The export of peanuts and peanut products (PPP) from India involves strict regulations to ensure compliance with the maximum levels (MLs) of aflatoxins, quarantine concerns, and quality parameters of the importing countries. The Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) oversees these procedures, which are mandated by the Government of India's Ministry of Commerce and Industry.
Registration with APEDA
All peanut processing units, integrated processing units, shelling units, grading units, shelling-cum-grading units, and storage warehouses must register with APEDA.
The registration process is completed online through the APEDA website.
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Visit the APEDA website.
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Click on the “Unit Registration” tab under the “Member Access” section.
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Existing Users: Log in with your APEDA credentials.
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New Users: Click on “New User Signup”. Fill in details: Registration Type, Applicant Name, Email ID, Mobile Number, Password. Verify email and mobile number with OTP.
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Now log in with provided registration number, fill the required details and upload necessary documents.
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Submission: Preview the application to ensure accuracy. Click on “Final Submission” to submit.
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An acknowledgment will be received after successful submission.
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Certificate Generation: Once approved and digitally signed, download your certificate from the “View Certificate” section.
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Applying for Amendments: For post-registration changes, use the “Apply For Amendment” menu. Submit the amended application for APEDA’s approval.
Exporters must ensure that peanut farmers are aware of Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) to prevent aflatoxin contamination.
Sampling, Analysis, and Certification
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Sampling is conducted at registered storage warehouses by accredited laboratories.
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Laboratories draw samples following methods specified by the EU or Codex guidelines, depending on the destination country.
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The analysis focuses on aflatoxin levels, which must comply with importing countries' regulations.
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Each bag or package of PPP is labeled and sealed by the laboratory after sampling.
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Shifting of the sampled consignment without laboratory consent is prohibited.
Certificate of Analysis:
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Laboratories issue a certificate of analysis within 96 hours of sampling.
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If aflatoxin levels exceed permissible limits, the consignment cannot be exported.
Certificate of Export (COE):
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Exporters apply online for the COE through the Peanut.Net system.
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APEDA issues the COE within 24 hours if the consignment meets the required aflatoxin levels.
Loading and Shipping
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Stuffing/loading of containers for shipment must be supervised by the laboratory at the same premises where sampling was conducted.
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For shipments to the EU, additional precautions like moisture absorbers and kraft paper lining are required to prevent condensation.
Container Stuffing Certificate: After loading, laboratories issue a Container Stuffing Certificate to the exporter.
National Referral Laboratory (NRL)
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The National Research Center for Grapes (NRCG) in Pune serves as the NRL, monitoring laboratory performance and conducting audits.
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The NRL prescribes sampling and analysis methods, updates laboratories on importing countries' regulations, and organizes training and proficiency testing.
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The NRL issues internal alerts in case of high aflatoxin levels and advises corrective measures.
Responsibilities of Exporters
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Exporters must ensure compliance with the importing countries' aflatoxin levels, food safety, and quarantine requirements.
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The responsibility for due diligence and trade intelligence on regulatory updates lies with the exporter.
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In case of rejection, exporters can apply for a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from APEDA to recall/import the consignment, provided it meets domestic aflatoxin levels.
Handling Rejections and Complaints
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APEDA has guidelines to address rejections and complaints from importing countries.
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Breach of procedures may lead to actions such as cancellation of registration, import-export code, and other penalties as per APEDA Act, 1985.
