APEDA Makes HACCP Compliance Mandatory for Fresh Produce Export Packhouses

The Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) has introduced additional food safety compliance requirements for packhouse facilities seeking recognition for exporting fresh fruits and vegetables to the European Union. Under the revised procedure, applicants must provide documentation demonstrating adherence to Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP) standards.

The decision follows an on-site assessment conducted by the European Commission to examine the safety measures implemented for agricultural exports from India. Following this evaluation, APEDA has incorporated HACCP verification into its packhouse recognition process, in accordance with Annex II of European Regulation (EC) No. 852/2004.

Under the new requirements, packhouse operators must submit their HACCP or Food Safety Management System (FSMS) manuals, along with relevant inspection reports and certifications. These may include HACCP or ISO 22000 certification documents or other recognised evidence of advanced food safety compliance.

The additional documentation will supplement the existing requirements outlined in the Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) of APEDA's Packhouse Recognition Scheme.

Importantly, compliance will not be assessed through documentation alone. Inspection committees will also examine the implementation of HACCP requirements during physical inspections of packhouse facilities. These assessments will form part of the overall evaluation conducted before granting a Certificate of Recognition.

APEDA has advised packhouse operators to ensure that the necessary food safety systems are established and that all supporting documents are submitted with their applications.

The revised procedure strengthens regulatory oversight of fresh produce exports while aligning India's packhouse recognition requirements with international food safety expectations, particularly those applicable to the European market.

11-11-2026