FAQs

• I am interested in exporting to India.  What is the best way to approach the market?
• What trade shows does USDA endorse?
• Are there new developments in India’s food retail sector?
• What are the phytosanitary requirements for fruits and vegetables?
• What are the Indian regulations regarding imports of livestock- derived food products?
• What are the specific standards for the food and agricultural products imported into India?
• Does India have specific food labeling requirements?

1. I am interested in exporting to India.  What is the best way to approach the market?

India is an emerging market for imported food products. Few retailers import directly and we recommend that you identify a reliable importer with an established distribution network in India.  Tariffs are high and a number of U.S. products do not have market access.  You may also want to consider participating in USDA-endorsed pavilions at Indian food shows or participating in buyer's missions organized by state and regional trade groups. For background information, we would direct you to our annual Exporter Guide 2012.

2. What trade shows does USDA endorse?

USDA's Foreign Agricultural Service endorses two food shows in India.  It would be our pleasure to invite your company to participate in the official U.S. pavilion at AAHAR in New Delhi from March 14 to 18, 2013 and at Annapoorna in Mumbai from September 23 to 25, 2013. We believe these trade shows offer good opportunities to establish your company's presence in the Indian market by introducing your products to potential food, drink and hospitality buyers attending the show. For more information, please send an e-mail to agnewdelhi@fas.usda.gov

3. Are there new developments in India’s food retail sector?

There are now an estimated 3,000 modern retail outlets in India, up from 200 in 1995. While these firms face challenges ranging from a complex and costly supply chain to high real estate costs, many have expanded their operations. Our report 'India's Food Retailing Sector' establishes a baseline of the number of modern retail chains in India for the purpose of gauging future growth in the industry.

4. What are the phytosanitary requirements for fruits and vegetables?

Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) deals with the phytosanitary issues related to fruits, vegetables. For product related information kindly visit this page.

5. What are the Indian regulations regarding imports of livestock- derived food products?

Imports of most animal and livestock-derived food products are effectively banned because of Indian import requirements.  These include dairy products, poultry meat, lamb and mutton, seafood, pork products, and pet foods.  Imports of beef are banned due to religious concerns.  Refer to annual Exporter Guide 2012.

6. What are the specific standards for the food and agricultural products imported into India?

The Food Safety and Standards Rules, 2011 contain the provisions for establishing enforcement mechanisms, sampling techniques, and other legal aspects. The full text of the final Food Safety and Standard Rules, 2011 can be accessed on the FSSAI website: Food Safety and Standard Rules, 2011. For ad-hoc instructions on imported food clearance please refer to our GAIN report.

7. Does India have specific food labeling requirements?

Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) issued elaborated guidelines pertaining to the labeling requirements of different kinds of packages of food consignments imported into India.  The guidelines are available on the website of the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India and can be accessed at: Guidelines related to imported food clearance process (PDF)