Exporting makhana (fox nuts) from India requires a specific set of documents to clear Indian customs, satisfy destination country import authorities, and protect both buyer and seller in international trade. This guide covers every document you need — whether you are an Indian exporter preparing a shipment or an international buyer conducting supplier due diligence.

HS Code for Fox Nuts

Makhana (fox nuts, Euryale ferox) is classified under:

• HS Code (International): 1008.90 — Other cereals
• India Export Code (ITC-HS): 10089090

Always confirm with your freight forwarder that the correct HS code is used on the commercial invoice. An incorrect code can lead to delays, additional duties, or rejection at destination customs.

Complete Export Document Checklist

1. IEC — Import Export Code

Any Indian entity exporting goods must have an IEC issued by the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT). This is a 10-digit code and is the most fundamental requirement to begin any export activity. Buyers should verify the supplier's IEC number before placing an order.

2. APEDA Registration

The Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) oversees the export of agricultural products including makhana. Exporters must be registered with APEDA. This registration provides access to export promotion schemes and is a key trust signal for international buyers. Request a copy of the APEDA certificate from your supplier.

3. FSSAI License

The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) license is mandatory for any entity involved in food processing, handling, or export. For makhana, the exporter's processing unit must have a valid FSSAI Central License. This is often reviewed by destination country food safety authorities (FDA, EFSA, FSA, etc.).

4. Commercial Invoice

The commercial invoice must include:

• Exporter and importer name, address, and contact details
• Invoice number and date
• Detailed product description (fox nuts / makhana, grade, size)
• HS Code (10089090)
• Quantity (kg/MT) and unit price
• Total value and currency
• Incoterms (e.g., FOB Kolkata, CIF Rotterdam)
• Payment terms
• Country of origin: India

5. Packing List

A detailed packing list must accompany every shipment, showing number of cartons/bags, net weight and gross weight per unit, and total shipment weight. For makhana, typical export packaging is 25 kg HDPE bags, often packed in cartons or jute sacks.

6. Bill of Lading (Sea) / Airway Bill (Air)

The Bill of Lading (B/L) is the primary transport document issued by the shipping line. It serves as a receipt of goods and a title document. For air shipments, an Airway Bill (AWB) fulfils the same function. The buyer needs the original B/L to take possession of goods at destination.

7. Certificate of Origin (CoO)

A Certificate of Origin confirms that the goods were produced in India. It is issued by Indian Chambers of Commerce (e.g., FIEO, FICCI, local chambers). The CoO is important for:

• Claiming preferential import duty under FTAs (e.g., India-UAE CEPA, India-UK FTA)
• Customs clearance in countries that require country of origin declaration
• Anti-dumping compliance

8. Phytosanitary Certificate

A Phytosanitary Certificate is issued by the National Plant Protection Organisation (NPPO) of India (under the Ministry of Agriculture). It certifies that the makhana consignment is free from regulated pests and diseases. This document is mandatory for almost all countries importing agricultural products from India. The certificate is obtained after physical inspection of the consignment.

9. Lab / Quality Analysis Report

A third-party lab report is increasingly requested by destination country food regulators and buyers. The report should cover:

• Pesticide residue analysis (MRL compliance per destination country standards)
• Moisture content (%)
• Aflatoxin levels (B1, B2, G1, G2)
• Heavy metals (Lead, Cadmium, Mercury, Arsenic)
• Microbiological parameters (Total plate count, E.coli, Salmonella)

NABL-accredited labs are preferred. Results must show compliance with destination country MRLs (EU, Codex, US FDA, etc.).

10. Shipping Bill (Indian Customs Export Declaration)

The Shipping Bill is filed electronically through the ICEGATE portal with Indian Customs. It is the export declaration and is required to obtain the Let Export Order (LEO) that allows goods to be loaded onto the vessel. This is handled by the exporter's customs broker (CHA).

11. Insurance Certificate (for CIF shipments)

If goods are shipped under CIF (Cost, Insurance & Freight) Incoterms, the exporter must provide a marine insurance certificate. This covers loss or damage during transit.

Country-Specific Additional Requirements

Document Checklist Summary