Blue spirulina extract (often referring to spirulina/phycocyanin extracts marketed as natural blue colorants or nutraceutical ingredients) is a high-value ingredient with growing demand across foods, beverages, cosmetics and supplements. Exporting it from India brings attractive opportunities — but also several regulatory checkpoints. Below is a practical guide to the certifications, export documents and compliance steps exporters should know.
1) Who you must register with in India
Before shipping any Blue spirulina extract, make sure your business registrations and trade credentials are in order: IEC (Importer–Exporter Code) from DGFT — mandatory for any export. APEDA registration / RCMC (where applicable) — exporters of scheduled/agri-based products should register and obtain the Registration-cum-Membership Certificate (RCMC) through APEDA/DGFT portals.
2) Indian food / ingredient approvals that matter
The product form and intended end-use determine which Indian approvals are needed:
FSSAI rules & ingredient approvals: Spirulina extracts and similar ingredients fall under FSSAI’s jurisdiction; manufacturers/exporters must comply with FSSAI labelling, safety standards and any specific approvals/listings for novel ingredients or colors. Maintain FSSAI registration/licence for your facility and documentation demonstrating compliance.
GMP / HACCP certification: Buyers (and many overseas regulators/importers) expect GMP and HACCP systems for manufacture of consumable extracts — these reduce inspection friction and are commonly required by large food companies.
3) Destination-specific authorisations you must check
Regulatory acceptance of Blue spirulina extract varies by market and application. Always verify requirements for the target country and claimed use (e.g., colorant vs nutraceutical ingredient).
European Union (EU) — microalgae extracts can be treated as novel foods depending on the product and its intended use; market entry often requires a Novel Food submission/authorisation or confirmation the ingredient is already authorised. Check Access2Markets / Novel Food summaries for the latest status before shipping.
United States (FDA) — spirulina extracts (phycocyanin) have an established safety record; FDA regulations updated allowed uses of spirulina extract as a color additive for certain foods and beverages. However, importers must ensure facility registration, labelling compliance, and that the extract is used only in permitted food categories or as a dietary ingredient under existing safety expectations. Confirm intended application against current FDA color additive rules and import guidance.
Other markets — Japan, Canada, GCC and others may have their own ingredient lists, permitted uses or import documentation requirements. Always verify via buyer / customs / official regulator guidance.
4) Core export documents (practical checklist)
Prepare these documents for each shipment of Blue spirulina extract:
Commercial Invoice (with HS code, value, batch details)
Packing List
Bill of Lading / Airway Bill
Certificate of Analysis (CoA) — detailed lab results (phycocyanin content, moisture, heavy metals, microbial limits, pesticides, etc.) — essential for buyer and customs clearance.
Health Certificate / Sanitary Certificate — if demanded by the importing country.
FSSAI Licence copy and any Indian product approval/notification (if applicable).
RCMC / APEDA registration proof (if product falls under APEDA schedule).
Certificate of Origin (preferential certificates if using trade agreements).
Insurance certificate, Packing photos, and any special export permits.
5) Quality, testing and lab practices buyers expect
To succeed in export markets, invest in rigorous testing and traceability:
Accredited testing (NABL) labs for CoA.
Heavy metals (Pb, Cd, As, Hg), aflatoxins, microbial limits, pesticide residues, and colorant stability testing.
Batch-wise traceability (raw material lot → production lot → CoA).
Allergen statements and GMO declarations where relevant.
6) Certifications that improve market access and buyer trust
While not always mandatory, these certifications speed purchase approvals and ease retailer acceptance:
GMP (ISO 22716 / food GMP)
HACCP / ISO 22000
Organic / NPOP / EU Organic if selling organic spirulina.
ISO 9001 for quality systems, and Third-party audits (Sedex / BRC / IFS) for large retail customers.
Non-GMO, Kosher, Halal certifications when required by buyers.
7) Regulatory watch & helpful resources
Because regulatory status can change (e.g., novel food rulings, color additive expansions), keep these sources bookmarked and re-check before each market push:
APEDA — exporter procedures and RCMC info.
FSSAI — compendia and approval lists for nutraceuticals/ingredients.
EU Novel Food database / Access2Markets for market entry rules.
US FDA color additive and food import guidance (for permitted uses and importer responsibilities).
Quick exporter checklist (ready to use)
IEC & APEDA/RCMC (if applicable).
FSSAI licence & product compliance documentation.
CoA (NABL lab), heavy metals & microbial testing.
GMP / HACCP in place and certificates available.
Confirm destination-market status (Novel Food, FDA permitted uses, labelling).
Prepare commercial invoice, CoO, packing list, health certificate (if required).
Final note
Blue spirulina extract is attractive to global buyers but sits at the intersection of food, colorant and nutraceutical regulations — which means extra paperwork and destination-specific checks. Prioritize robust testing, clear CoAs, and early confirmation of market-specific authorisations (EU Novel Food / FDA permitted uses) to avoid costly hold-ups at import. If you’d like, I can draft a downloadable export-ready document checklist or a sample CoA template tailored to spirulina/phycocyanin — tell me which market(s) you plan to target and I’ll include the most relevant regulatory touches.
