Is FSSC 22000 mandatory for all food exporters from India?

FSSC 22000 is not legally mandatory under the FSSAI Act, but it is contractually required by most multinational buyers, retailers (Tesco, Carrefour, Walmart), and importing countries (EU, USA, Australia). Units exporting to these markets must obtain FSSC 22000 certification to maintain supply contracts and avoid shipment rejections. DGFT and Ministry of Commerce recognize FSSC 22000 as quality infrastructure for export promotion.

How long does FSSC 22000 certification take from application to issuance?

The total timeline is typically 12-16 weeks, comprising: 4-8 weeks for internal preparation and system development, 2-3 weeks for document review, 3-5 days for on-site audit, 2-6 weeks for non-conformance closure, and 1-2 weeks for certification decision. Expedited certification is possible for units with pre-existing robust quality systems, reducing the timeline to 8-12 weeks.

What is the validity period of FSSC 22000 certification?

FSSC 22000 certification is valid for three years from the date of issuance. During this period, organizations must undergo annual surveillance audits (in years 1, 2, and 3) to verify continued compliance. In the third year, a re-certification audit must be conducted before expiry to renew the certificate for another three-year cycle.

Can units with FSSAI registration but no FSSC 22000 export to EU or USA?

No. While FSSAI registration is mandatory for domestic operations under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, it is insufficient for EU and USA exports. The EU requires HACCP certification and compliance with EC 178/2002, while the USA mandates FDA FSMA preventive controls. FSSC 22000 certification demonstrates compliance with both standards. Units without FSSC 22000 will face shipment detention, product rejection, and potential deregistration from importing country approved supplier lists.

What happens if a certified unit fails surveillance audit?

If major non-conformances are identified during surveillance audit, the certification body issues a notice requiring corrective action within 30-60 days. If non-conformances are not resolved satisfactorily, the certification is suspended, and the unit loses the right to use the FSSC 22000 credential for exports. Continued non-compliance results in certificate withdrawal. Suspended units are removed from the FSSC Directory of Certified Organizations, affecting buyer confidence and export viability.

FSSC 22000 Certification

FSSC 22000 certification in India ensures food safety compliance for global exports. Get FSSAI-aligned ISO 22000 certification for EU, USA market access.

Internal Preparation: Develop FSSC 22000-compliant food safety management system documentation and conduct internal audit (4-8 weeks)
Engage Accredited Certification Body: Select and contract with NABCB-recognized certification body (such as TÜV SÜD, DNV, or Intertek)
Document Review & Application: Submit FSSAI license, food safety manual, HACCP plans, and training records for desk audit (2-3 weeks)
Initial Certification Audit: Conduct Stage 1 and Stage 2 on-site audit with opening meeting, system review, and facility inspection (3-5 days)
Non-Conformance Closure: Address audit findings through corrective action implementation and evidence submission (2-6 weeks)

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What is FSSC 22000 Certification?

FSSC 22000 (Food Safety System Certification 22000) is an internationally recognized food safety management system certification that combines ISO 22000:2018 and PAS 220:2008 prerequisites. It is administered by the FSSC Foundation, a Dutch-registered non-profit organization, and is recognized across 194 countries worldwide. For Indian food exporters, FSSC 22000 serves as a critical compliance credential that demonstrates adherence to global food safety standards and facilitates market access to EU, USA, Australia, and other stringent regulatory jurisdictions.

Under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006 (FSSAI Act) and the Foreign Trade (Development and Regulation) Act, 1992 (FTDR Act), Indian food processing units engaged in exports must maintain documented food safety management systems. FSSC 22000 exceeds domestic FSSAI registration requirements by incorporating comprehensive hazard analysis, preventive controls, and traceability protocols mandated by international buyers and retailers. The certification is valid for three years from the date of issuance, with annual surveillance audits required to maintain compliance.

मूल्य निर्धारण

पैकेज	कीमत	विवरण
Standard	On request	Including document prep

प्रक्रिया

📋
Internal Preparation: Develop FSSC 22000-compliant food safety management system documentation and conduct internal audit (4-8 weeks)
🔍
Engage Accredited Certification Body: Select and contract with NABCB-recognized certification body (such as TÜV SÜD, DNV, or Intertek)
📝
Document Review & Application: Submit FSSAI license, food safety manual, HACCP plans, and training records for desk audit (2-3 weeks)
✅
Initial Certification Audit: Conduct Stage 1 and Stage 2 on-site audit with opening meeting, system review, and facility inspection (3-5 days)
📤
Non-Conformance Closure: Address audit findings through corrective action implementation and evidence submission (2-6 weeks)
🏆
Certification Issuance: Receive FSSC 22000 certificate valid for 3 years upon final approval

आवश्यक दस्तावेज़

Valid FSSAI License (Central or State registration as applicable under Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006)
Food Safety Management System Manual and documented procedures aligned with ISO 22000:2018
HACCP Plans and hazard analysis documentation for each product category manufactured
Supplier qualification records, vendor audit reports, and material specifications with traceability data
Personnel training and competency records, including food safety awareness and operational training documentation
Product specifications, labeling samples, and production process flow diagrams
Facility layout, equipment inventory, calibration records, and maintenance schedules
Previous audit reports or compliance inspection records from FSSAI (if available)
Management responsibility policies, customer complaint records, and product recall procedures
Testing and analysis reports (microbiological and chemical) from recognized laboratories

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शुरू करने के लिए तैयार?

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FSSC 22000 Certification

FSSC 22000 certification in India ensures food safety compliance for global exports. Get FSSAI-aligned ISO 22000 certification for EU, USA market access.

Internal Preparation: Develop FSSC 22000-compliant food safety management system documentation and conduct internal audit (4-8 weeks)

Engage Accredited Certification Body: Select and contract with NABCB-recognized certification body (such as TÜV SÜD, DNV, or Intertek)

Document Review & Application: Submit FSSAI license, food safety manual, HACCP plans, and training records for desk audit (2-3 weeks)

Initial Certification Audit: Conduct Stage 1 and Stage 2 on-site audit with opening meeting, system review, and facility inspection (3-5 days)

Non-Conformance Closure: Address audit findings through corrective action implementation and evidence submission (2-6 weeks)

Google VerifiedBusiness

500+Export Clients Served

End-to-EndEXIM Support

What is FSSC 22000 Certification?

पैकेज

कीमत

विवरण

Standard

On request

Including document prep

प्रक्रिया

📋

Internal Preparation: Develop FSSC 22000-compliant food safety management system documentation and conduct internal audit (4-8 weeks)

🔍

Engage Accredited Certification Body: Select and contract with NABCB-recognized certification body (such as TÜV SÜD, DNV, or Intertek)

📝

Document Review & Application: Submit FSSAI license, food safety manual, HACCP plans, and training records for desk audit (2-3 weeks)

✅

Initial Certification Audit: Conduct Stage 1 and Stage 2 on-site audit with opening meeting, system review, and facility inspection (3-5 days)

📤

Non-Conformance Closure: Address audit findings through corrective action implementation and evidence submission (2-6 weeks)

🏆

Certification Issuance: Receive FSSC 22000 certificate valid for 3 years upon final approval

आवश्यक दस्तावेज़

Valid FSSAI License (Central or State registration as applicable under Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006)

Food Safety Management System Manual and documented procedures aligned with ISO 22000:2018

HACCP Plans and hazard analysis documentation for each product category manufactured

Supplier qualification records, vendor audit reports, and material specifications with traceability data

Personnel training and competency records, including food safety awareness and operational training documentation

Product specifications, labeling samples, and production process flow diagrams

Facility layout, equipment inventory, calibration records, and maintenance schedules

Previous audit reports or compliance inspection records from FSSAI (if available)

Management responsibility policies, customer complaint records, and product recall procedures

Testing and analysis reports (microbiological and chemical) from recognized laboratories

अक्सर पूछे जाने वाले प्रश्न

FSSC 22000 Certification

What is FSSC 22000 Certification?

मूल्य निर्धारण

प्रक्रिया

आवश्यक दस्तावेज़

अक्सर पूछे जाने वाले प्रश्न

संबंधित सेवाएं

श्रेणी के अनुसार

शुरू करने के लिए तैयार?

FSSC 22000 Certification

What is FSSC 22000 Certification?

मूल्य निर्धारण

प्रक्रिया

आवश्यक दस्तावेज़

अक्सर पूछे जाने वाले प्रश्न

संबंधित सेवाएं

श्रेणी के अनुसार

शुरू करने के लिए तैयार?