Paperwork is the most common reason for delays at the border. Knowing which licences an Indian exporter should hold, and which documents should travel with your cargo, helps you check a supplier before you order and clear your goods faster on arrival.
Importer Exporter Code (IEC)
The IEC is issued by India’s Directorate General of Foreign Trade and is required for almost every commercial import or export. Ask your supplier for its IEC; it is the first sign of a registered exporter.
APEDA registration
Exporters of scheduled agricultural and processed food products, including rice, must hold a Registration-cum-Membership Certificate from the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA).
FSSAI licence
The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India licenses food businesses. An FSSAI licence shows that the exporter operates within India’s food safety system.
Shipping documents
A typical export shipment travels with a commercial invoice, packing list, bill of lading or airway bill and a certificate of origin. Agricultural products also need a phytosanitary certificate from India’s plant quarantine authority, and some destinations require fumigation or health certificates.
Inspection certificates
Many buyers ask for an independent pre-shipment inspection by an agency such as SGS or Intertek. The inspection certificate confirms quantity, quality and packing before the goods leave India.
What to ask your supplier
Before ordering, ask for the exporter’s IEC and relevant registrations, a sample set of shipping documents, and confirmation of which certificates your destination requires. A reliable exporter will provide these without hesitation.
Published 14 October 2026 by ARR Global. More guides