ISO 22000 vs FSSAI vs Halal — Which Certifications Matter for Psyllium Husk Export?

When importing psyllium husk from India, the certifications held by your supplier determine which markets you can sell in, what health claims you can make, and what regulatory obstacles you'll face at customs.

Here's a market-by-market breakdown of which certifications matter most.

FSSAI (India Food Safety) — The Baseline

The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) license is the minimum standard for any credible Indian food/supplement exporter. Without FSSAI, a supplier cannot legally process or export food ingredients in India. Always verify your supplier's FSSAI license number at food.gov.in.

IEC (Import Export Code) — Required for Export

The Import Export Code issued by DGFT (Directorate General of Foreign Trade) is mandatory for any Indian exporter. Verify the supplier's IEC number at the DGFT website.

ISO 22000 — International Food Safety Standard

ISO 22000 certification demonstrates that the manufacturer's food safety management system meets international standards. Required or strongly preferred by buyers in USA, Europe, Japan, Australia, and most developed markets. It covers HACCP principles, good manufacturing practices, and systematic food safety risk management.

Halal Certification — Essential for Middle East and Muslim Markets

For exports to UAE, Saudi Arabia, Malaysia, Indonesia, Singapore, and other Muslim-majority markets, Halal certification is mandatory or strongly preferred. The certifying body must be recognized by the destination market's Halal authority (ESMA for UAE, SFDA for Saudi Arabia, JAKIM for Malaysia, MUIS for Singapore).

Kosher Certification — Jewish and Premium Markets

Kosher certification is required by Jewish buyers and preferred by some premium natural supplement brands. Less critical than Halal for volume but important for certain market segments.

USDA Organic — USA Organic Market

For US buyers importing psyllium for organic-labeled products, USDA NOP certification of the supplier is mandatory. Verify at the USDA organic integrity database (ams.usda.gov). The processing facility must also be certified organic, not just the farm.

EU Organic — European Organic Market

For EU buyers (Germany, France, Netherlands, Italy, etc.), EU Organic certification under Regulation (EU) 2018/848 is required. Certificate is valid across all 27 EU member states.

Non-GMO Verification

Psyllium (Plantago ovata) has no commercialized GMO variety — it is naturally non-GMO. However, US and EU organic brands often require a formal non-GMO declaration letter from the supplier for their own labeling compliance.

Certifications by Market

USA: FSSAI, IEC, ISO 22000, FDA registration, USDA Organic (for organic grade), Non-GMO declaration. Germany/EU: FSSAI, IEC, ISO 22000, EU Organic (for organic), EUR 1 movement certificate. UAE/Saudi Arabia: FSSAI, IEC, ISO 22000, Halal (ESMA/SFDA recognized). Australia: FSSAI, IEC, ISO 22000, TGA documentation support. Japan: FSSAI, IEC, ISO 22000, comprehensive pesticide residue testing per Japan Positive List.

Amar Herbal Origins holds all major export certifications including ISO 22000, FSSAI, USDA Organic, EU Organic, Halal, and Kosher. Full documentation provided with every shipment.