Health Certificate for Export of Food Products - Process, Fees & Documents

To ensure that the food products being exported fulfill the necessary safety, hygienic, and quality standards, approved government agencies or food safety authorities issue a Health Certificate for Export of Food Products. This certification attests to the products' suitability for human consumption, lack of dangerous contaminants, and adherence to the food safety laws of the importing nation.

Getting a health certificate is not only required by law but also seen as a sign of legitimacy for companies that engage in international trade. Shipments may be refused, delayed, or even prohibited at international borders in the absence of this document. The health certificate serves as evidence that the exporter has complied with the stringent regulations set forth by various nations to protect the health of their customers.

Food products must be inspected and tested by approved labs or government organizations in order to obtain a health certificate. The certificate is granted once the food products satisfy the requirements, enabling exporters to easily distribute their goods throughout international markets.

To put it briefly, a Health Certificate for Food Export guarantees the seamless introduction of food products into foreign markets, improves brand reputation, and fosters trust among foreign consumers. It is a crucial compliance document for any exporter hoping to grow internationally.

Let’s explore in detail the importance of health certificates for the export of food products and discover how you can easily obtain one with the expert assistance of Professional Utilities.

Health Certificate is issued for consignments that conform to the following:

• Mandatory compliance with importing countries
• National standards & quality control
• Buyers’ requirements (Voluntary Certification)

The health certificate is required for the following type of trade business:

• EU-approved marine product processors exporting exclusively to the European Union.
• Seafood processing companies authorized for exports to countries such as Russia, China, Iran, and other non-EU nations.
• EU-approved animal casing exporters authorized for export to the European Union.
• Peanut product exporters to Malaysia and the European Union.
• Exporters with Non-GMO certification (Non-Genetically Modified Organisms).
• Processors/exporters under voluntary food certification schemes.

The exporter of food products has to provide the following documents for issuance of the Health Certificate for their export consignment.

• IEC Code certificate
• Copy of Invoice
• Letter of Credit
• Copy of Purchase Order
• Bank draft of the requisite fee
• Application for issuance of Health Certificate
• Test report of Food Products intended for export issued by designated EIA labs or EIC-approved labs
• Test report from the EIA-approved unit, as per importing countries’ standards or National Standard
• Agreement Specification as agreed between Importer and Exporter.

The type of product being exported and the laws of the importing nation typically determine how long a health certificate for food exports is valid. A health certificate is typically required each time an exporter ships a consignment overseas and is only valid for a single shipment.

The certificate, which guarantees that the goods are safe and suitable for human consumption while in transit, usually lasts until the shipment reaches the importing nation for perishable goods like meat, dairy, fish, and processed foods. Depending on the product's nature and shelf life, certain nations may also set a validity period, ranging from 30 to 90 days.

The requirements for health certificates vary by country and food product. However, there are some common requirements that exporters must comply with.

These include:

• Identification of the exporter and importer.
• Description and quantity of the food product.
• Evidence of compliance with applicable laws and regulations.
• Results of laboratory tests for contaminants, pesticides, and other substances.
• Certification of production processes and facilities.
• Details of the inspection and certification process.

Authorized government organizations or food safety authorities in the exporting nation issue an export health certificate. The Export Inspection Council (EIC) and its regional Export Inspection Agencies (EIAs), which are housed within the Ministry of Commerce & Industry, are principally in charge of this duty in India.

These organizations, which are acknowledged by numerous global markets, guarantee that food items fulfill the hygienic and safety requirements set forth by importing nations.

The health certificate is essential when exporting food products to ensure they meet health and safety standards. Compliance with regulations, including obtaining a health certificate, is mandatory. Requirements for health certificates vary by country and product, but exporters must meet standard criteria, including identification of the exporter and importer.