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21 Apr, 2025
By Online Legal India
Published On 28 Dec 2020
Updated On 22 Apr 2025
Category APEDA
The processed meat industry in India is rapidly growing, driven by increasing demand both locally and globally. India has emerged as a key player in the global meat export market, offering a wide variety of processed meat products. The export of processed meat plays a crucial role in boosting the country's economy, providing significant opportunities for entrepreneurs to tap into a thriving market and expand their businesses.
In this blog, you will learn about how to start a processed meat export business in India and other key aspects.
India’s processed meat export industry is growing rapidly. This is fueled by rising global demand and strategic efforts to diversify export markets. In the fiscal year 2023-24, India exported around 813.72 metric tons of processed meat, worth $2.48 million. This growth is part of a broader trend, as agricultural food exports, including processed meats, increased by 12.4% and totaled $2.8 billion. The government is focusing on diversifying exports, identifying 20 agricultural products with high potential, including processed meats. Key markets for Indian processed meats are Vietnam, Bhutan, Qatar, UAE, South Korea, and Hong Kong, aligning with the growing global demand for processed food.
India has a lot of potential for exporting processed meat because of its strong manufacturing capacity, strategic export programs, and good demand in foreign markets. Here are the key reasons:
India’s meat processing industry has a production capacity of over 1 million tons annually, though only 40-50% of it is currently being used. Andhra Pradesh, West Bengal, Maharashtra, and other areas are important production areas. In the 2023-24 fiscal year, India exported around 813.72 metric tons of processed meat, worth $2.48 million, to markets like Vietnam, Qatar, and South Korea.
The Government of India has been actively promoting the export of processed food products, including meat, as part of its strategy to diversify agricultural exports. This focus aims to reduce reliance on a limited range of commodities and enhance the global presence of Indian processed foods. Notably, the share of processed foods in India's agricultural export basket has increased from 14% to 27% over the past decade.
Indian buffalo meat has gained prominence in international markets due to its lean characteristics and near-organic nature. The country's adherence to halal slaughtering practices further enhances its appeal in Muslim-majority countries. Despite domestic restrictions on cow slaughter, India remains the world's leading beef exporter, primarily exporting water-buffalo meat.
The Indian government supports meat exports through several incentives, such as the Merchandise Export from India Scheme (MEIS), which offers duty credits to exporters. Additionally, the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) plays a crucial role in promoting and facilitating the growth of the meat export industry.
To maintain high food safety standards, the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) requires foreign manufacturers to register with the agency before exporting meat and milk products to India. This rule, effective from February 1, 2023, highlights India’s dedication to ensuring the safety and quality of imported food products.
India's processed meat export segment has relatively few organized players, giving new entrants a competitive advantage. The market is not yet saturated, allowing businesses to establish strong footholds quickly. With proper infrastructure and compliance, exporters can dominate niche segments and benefit from being early movers in high-potential global markets.
Global demand for frozen and ready-to-cook meat products is rapidly increasing due to lifestyle changes, urbanization, and convenience. Consumers prefer protein-rich, easy-to-prepare meals, especially in developed and developing nations. This trend creates a lucrative market for Indian exporters offering hygienic, well-packaged, and certified frozen meat products with extended shelf life.
Here is the list of documents required to start a processed Meat Export Business in India:
To begin, your export business must be a legally registered entity:
Issued by the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT), the IEC is mandatory for any export activity:
If you are exporting meat products, you must get an FSSAI license. It is a mandatory step for food safety compliance. It includes:
You must register with APEDA (Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority) for exporting processed meat:
If you own or operate a meat processing facility, it must be approved and inspected by:
6. Halal Certification (if exporting to Muslim-majority countries)
To export to Gulf or Muslim-majority countries, you may need:
Issued by an authorized government veterinary officer or Export Inspection Council (EIC):
If required by the importing country, especially when meat is packed with organic material (like leaves or natural wrapping):
Issued by the Plant Quarantine Authority of India
Depending on the destination, you may also need:
These are required during shipping and customs clearance:
Since meat is a perishable product:
Agreement with the foreign buyer outlining:
Starting a processed meat export business in India involves several critical steps, each governed by specific regulatory bodies. Here are the key steps:
Step 1: Business Registration
Begin by officially registering your business. You can choose a structure that suits your needs such as a Sole Proprietorship, Partnership, LLP, or Private Limited Company. This step gives your business legal recognition and builds trust.
Step 2: Obtain an Importer Exporter Code (IEC)
An Importer Exporter Code (IEC) is mandatory for any export activity from India. You can apply for it through the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT).
Step 3: APEDA Registration
The Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) manages the export of meat and related products, so registering with APEDA is crucial for exporters. To register, apply for a Registration-cum-Membership Certificate (RCMC) through the DGFT portal. You should also check that your meat processing unit is officially registered with APEDA.
Step 4: FSSAI License
The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) establishes food safety standards. To ensure your products meet these standards, you must get an FSSAI license. You can easily apply for it through the official FSSAI portal.
Step 5: MPEDA Registration (If Exporting Marine Products)
If your processed meat includes marine products, you must register with the Marine Products Export Development Authority (MPEDA). To register, you need to submit an online application through the e-MPEDA portal. You should also provide necessary documents, including processing unit details, quality certifications, and other required documents.
Step 6: Health Certificate for Export Consignments
Each meat export consignment must be accompanied by a Health Certificate. This certificate verifies that the meat products meet the health and safety standards of the importing country. To obtain this certificate, you should apply online through the APEDA Meat Net portal. Then, coordinate with the relevant State Animal Husbandry Office for an inspection and certification, ensuring your products comply with the required standards.
Step 7: Export Inspection Council (EIC) Certification
The Export Inspection Council (EIC) ensures that meat products meet international quality standards. You can get this certificate from EIC to facilitate smooth exports.
Step 8: Logistics and Cold Chain Management
You should create a strong cold chain system to keep processed meat fresh during storage and transportation. You should also always ensure compliance with international packaging and labeling standards.
Step 9: Identify Target Markets and Comply with Importing Country Regulations
Research and identify countries with high demand for processed meat. Understand and comply with the specific import regulations, quality standards, and documentation requirements of these countries.
Step 10: Stay Updated with Government Notifications
Keep yourself updated with the latest news from government authorities to avoid missing any changes in export rules, quality standards, or certification steps. Check websites like APEDA, MPEDA, FSSAI, DGFT, and EIC regularly.
Starting a processed meat export business in India has great potential due to growing global demand and strong government support. Proper registrations, regulatory compliance, strong infrastructure, and thorough market research help entrepreneurs succeed in this field. Staying informed about changing regulations and consistently delivering high-quality products is essential for building a strong and lasting global presence. If you want to register an Import Export Code (IEC) for your business, contact Online Legal India. They have experts to guide you.
FAQs
Q1. Is processed meat export legal in India?
Yes, processed meat export is completely legal if done with proper licenses and under APEDA regulations.
Q2. What is the most exported meat product from India?
Buffalo meat (carabeef) is the highest exported, followed by frozen and deboned processed meat.
Q3. Do I need a meat plant or can I outsource?
You can outsource processing to an approved third-party plant, but you’ll need to ensure certifications and hygiene compliance.
Q4. Is Halal certification mandatory?
Only if you’re targeting Muslim-majority countries.
Q5. What support is available from the government?
Financial aid, quality certification reimbursement, export promotion events, and tax benefits under schemes like RODTEP and TMA (Transport & Marketing Assistance).
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