural and processed food products from India, including honey.
• While registration with APEDA is not mandatory for exporting honey, it can provide valuable assistance, such as facilitating access to export markets, providing guidance on certification requirements, and offering financial support for export promotion.

8. Export Routes and Shipping

• Mode of Transport: Honey is generally shipped by sea, air, or road, depending on the destination country and the volume of the shipment.
• Shipping Company: The exporter needs to choose an appropriate shipping company to ensure timely and safe delivery of the honey.
• Incoterms: Exporters must agree with the buyer on the applicable Incoterms (International Commercial Terms), which define the responsibilities of both the seller and the buyer.

9. Payments and Currency

• Exporters should ensure clarity on the payment terms with the buyer, which may include:
  • Letter of Credit (LC)
  • Advance payment
  • Documents against Payment (D/P)
• The currency for transactions is usually the US Dollar (USD) or the currency of the importing country.

10. Conclusion

Exporting honey from India involves a comprehensive process of compliance with both domestic (FSSAI, APEDA, etc.) and international (destination country standards) regulations. Indian exporters must ensure that their honey meets quality standards, obtain the necessary certifications (such as the COA, Health Certificate, and Phytosanitary Certificate), and comply with customs and export procedures.

By following the statutory requirements and ensuring proper documentation, Indian exporters can successfully enter international markets and expand their reach for honey exports.