Introduction
Start right and save time, money, and reputation
Exporting food products sounds exciting new markets, more profits, and global reach. But for new businesses, even small mistakes can lead to delays, rejections, or worse, damaged trust.
If you’re just starting your food export journey, here are 5 common mistakes to avoid to ensure smooth global expansion.
Ignoring Country-Specific Food Regulations
Every country has different rules about ingredients, labeling, packaging, and shelf life. Many new exporters assume their Indian-compliant product will be accepted globally. That’s rarely true.
Avoid this mistake by:
Checking import regulations of the destination country
Ensuring your labels meet language and nutrition panel requirements
Confirming ingredient acceptability (some herbs, colors, or preservatives may be banned)
Tip: Always have a compliance checklist before entering a new market.
Using One-Size-Fits-All Packaging
What works in India may not work abroad. Different countries require different packaging materials, languages, expiry formats, and even barcode styles.
How to fix it:
Customize packaging for each country
Avoid packaging that’s too flimsy or lacks expiry clarity
Always add batch number, manufacturing & expiry dates clearly
Smart packaging shows you care about quality and your buyer’s brand.
Poor Documentation and Certifications
A common reason for export delays or rejection is incomplete or incorrect documentation.
New exporters often miss:
Certificate of Origin
Phytosanitary certificate (for plant-based items)
FSSAI license + export variant
Customs invoice clarity
Solution: Work with an export consultant or freight forwarder who double-checks documents.
Underestimating Logistics & Shelf Life
Perishable items or products with short shelf lives need cold chain logistics or fast customs clearance.
Many new food businesses don’t plan for:
Temperature control during transit
Minimum residual shelf life needed upon arrival
Delays at customs affecting freshness
Choose reliable shipping partners who understand food logistics even better if they’ve handled food exports before.
Not Investing in Branding and Buyer Communication
Even great products can fail abroad if you’re not clear about your brand, or don’t build buyer trust.
Mistakes include:
No website or digital presence
No story behind your product (origin, health benefits, traditional value)
No clear after-sale or response system if something goes wrong
Strong branding + communication = repeated orders.
Conclusion
Exporting is more than just shipping products it’s about building systems that work across borders. Learn from others’ mistakes, get expert help early, and be proactive in your approach.
Start small, but start right.