Animal Food Export from India - Procedure, Documents and Fees

Updated on April 09, 2025 05:30:13 PM

In recent years, the demand for animal food exports has increased all over the world. This is mainly because more people are adopting pets, spending more money on them, and paying more attention to their health and nutrition. Pet owners want good-quality and healthy food for their animals. This has created a great chance for businesses to export animal food to other countries. However, exporting animal food is not always easy. Businesses need to learn about the latest market trends, follow the rules of other countries, handle shipping carefully, and provide products that customers in other countries want.

To succeed in the international market, businesses should offer good-quality products, use safe and healthy ingredients, and follow all the rules for trading between countries. This page will help you understand the important things about animal food export. It will explain market trends, common problems, and simple tips to help businesses grow and succeed in the global market.

Animal Food Export Certificate [Sample]

Apeda Registration

What is Animal Food?

Animal food, also called animal feed, is specially made for animals like dogs, cats, birds, fish, cows, and other pets. It gives them the necessary nutrients like proteins, fats, carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals, which help them stay healthy and grow properly. There are different types of animal food available in the market such as dry food, moist or canned food, semi-moist food, and even homemade or raw food. Each type of food has its own benefits and is given based on the animal’s age, health, and what it needs to stay healthy every day. Giving the right food keeps animals strong, active, and happy.

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HSN Code of India’s top-exported Animal Food

The current HSN code that major Animal food exporters use is 23091000 and 23099090.

  • HSN code 23091000 refers to “Dog or cat food, put up for retail sale” and used for exporting dog and cat food from India.
  • 23099090 is another HSN code that involves Animal food exports and made in India which also includes items like Dog Food, Fish food, chew sticks, bird food and food processors.
HSN Code Description Product
23091000 food put up for retail sale, and used from India.
  • Dogs food
  • Cats food
23099090 Animal food exports and made in India
  • Dogs food
  • Fish food
  • chew sticks
  • bird food
  • Food processors
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Main Animal Food Products for Export from India

India is a significant producer of various animal food products, including:

  • Dry Animal Food: The food sector in India primarily consists of dry Animal foods that include dog & cat foods which are global best sellers.
  • Wet Animal Food: India also manufactures wet Animal food products, especially canned and pouched Animal food categories.
  • Animal Treats: India is one of the leading exporters of Animal treats such as biscuits, Animal chews, and other delights.
  • Animal Supplements: India also has the Animal supplements market that comprises vitamins, minerals, and any other type of nutritional enhancement.
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Benefits to Export Animal Food from India

Exporting animal food from India

Exporting animal food from India offers several benefits to businesses, the economy, and consumers. Here are some key advantages:

  • Cost-Effective Production: India has a large workforce and low production costs. This helps animal food manufacturers produce goods at lower prices and earn better profits.
  • High-Quality Ingredients: India is one of the biggest producers of farm products like rice, wheat, and soybeans. These are important raw materials used in making animal food and are easily available in India.
  • Marketing and Branding: Creating a strong brand and good marketing plan is important to attract buyers from other countries. Indian businesses can use social media, take part in trade shows, and use advertisements to promote their animal food products and look different from other competitors.
  • Growing Demand: The demand for animal food products is growing in many countries. People want good quality and safe food for their animals like pets and farm animals. This increasing demand allows Indian companies to sell their products in other countries.
  • Quality Standards: Indian exporters must follow important quality rules like FSSAI and CAPEXIL when sending animal food to other countries. These certificates show that the products are safe and of good quality. It also helps to build trust with international buyers.
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Who can Export Animal Food from India?

Exporting animal food from India is typically carried out by entities that meet certain qualifications and adhere to regulatory requirements. Here is a list of who can export animal food:

Manufacturers:

  • Animal food manufacturers are required to be registered and to obtain a license from the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI).
  • Manufacturers dealing in Animal foods have to maintain the FSSAI standards for production of such foods and also ensure that their products are good for the Animals.

Export Companies:

  • Companies which are members of the Exporter’s List formed by the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) and those who hold an Import Export Code (IEC).
  • These companies rely on manufacturers to supply them with Animal foods for export purposes.

Traders and Distributors:

  • Entities that play the role of linking producers and consumers globally.
  • Must also have registered with DGFT and also must have Integrated Exporter Code (IEC) as well.
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Procedure to Export Animal Food

Exporting animal food from India involves a series of steps to ensure compliance with various regulatory requirements and smooth execution of the export process. Here is a detailed procedure:

Step 1: Business Business Registration and Licensing

  • Company Registration:Make sure your company is registered under the Companies Act of 2013 that regulates corporate entities in India.
  • Import-Export Code(IEC):: Get an IEC from the Directorate General of Foreign Trade or DGFT. This is required for all the Exporters and Importers in India.

Step 2: Product Compliance and Certification

  • FSSAI License: A license is required for animal food and this can be obtained from the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India(FSSAI).
  • Product Testing: Make sure that the animal food meets the quality and safety standard as required by the importing country. Ensure that you have the necessary certificates from accredited laboratories.
  • APEDA Registration: Get the Membership with the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) in case the product to be exported falls under its category.
  • Step 3: Market Research and Buyer Identification

    • Market Research: Identify target markets and understand legal requirements in countries of import.
    • Buyer Identification: Potential consumers can be obtained by attending trade fairs or using online sources or can consult with trade associations.

    Step 4: Export Documentation

    • Gather all the necessary documents that are required during the exporting process.

    Step 5: Customs Clearance

    • Shipping Bill: To complete the process of shipping, file the shipping bills with the Indian Customs through the ICEGATE online platform.
    • Customs Inspection: The shipment going through the customs will have to pass a check for compliance with the stated standards.
    • Payment of Duties: If the law requires, pay any exportation duty or taxes that are required to be paid.

    Step 6: Logistics and Shipping

    • Freight Forwarder: A freight forwarder to arrange the shipment services.
    • Transportation: Organize the transportation of shipmen to the port of shipment.
    • Insurance: Make sure that the shipment is protected against risks that may occur in transit.

    Step 7: Post-Arrival Formalities

    • Port Clearance: Get permission from the port authorities.
    • FSSAI Inspection: The FSSAI may conduct an inspection on the Animal food at its arrival.

    Step 8: Distribution and Sales

    • Market Entry: After clearing, sell your Animal food to the public through business outlets either physical or online, depending on your strategy.
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    Animal food-Benefits-export from India

    Exporting animal food from India requires a variety of documents to comply with both Indian regulations and the requirements of the importing country. Here is a comprehensive list of the documents typically required:

    Animal food-Benefits-export.svg
    • IEC (Import Export Code)
    • Registration with APEDA (Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority)
    • FSSAI License
    • Certification of Origin
    • Health Certificate
    • Packaging List
    • Commercial Invoice
    • Bill of Lading or Airway Bill
    • Phyto-Sanitary Certificate
    • Insurance Certificate
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    Fee Charges to Export Animal Food

    To estimate the total cost to export Animal food from India the costs of obtaining the necessary licenses and permits, meeting labeling requirements, as well as the applicable exporting duties and taxes. The exact costs would depend on the specific product, country of origin, and other details of the export transaction based on your shipment.

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    Conclusion

    The export of domestic animal food from India has grown because of low manufacturing costs and the increasing number of pets and animals around the world. The main items sent for export are dry food, moist food, and nutritional supplements for animals. Starting an export business involves many important steps. You need to set up your business, get an Import Export Code (IEC) from DGFT, check the quality of your products, understand the market, and get all the necessary documents ready. All this can take a lot of time and effort. To make the process simple, consult Professional Utilities. Our team of experts will guide you at every step and help you complete the registration process easily.

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    Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

    What role does APEDA play in exporting Animal food?

    APEDA is responsible for the export of agricultural products including Animal food and the authority assists in exporting them. They provide information on access to markets, export quality, and financial aids for export.

    How can I ensure the quality of my Animal food for export?

    Monitor the quality of the food stored, transported, and served during the preparation of meals. Obtain certification, taking tests more frequently and adhering to the food safety laws of your country and countries you are conducting business in

    Are there any restrictions on the types of Animal food that can be exported?

    Yes there are few conditions that may apply which are commonly restricted by the rules of the foreign country. Depending on the type of the ingredient or the type or the Animal food being sold there may be set regulations or the sale may be banned in certain countries.

    What are the packaging and labeling requirements for exporting Animal food?

    Product packaging must guarantee safety and quality right through the supply chain of the Animal food. Labels should contain product’s name, list of ingredients, additives, nutritional value, name and address of manufacturer, batch number, date of manufacture, and various other instructions which are mandatory as per the laws of the importing country.

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