Planning to export moringa powder from India? This comprehensive guide covers every regulatory step, license requirement, and compliance standard you need to know to successfully launch your moringa export business.
Is Exporting Moringa Powder from India Possible?
Yes, absolutely! India is emerging as a major moringa powder exporter. With APEDA backing and growing global demand, now is an ideal time to enter this market. However, the path requires careful attention to regulatory compliance.
Essential Licenses & Registrations You Need
1. Import-Export Code (IEC) – The Foundation
What it is: A mandatory 10-digit code issued by the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT).
How to get it:
- Apply through DGFT online portal (dgft.gov.in)
- Valid for lifetime with periodic renewals
- Processing time: 5-7 business days
- No fees required (free service)
Who can apply: Any individual, partnership firm, or company engaged in imports/exports
2. APEDA Registration – Mandatory for Organic/Specialty Powders
What it is: Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority registration is essential for moringa and other agricultural powders.
Requirements:
- Valid IEC
- GST registration
- Certificate of origin or farm registration
- Factory inspection clearance
Processing time: 10-15 days
Cost: Varies by organization type (typically Rs. 500-2,000)
3. FSSAI License – Food Safety Certification
What it is: Food Safety and Standards Authority of India license – mandatory for food export.
Type needed for moringa powder export:
- Category: Proprietary/Partnership Food Business
- License Type: Export-oriented
Requirements:
- Facility inspection
- Testing certificates
- Hygiene documentation
- Processing capability proof
Processing time: 15-30 days
Annual cost: Rs. 5,000-50,000 (depends on production capacity)
4. GST Registration
Essential for: All commercial exporters
Benefits for exporters: Zero-rated GST on exports (you can claim input credit)
Processing: Instant online (e-registration)
Step-by-Step Export Process
Phase 1: Pre-Export (Months 1-2)
- Get IEC: Apply at DGFT; takes 5-7 days
- Register with APEDA: Submit farm/processing unit details; takes 10-15 days
- Obtain FSSAI License: Food business registration + inspection; takes 15-30 days
- Secure GST Number: Online registration; instant
Phase 2: Product Certification (Months 2-3)
Critical tests required before export:
- Microbiological testing (APEDA-approved lab)
- Residue analysis (pesticide/heavy metals)
- Food safety parameters per importing country standards
- Organic certification (if applicable – USDA, EU-Organic, India Organic)
Estimated cost: Rs. 20,000-50,000 per batch
Lab locations: APEDA-authorized labs in major cities
Phase 3: Logistics & Documentation (Before Shipment)
Documents needed for USA/EU shipment:
- Commercial Invoice
- Packing List
- Certificate of Analysis (lab report)
- Organic Certificate (if claiming)
- Phytosanitary Certificate (from DGFT)
- Bill of Lading/Airway Bill
- Insurance Certificate
- Import License from importing country (varies by destination)
Phase 4: Customs Clearance & Shipping
- Digitally sign documents via eSign
- File through ICEGATE or freight forwarder
- Pay applicable taxes
- Customs clearance: 2-5 days
- Shipping arrangements: Direct export or through trading house
Compliance Checklist for Different Markets
USA Export Requirements
✓ FDA compliance (no harmful additives)
✓ Microbiological standards: <100 CFU/g total plate count
✓ Labeling in English with full ingredient disclosure
✓ Country of origin marking
✓ No heavy metals exceeding FDA limits
✓ Allergen declaration if applicable
EU Export Requirements
✓ Stricter residue limits (especially ethylene oxide)
✓ Traceability documentation from farm to export
✓ Compliance with EU Reg. 231/2012
✓ Microbiological standards: <10,000 CFU/g for spices/powders
✓ Organic certification (ECOCERT, Bureau Veritas, etc.)
Cost Summary for First Export
| Item | Estimated Cost (INR) |
|---|---|
| IEC Registration | Free |
| APEDA Registration | Rs. 1,000 |
| FSSAI License | Rs. 10,000 |
| GST Registration | Free |
| Product Testing | Rs. 30,000 |
| Phytosanitary Certificate | Rs. 2,000 |
| Export Documentation | Rs. 5,000 |
| Total | Rs. 48,000 |
Note: Ongoing costs per shipment (after initial setup) typically run Rs. 10,000-15,000
Common Mistakes to Avoid
❌ Skipping APEDA registration – Leads to customs rejection
❌ Using unaccredited testing labs – Importing countries may reject certificates
❌ Ignoring country-specific standards – Each country has unique residue/microbial limits
❌ Shipping without complete documentation – Customs will hold shipment
❌ Not maintaining traceability records – FSSAI expects 2-year documentation
Timeline: From Planning to First Export
- Week 1-2: Obtain IEC
- Week 2-3: APEDA registration
- Week 3-4: FSSAI licensing
- Week 4-6: Product testing and certification
- Week 7: Document preparation
- Week 8-10: Customs clearance and export
Total: 8-10 weeks minimum for your first export
Quick Action Items This Week
✓ Visit DGFT website to apply for IEC
✓ Contact nearest APEDA office to understand your category
✓ Identify APEDA-approved testing labs near your location
✓ Collect farm/processing unit documentation for licenses
Source: DGFT official procedures, FSSAI guidelines, APEDA export manual, FDA/EU regulatory frameworks
Ready to start your moringa export journey? The regulatory framework is clear and manageable with proper planning. Let us know which market you’re targeting (USA, EU, or others) – we can provide market-specific guidance!
Are you facing any specific licensing challenges? Drop your questions in the comments below!