Edible processed goods

Country
India (IN)
NPG Category
Edible
NPG Product
Edible processed goods

1.1 Prohibited

The department has no knowledge of edible processed goods that are prohibited for export to India.
 

Relevant certification requirements can be found below.

2.1 Import permit

Exporters are encouraged to confirm the importing conditions through their importer or, if needed, the government authority of India.

2.2 Prohibited products

The department is not aware of any prohibited products related to this category of goods.
 

3.1 Government certification

The department is unaware of any specific requirements for processed food to India.

An NX188B (NEXDOC) certificate can be issued for processed food, ingredients and beverages that are exported as non-prescribed goods to India.

Optional endorsement 9003:
  • The products are fit for human consumption.

If the NX188B is issued with optional endorsement 9003, then the exporter must attach a manufacturer's declaration, exporter's declaration or HACCP certificate to the NEXDOC Request for Export (REX) to demonstrate the consignment's compliance with endorsement 9003.

Exporters should check certificate requirements with their importer or, if needed, the importing country authority.
 

The department is not aware of any other requirements (for example, packaging, labelling) of edible processed goods exported to India.

4.1 Product label requirements for pre-packaged non-vegetarian food exported to India

The Food Safety Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has notified the Department of labelling requirements for all non-vegetarian pre-packaged food exported to India. The term ‘pre-packaged food’ means food, which is placed in a package of any nature, in such a manner that the contents cannot be changed without tampering with it and which is ready for sale to the consumer.

These products must now be identified with a symbol which consists of a brown colour filled triangle inside a square with brown outline. The symbol must appear on product labels of all pre-packaged non-vegetarian foods and is pictured below:

Non-vegetarian symbol

Further information on the updated labelling requirements, including required dimensions for the symbol, can be found in Part III – Section 4 (page 34) of the notification on FSSAI’s website (PDF 2315 KB).

These updated product labelling requirements have been in effect since 1 January 2022. If Australian exporters encounter issues at import clearance in India due to implementation of these labelling requirements, please contact the Department through ExportStandards@agriculture.gov.au.
 

4.2. Product label requirements for products labelled as ‘vegan’

The Food Safety Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has notified the Department of requirements for all products labelled as 'vegan'. The requirements have been in effect since 26 January 2023.

The requirements include, "No vegan food products shall be imported except with a certificate issued by the recognised authorities of the exporting countries in the format as specified by the Authority is accepted".  Refer to the full requirements: Gazette notification Vegan Food (PDF 1.2MB)
 

The Department is unable to issue such certification. Exporters are advised food products labelled 'vegan' may be detained at the border in India and the Department will be unable to facilitate release. The Department advises against exporting food products labelled 'vegan' or do so at commercial risk.
 

The department is not aware of any exemptions being granted by India. Exporters are encouraged to confirm if any exemptions apply by contacting their importer or, if needed, the relevant Indian government authority.
 

03/11/2025 - Page first published.