Health Certificate for Export of Meat, Poultry, Dairy, and Seafood

A Health Certificate is a mandatory document required for the export of meat, poultry, dairy products, seafood, and other perishable food items. It certifies that the products meet the hygiene, safety, and quality standards of the exporting and importing country.

📌 Issued By: Export Inspection Council of India (EIC) / APEDA / MPEDA / FSSAI / State Veterinary Authorities
📌 Regulated Under:

• Food Safety & Standards Authority of India (FSSAI)

• Export Inspection Agency (EIA) under EIC

• Marine Products Export Development Authority (MPEDA) for seafood

• Agricultural & Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) for meat & dairy

• State Animal Husbandry Department for livestock exports
  📌 Required For: Export of meat, poultry, dairy, fish, seafood, honey, and other animal-based food products

Products Requiring a Health Certificate

✅ Meat & Poultry – Chicken, mutton, beef, pork, processed meat, frozen meat.
✅ Dairy Products – Milk, cheese, butter, yogurt, ghee, ice cream.
✅ Seafood – Fish, shrimp, prawns, lobsters, crabs, mollusks.
✅ Honey & Bee Products – Organic honey, royal jelly, propolis.
✅ Eggs & Egg-Based Products – Fresh eggs, processed egg powder, egg yolks.

How to Apply for a Health Certificate?

1. Application Through Export Inspection Council (EIC) or APEDA/MPEDA

📌 Apply via EIC Portal: https://eicindia.gov.in
📌 For Seafood: Apply through MPEDA (Marine Products Export Development Authority)
📌 For Meat & Dairy: Apply through APEDA (Agricultural & Processed Food Products Export Development Authority)

Steps to Obtain a Health Certificate

1️ Register with the Appropriate Authority (EIC, APEDA, MPEDA, or State Veterinary Dept).
2️ Submit Application with product details & export destination.
3️ Inspection & Testing by EIC or Veterinary Authorities.
4️ Food Safety Tests (Microbial, Chemical, Heavy Metals).
5️ Approval & Issuance of the Health Certificate (Typically within 3-7 days).

Documents Required for Health Certificate

📜 FSSAI License – Mandatory for food exporters.
📜 Import Export Code (IEC) – Required for all exports.
📜 Commercial Invoice & Packing List – Product details.
📜 Lab Test Reports – Certifying product safety and hygiene.
📜 Veterinary Health Certificate – For meat & animal products.
📜 Shipping Bill & Bill of Lading – Proof of export.

Sample Health Certificate Format

Government of India
Export Inspection Council (EIC) / APEDA / MPEDA

🔹 Health Certificate for Export of Meat/Seafood/Dairy Products

Certificate No: HC/2024/IN/00123
Exporter: ABC Foods Pvt. Ltd., India
Importer: XYZ Trading LLC, USA
Product Description: Frozen Shrimp (5000 kg)
HS Code: 03061720
Processing Date: 05-Apr-2024
Microbiological Tests: Passed
Heavy Metals & Contaminants: Within Permissible Limits
Certifying Authority: Export Inspection Agency (EIA), Govt. of India

✅ Certified Safe for Human Consumption

Authorized Signatory
(Signature & Official Seal)

Why is a Health Certificate Important?

✅ Mandatory for Exporting Meat, Dairy, and Seafood – Required by most countries.
✅ Ensures Food Safety & Hygiene – Certifies that food is safe for human consumption.
✅ Required for Customs Clearance – Without it, shipments can be rejected.
✅ Builds Trust with International Buyers – Increases credibility.