A Complete Guide to Export Honey from India to Saudi Arabia

India's honey export industry is buzzing with success, emerging as one of the world’s top producers of pure, natural honey. Fueled by rising global demand, especially for wellness and health-conscious products, Indian honey is making its mark internationally. Among the top importers, Saudi Arabia stands out as a key destination, thanks to its strong trade ties with India and a growing preference for high-quality, natural products. With a large, health-aware population and favorable trade dynamics, Saudi Arabia continues to play a pivotal role in India’s honey export growth. In this article, we’ll explore how to export honey from India to Saudi Arabia in detail.

Overview of the Honey Export Industry:

The increase in global demand for natural, organic honey has led to a continuous expansion in India's honey export sector. The country stands as a major exporter with its honey reaching several countries across the globe. Saudi Arabia stands out as a key market for Indian honey. The country wants pure, high-quality honey because of a focus on health and wellness. Strong trade ties with India make Saudi Arabia an ideal destination for honey exports. A growing preference for natural products in the country adds more potential to the honey export market.

How to Export Honey from India to Saudi Arabia:

Below is a detailed process to export honey from India to Saudi Arabia:

Step 1: Source pure and natural honey

The exporter must collect honey from trusted and certified beekeepers or honey processing units. The honey should be 100% natural, free from additives, antibiotics, and harmful chemicals. It must comply with FSSAI standards and meet both Indian and international food safety regulations. In order to ensure good quality honey for export, exporters should ensure that the honey is filtered and processed hygienically.

Step 2: Conduct Quality Checks

Once the honey is sourced, it should go through quality testing in a government-approved laboratory. It must be tested for moisture content, purity, colour, taste, and absence of contaminants. To satisfy Saudi Arabia's strict import regulations and purchasers' expectations, these inspections are necessary. High-quality honey ensures better market acceptance and prevents shipment rejection.

Step 3: Obtain Required Licenses and Certificates

Before shipping, the exporter must collect all necessary licenses and certificates. This includes an Importer Exporter Code (IEC), APEDA registration, and a health certificate. These documents prove that the honey meets legal and food safety standards for export. Correct paperwork helps to clear customs without any delays or penalties.

Step 4: Arrange Customs Clearance

The exporter must appoint a licensed Customs House Agent to help with the customs clearance process. The exporter needs to submit all the export documents. It includes a shipping bill. The CHA will ensure that the honey shipment complies with Indian Export Law and Saudi Arabia’s import rules. The products are ready for shipping as soon as the Let Export Order (LEO) is issued by the customs administration.

Step 5: Logistics and Shipping

After customs clearance, the honey is ready for shipping. Sea freight is the preferred option for bulk orders due to its affordability. The exporter must ensure proper loading of containers to avoid breakage or contamination. A reliable logistics provider should be hired to manage the transport and ensure timely delivery to the Saudi buyer. The exporter should ensure that the shipment is handled carefully. Careful handling of the shipment helps exporters maintain the honey’s quality.

Step 6: Final delivery and Payment

When the homey reaches the Saudi port, it goes through final inspections. If the shipment passes all checks, it is released to the importer. The exporter then receives payment as per the agreed terms, either in advance or through a Letter of Credit (LC). Once the buyers accept the shipment and payment is completed, the export process comes to an end.

Packaging Compliance:

To export honey from India to Saudi Arabia, exporters should ensure that their product complies with FSSAI as well as international packaging standards:

• Use of Food-Grade Materials

Honey should be packaged in containers made from food-grade materials such as glass jars, high-density polyethene (HDPE) or low-density polyethene (LDPE). These materials are non-toxic and suitable for food contact, prevent contamination and preserve the honey’s quality. For bulk exports, metal containers coated with food-safe, acid-resistant linings are also acceptable. 

• Secure and Hygienic Sealing

Containers must be tightly sealed to prevent leakage and protect the honey from external contaminants. The sealing process should maintain the hygienic quality of the honey throughout its shelf life. FSSAI regulations specify that sealing materials must be compatible with the product and the containers. It ensures that the seal does not compromise the honey’s safety or quality.

• Protection Against Environmental Factors

The honey should be protected from air, light, and moisture in its packaging to prevent quality deterioration. When exporters use opaque or UV-protective materials, they help to preserve the honey's natural properties. FSSAI guidelines recommend that packaging materials should be able to withstand mechanical, chemical, or thermal stresses encountered during transportation and storage. 

• Compliance with Indian Standards

The exporter should ensure that the packaging materials follow the FSSAI guidelines. This ensures that the honey is safe for food products and does not alter the honey’s quality. This includes the usage of clean, hygienic and tamper-proof containers made of approved materials like polyethene (PE), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), or polypropylene (PP). These materials meet all applicable Indian Standards (IS) requirements.

• Labelling Compliance

The Saudi Food and Drug Authority (SFDA) has a few guidelines for labelling and shelf-life requirements. Exporters must adhere to the SFDA's requirements to export honey from Saudi Arabia. Below is a list of a few of the guidelines

1. Bilingual Labelling

Labels must appear in both English and Arabic. This ensures that consumers in Saudi Arabia can understand product information. This not only helps to comply with the regulations but also helps consumers make informed purchasing decisions.

2. Mandatory Label Information

Each honey container must display:

• Product Name: State "Honey" or specify the type, such as "Monofloral Honey."

• Net Weight: Provide the honey's weight in metric units.

• Country of Origin: Mention "Product of India."

• Ingredients: List all ingredients, and if any additives are used.

• Batch Number: Assign a unique batch number for traceability.

• Manufacturing and Expiry Dates: Exporters should clearly state the dates in the format that the Saudi Regulations require.

• Storage Instructions: Provide guidelines to maintain product quality.

• FSSAI License Number: Include the license number as per Indian regulations.

3. Adherence to Saudi Labelling Standards

Labels must comply with the Gulf Standards Organisation (GSO) regulations, which ensure that all information is accurate. This includes adherence to the SFDA.FD/GSO 9:2013, which outlines general labelling requirements for prepackaged food products.

4. Durability of Labels

Labels should remain legible throughout the product's shelf life. It should have the capability to resist smudge or fade during transportation and storage. This helps to maintain readability under various environmental conditions.

5. Shelf Life Compliance

Honey products must have a clearly defined shelf life. According to SFDA regulations, imported honey must have at least 70% of its shelf life remaining at the time of entry into Saudi Arabia. For example, if the total shelf life is 24 months, the product should have at least 16.8 months (approximately 512 days) remaining upon arrival. This requirement ensures that consumers receive products with adequate shelf life.

Document Compliance to export Honey from India:

To export honey from India to Saudi Arabia, exporters must prepare and obtain all the essential documents. Each document serves a specific purpose and ensures compliance with both Indian and Saudi Arabian regulations:

1. Commercial Invoice

The transaction between the importer and exporter is described in detail in this document.  It contains details like the product's description, quantity, price per unit, total value, and terms of payment. The commercial invoice is crucial for customs clearance and serves as proof of sale.

2.  Packing List

An itemised list that provides details about the contents of each package. It details the quantity of packages, their weight, size, and kind of transportation. Custom authorities can verify the shipment content with the packaging list.

3.  Certificate of Origin

This certificate confirms that the honey being exported originates from India. It is often required to avail of preferential tariffs and to meet the import regulations of Saudi Arabia. Typically, the authorised chambers of commerce issue this certificate.

4.  Health Certificate

The recognised authority issues the health certificate. This certificate attests that the honey is fit for human consumption and free from contaminants. It confirms that the product meets the sanitary and phytosanitary requirements of the importing country.

5.  SASO Certificate of Conformity

The authorised inspection body issues the SASO certificate of conformity. This certificate confirms that the honey complies with the standards and regulations of the Saudi Standards, Metrology and Quality Organisation (SASO). This certificate is mandatory for customs clearance in Saudi Arabia.

6.  Bill of Lading or Airway Bill

The carrier service issues transportation documents, which serve as a receipt for the cargo and a contract for the transportation of goods. It is necessary for customs clearance and gives information about the consignment.

Customs Declaration

A Customs declaration is a formal statement submitted to the customs authorities that declares the nature, quantity, and value of the goods being exported. It is a prerequisite to obtain clearance to export the goods.

7.  Fumigation Certificate

If the honey is packaged in wooden containers or pallets, a fumigation certificate may be required. This certificate certifies that the packaging materials have been treated to prevent pest infestation.

8.  Phytosanitary Certificate

Although typically associated with plant products, if required, this certificate ensures that the honey is free from specific pests and diseases, as per the importing country's regulations.

Other compliance with exporting honey from India to Saudi Arabia

To successfully export honey from India to Saudi Arabia, exporters must adhere to several compliance requirements beyond documentation and packaging. These include facility approvals, product standards, and regulatory registrations. Below is a structured overview of these additional compliance necessities:

1.  SFDA Establishment Approval

The Saudi Food and Drug Authority (SFDA) mandates that all honey exporters be registered and approved. To export honey to Saudi Arabia, facilities must secure approval from the Saudi Food and Drug Authority (SFDA). This approval ensures that the exporting facility meets the necessary hygiene and safety standards. For instance, as of March 2023, there are no approved establishments in India for exporting honey and its products to Saudi Arabia.

2.  Certificate of Conformity (Coc)

A Coc is required to confirm that the honey complies with Saudi Arabia's standards. This certificate must be obtained from an SFDA-authorised body and is essential for customs clearance in Saudi Arabia. It validates any claims made on the product's label and ensures the product's safety and quality.

3.  Compliance with SFDA Honey Import Regulations

 Exporters must make sure their goods adhere to the rules set forth by the Saudi Food and Drug Authority (SFDA) to export honey from India to Saudi Arabia. Honey must be free from contaminants and meet SFDA's purity standards. Labels should include the product name, origin, net weight, and other pertinent information in both English and Arabic. Packaging must protect honey from contamination and preserve its quality during transportation.

4.  APEDA Registration

To receive a Registration-Cum-Membership Certificate (RCMC), exporters must register with APEDA. This registration is important to export honey and access various support systems

5.  FSSAI Compliance

The FSSAI has specific standards for honey to ensure its safety and quality. These standards include limits on sucrose content, moisture percentage and pollen count. Compliance with these standards is verified through testing.

6.  Organic Certificate(if applicable)

For exporters who wish to market their honey as organic, they will require a certificate under the National Program for Organic Production (NPOP). This certification guarantees that the honey is made by organic farming standards and without the use of artificial fertilisers or pesticides.

Key Functions of APEDA in Honey export to Saudi Arabia:

Listed below are the key functions of APEDA in honey export from India to Saudi Arabia:

1.  Exporter Registration

APEDA registers honey exporters through the Registration-Cum-Membership Certificate, a mandatory requirement for exporting scheduled products. The exporter's eligibility and adherence to Indian export laws are validated by this certification. It also provides access to various support services and benefits of APEDA.

2.  Quality Standards and Certification

APEDA establishes and monitors quality standards for honey exports to ensure products meet both Indian and international norms. The authority facilitates the certification process to ensure that honey is free from contaminants and adheres to purity standards, which is crucial for acceptance in global markets.

3.  Financial Assistance

Through its Financial Assistance Scheme (FAS), APEDA offers support to exporters to develop export infrastructure, enhance packaging, and improve quality control measures. This assistance helps exporters meet the stringent requirements of importing countries. This, in turn, makes Indian honey more competitive internationally.

4.  Market Intelligence and Promotion

APEDA provides exporters with market intelligence services, including insights into global market trends, demand forecasts, and trade statistics. It also promotes Indian honey in international markets through trade fairs, buyer-seller meets, and other promotional activities. It also aids exporters in expanding their market reach.

5.   Training and Capacity Building

APEDA conducts training programs for honey producers and exporters to enhance their understanding of international market requirements, quality standards and export procedures. These initiatives support the development of capacity and raise Indian honey's level of competitiveness in the international market.

Government Schemes Supporting Honey Export

Listed below are a few of the government schemes that support honey export:

1.   National Beekeeping and Honey Mission(NBHM)

This scheme is launched under the AtmaNirbhar Bharat initiative. The NBHM seeks to advance the beekeeping industry's overall development. With an allocation of Rs 500 crore for the 2020-23 period, the main focus of the mission is to enhance the quality of honey. Under this initiative, the government has also taken the initiative to establish Integrated Beekeeping Development Centres and provide training programs to improve production and export potential.

2.   Minimum Export Price(MEP)

To regulate honey export and ensure quality, the Directorate General of Foreign Trade(DGFT) has imposed a Minimum Export Price of $2,000 per metric ton. This helps to prevent undervaluation of honey export and safeguards the interest of producers, and maintains India’s reputation in the international market.

Conclusion

India is a leading honey producer and exporter, while Saudi Arabia is a major importer due to its preference for pure honey. To understand how to export honey from India to Saudi Arabia, exporters must ensure high-quality honey, conduct proper quality checks, and obtain the necessary licenses. Establishing the right connections and following the necessary steps leads to growth and long-term success in the honey export sector.

Although exporting honey to Saudi Arabia may seem complex, expert guidance simplifies the process. Online Legal India provides trusted support, offering detailed assistance on registrations, licenses, and compliance. With their help, exporters can navigate the process smoothly and build a strong, successful export business.