All the consignments of peanuts shipped out of India are inspected to ensure that they are of the safety levels that are needed by the countries of importation. These safety levels do not only entail visible quality. They involve thorough inspection of aflatoxins, which are toxic substances that can be cultivated in stored peanuts.

The process is not random or optional

The export of peanuts from India is controlled by APEDA. This is a government body under the Ministry of Commerce. It makes sure that all peanut shipments follow strict food safety rules laid out by the country that will receive the goods.

Before export begins, every unit must register with APEDA

Peanut units that include shelling, along with grading and storage, must register through the APEDA system. This is a mandatory step. Once approved these units are allowed to send peanuts for export after proper sampling and lab testing.

APEDA-approved samplers play a central role in the process

Sampling is not carried out by the exporter or third party agents. It is done by trained staff from labs that have approval under APEDA. These labs follow strict protocols that match the rules of either the Codex body or the European Union depending on the destination.

Sampling follows these key steps:

• Samples are drawn at registered storage units by trained APEDA-authorized samplers.
• Each sample is collected using methods defined by international food safety authorities.
• Every bag in the lot is sealed and labeled by the lab after the sample is taken.
• The lab is the only authority that can approve further movement of the sampled batch.
• No part of the batch may be moved without written clearance from the lab.

Aflatoxin levels must stay within legal limits set by importing countries

Aflatoxins are harmful to human health and have been linked to major food safety concerns. Because of this every importing country sets its own limits. The lab tests the sample and checks if the levels are below what is allowed.

The lab has 96 hours to issue a report after sampling is completed

The exporter receives a Certificate of Analysis which confirms whether the product has passed or failed. If the aflatoxin levels are too high the shipment cannot move forward. There is no appeal process unless the rules allow retesting in special cases.

If the batch passes the test the exporter can apply for the COE

The COE stands for Certificate of Export. It is applied through the Peanut.Net system. Once approved, APEDA issues the certificate within 24 hours. Without this certificate, the exporter cannot send the goods out of the country.

Every shipment must be loaded in a controlled environment

The same location where the sampling was done must be used for stuffing the export container. The lab supervises the loading process to ensure the same bags are being sent without any mix-ups. Moisture control steps are also required for EU shipments.

The lab issues a container stuffing certificate after the job is done

This certificate confirms that the product was packed under full lab observation. It prevents any chance of contamination or last-minute changes. For many buyers, this certificate is just as important as the test report.

The lab process is monitored by a central authority

The National Research Center for Grapes in Pune acts as the referral lab. It checks the performance of all APEDA-approved labs. It also sends updates when the regulations in foreign countries change. Labs must follow these updates without delay.

The referral lab also steps in when alerts are raised

In case any lab identifies high aflatoxin in repeated samples, internal alerts are received in the referral lab. It can demand additional tests or additional safety inspections prior to future exports. This will prevent rejection and safeguard the reputation of the Indian exporters in general.

Exporters are expected to stay informed and aware at all times

It is not the lab’s duty to track market changes. That job rests with the exporter. Exporters must study the food safety rules in the target country and prepare their batches well in advance to match those expectations.

APEDA holds exporters accountable if rthe ules are not followed

In case of rejection of a shipment on safety grounds, the exporter can be punished. APEDA can cancel registration or block export rights in case it identifies any severe errors or recurrence of violations of the procedure.

Shipments that are rejected can be returned with more approvals

In case of shipment rejection in a foreign country, the shipment could not be returned to India without No Objection Certificate. APEDA issues this NOC only when the levels of aflatoxins are within the Indian domestic levels. The product is not allowed to re-enter the market till that time.

Food safety goes beyond just passing tests.

Exporters must work with peanut farmers and processors to control the source of contamination. Good agricultural practices must be shared with growers so that the peanuts are clean and safe right from the start.

Approved labs and samplers bring structure to the process

When testing is done by trained staff under the eye of the lab, there is less room for error or tampering. It protects the exporter from future complaints and gives buyers the confidence that they are receiving what was promised.

What food exporters should expect from APEDA-approved peanut testing labs?

• They provide clear reports based on fixed sampling methods and current safety rules.
• They seal and label each sampled unit to avoid switching or confusion.
• They support exporters during container loading and handle all required certifications.
• They send reports quickly so that shipments do not face delay.
• They follow the latest food safety rules shared by APEDA and the referral lab.

Use of approved labs is not merely a tick-box exercise

It eases the export process and makes it safer. It adds trust to every deal. It does not lead to last minute rush that may cost you some time or even ruin your image.

ISSPL Lab is equipped to support exporters at every step of peanut testing

ISSPL Lab is recognized for its ability to carry out APEDA-approved sampling and analysis for peanut exports. With trained staff along with certified processes and the right infrastructure, ISSPL helps exporters meet the food safety standards required by international buyers. Every test is conducted with care so that your consignment can move forward without delays or rejections.

FAQs

1. What is APEDA-approved peanut testing?

It is a government-controlled process where trained labs test peanut samples to check if they meet food safety rules of importing countries.

2. Why does sampling have to be done by APEDA-authorized samplers?

Only authorized samplers can draw and seal samples in a way that meets international rules. This prevents mix-ups or quality disputes later.

3. What happens if aflatoxin levels are too high in the sample?

The lab will not issue a clearance report. Without this report the peanuts cannot be exported under any condition or exception.

4. Can exporters load the peanuts into containers without lab supervision?

No. The container must be loaded in the same location where sampling was done and must be supervised by the same lab.

5. How does ISSPL Lab support exporters in this process?

ISSPL Lab helps exporters by handling APEDA-approved sampling along with aflatoxin testing and final documentation under proper safety checks.