Navigating International Regulations for India’s Food Exports

India’s food industry, valued at approximately USD 50 billion in annual exports, stands at a critical juncture. As senior leaders and decision-makers, mastering international regulations is essential to sustaining and accelerating global growth. LawCrust, a senior hybrid consultant in management, finance, legal, and technology, provides an integrated framework to navigate international food regulations. This article outlines India’s global food trade position, key regulatory updates, strategic hurdles, and growth strategies to ensure global food compliance and smooth market entry.

Industry Overview: India’s Role in Global Food Trade

India is a major global food exporter, with strengths in rice, spices, processed foods, and nutraceuticals. Key markets include the Middle East, EU, USA, and Southeast Asia. However, sustained growth depends on meeting stringent international regulations set by the FDA, EFSA, Codex Alimentarius, and WTO-SPS/TBT frameworks. FSSAI plays a crucial role by aligning domestic standards with global norms to support export readiness and trade facilitation.

1. June 2025 Updates on International Regulations Landscape

Staying ahead of evolving international regulations is critical for Indian exporters. Key updates in June 2025 include:

• WTO’s updated Codex norms for plant-based protein labeling: The WTO has revised Codex Alimentarius norms to standardise labeling for plant-based proteins, a fast-growing segment in India’s food industry. Exporters must align product labels with these guidelines to ensure global food compliance and avoid trade barriers.
• FDA’s proposed changes to nutritional disclosure rules: The FDA’s June 2025 proposals tighten nutritional disclosure requirements for imports, emphasising transparency on allergens, sugar, and fat content. Indian exporters must update labeling and documentation to meet these stringent FDA standards.
• EU’s carbon footprint labeling directive: By 2027, the EU mandates carbon footprint labeling for all food imports, effective from June 2025. This directive requires Indian exporters to implement systems for tracking and disclosing environmental impacts, aligning with international regulations on sustainability.
• India’s APEDA export facilitation cell: The Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) launched a dedicated cell to support Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in navigating international regulations. This initiative provides guidance to enhance export readiness and compliance.

2. Growth Strategy Challenges in Global Expansion

Despite India’s export potential, several challenges hinder global expansion:

• Navigating non-tariff barriers: Label translations, ingredient restrictions, and rigorous inspection norms vary across markets, requiring meticulous preparation to meet international regulations.
• High cost of certifications: Certifications like HACCP, BRCGS, Halal, and USDA Organic ensure compliance but involve significant financial and operational investment.
• Varied shelf-life and packaging norms: Differing expectations across geographies complicate logistics and increase the risk of product rejections.
• Export readiness gaps: Many Indian businesses lack robust supply chain traceability, regulatory expertise, and export-specific technology systems, creating vulnerabilities in global food compliance.

3. Strategic Growth Path Using a Hybrid Consulting Lens

LawCrust’s hybrid consulting approach integrates management, finance, legal, and technology expertise to address these challenges and drive sustainable growth.

• Market Entry & Export Strategy

LawCrust adopts a phased export strategy, targeting markets like the GCC first, before expanding to stricter regions like the EU and USA. By integrating legal and product consulting, we ensure compliance with FDA, Codex, and ISO standards. Leveraging RoDTEP, APEDA, and PLI schemes, we lower financial barriers and guide clients with detailed market entry checklists covering labeling, customs, shelf-life, and logistics to meet international regulations seamlessf

• Product Development & Localisation Strategy

LawCrust champions co-developing export-specific SKUs, such as low-sodium or allergen-free products, using regulatory-compliant ingredients. We implement clean-label strategies with traceable sourcing and thorough legal vetting to build trust and streamline compliance. Customising packaging and labeling to align with local laws and consumer preferences ensures cultural relevance and adherence to international regulations.

• Legal & Compliance Strategy

LawCrust establishes a compliance calendar for periodic audits across FDA, FSSAI, and Codex standards, ensuring ongoing adherence to international regulations. We build robust legal Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) to manage global recalls, border rejections, or consumer complaints. Digitising document storage and certification tracking for multi-country exports enhances efficiency and reduces administrative burdens.

• Technology Enablement

LawCrust advocates adopting Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems with global regulatory modules, specialised label design software, and shipment-level traceability. Artificial Intelligence (AI) identifies export risks by analysing historical recalls, ingredient red flags, and evolving FDA standards. For perishables, Internet of Things (IoT) solutions provide container-level condition monitoring, ensuring product integrity and compliance with international regulations.

Illustrative Examples

• Export Surge Play: A nutraceuticals D2C brand partnered with LawCrust to onboard US FDA consultants, digitise labeling with smart QR codes, and secure BRCGS certification. This strategic focus on international regulations enabled a successful Amazon USA launch, growing exports by 240% in two quarters.
• Compliance-Led Innovation: A ready-to-eat meals firm entered the UAE with LawCrust’s support, designing low-sodium SKUs compliant with Gulf Standards Organisation norms. Legal teams pre-cleared claims, technology handled multi-language labeling, and finance structured shipments to leverage duty drawbacks, resulting in a profitable pilot within four months.

Conclusion

Mastering international regulations is the cornerstone of India’s food export success. LawCrust’s hybrid consulting approach integrates legal foresight, financial strategy, operational efficiency, and technological innovation to empower Indian food businesses. By proactively embracing global food compliance, leveraging government incentives, and adopting cutting-edge technology, leaders can unlock new market entry opportunities and solidify India’s position as a global food trade leader. The time is now to invest in these strategic imperatives and thrive on the global plate.

About LawCrust

LawCrust Global Consulting Ltd. delivers cutting-edge Hybrid Consulting Solutions in Management, Finance, Technology, and Legal Consulting to ambitious businesses worldwide. Recognised for our cross-functional expertise and hybrid consulting approach, we empower startups, SMEs, and enterprises to scale efficiently, innovate boldly, and navigate complexity with confidence. Our services span key areas such as Investment Banking, Fundraising, Mergers & Acquisitions, Private Placement, and Debt Restructuring & Transformation, positioning us as a strategic partner for growth and resilience. With an integrated consulting model, fixed-cost engagements, and a virtual delivery framework, we make business transformation accessible, agile, and impactful.

For expert legal help, please contact us:

• Email: inquiry@lawcrustbusiness.com