Any exporter or seller needs to have a clear understanding of all the stakeholders involved in the business for seamless functioning. One of the most important organizations that one should be aware of is the Export Inspection Council. It is the official export-certification authority set up by the Government of India under Section 3 of the Export (Quality Control and Inspection) Act, 1963. It is the primary responsibility of the Export Inspection Council to ensure that products being exported from India that are listed as part of the Export (Quality Control and Inspection) Act, 1963 comply with the requirements of the importing country.
Here is all you need to know about the Export Inspection Council.
What is the Export Inspection Council?
The Export Inspection Council (EIC) is the official export-certification organization set up by the Department of Commerce, Government of India. Export Inspection Council is the only organization in India in this field that carries global acceptance. It has a notable experience of over four decades in the area of inspection, certification and testing goods as per the needs of the importing country.
What is the role of the Export Inspection Council?
The key role of the Export Inspection Council is to ensure that the goods being exported from India meet the quality and safety requirements of the importing country. The role of the organization can be explained as follows:
· The Export Inspection Council provides Certification of Inspection for products that can be exported to other countries. The certification is only given after considering safety and quality parameters.
· The organization offers NABL-accredited laboratory testing facilities for businesses that opt for testing their products.
· It issues various certificates related to the health and authenticity of the products being exported.
· It provides mandatory certifications for a variety of food products like dairy, honey, fisheries etc. that are being exported.
· EIC handholds exporters and other businesses to meet the quality and safety requirements in the export market.
· EIC conducts investigations as per the complaints received from Embassies and High Commissions in other countries about the sub-standard products being exported from India.
What is a Certificate of Inspection?
A Certificate of Inspection is a critical trade document that is required for exporting consumer goods from India. It is issued by a third party. It is responsible for certifying that the goods are in good condition and as per the contract specification at the time of import.
Who issues Certificate of Inspection?
The Certificate of Inspection is issued by the Export Inspection Council to handle the quality and safety issues with the products being exported from India to other markets. EIC has its headquarters in New Delhi with a direction of inspection and quality control that handles the operational functioning of the Council. EIC has tie-ups with several export inspection agencies (EIAs) and NABL-accredited labs that handle the task of testing and certification for the organization.
EIC is mainly responsible for handling certification of quality and safety of edible and consumable products like fish and fishery products, honey, dairy products, gelatine, pre-mixtures, feed additives and other non-food products.
How to get a Certificate of Inspection?
The task of testing and certifying is usually undertaken by a certified export inspection agency. Here is the process to obtain a certification of inspection:
· Step 1: The importer is expected to facilitate a pre-shipment inspection. The exporter is expected to ensure that the products are made available for inspection.
· Step 2: The exporter will hire a freight forwarder that will ensure that all the paperwork is in order.
· Step 3: The importer will bear the cost of the inspection. However, the exporter will be responsible for the costs related to handling, unpacking and repackaging the goods.
After all these steps are completed, the authorized export inspection agency will issue the certificate of inspection.
Which countries need the certification of inspection?
A certificate of inspection is required by almost every major country that imports goods from India. The USA, UK, Russia, Mexico, Saudi Arabia, Japan, etc. are major import partners that require inspection certificates along with other critical documents such as bills of lading, insurance certificates, etc.
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FAQs
How long is the Certificate of Inspection valid?
The Certificate of Inspection is valid for five years from the date of issue.
When is the Certificate of Inspection issued?
A Certificate of Inspection is issued after the goods have been checked for quality and safety.
Who issues a Certificate of Inspection?
Export Inspection Council issues the Certificate of Inspection.
