Step-by-Step Process for Exporting Garlic from India to Qatar

Step 1: Pre-Export Preparation

1. Obtain an Importer Exporter Code (IEC):

   • Why: Mandatory for all Indian exporters to engage in international trade.
   • Where/How: Apply through the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) online portal (dgft.gov.in).
     • Submit: PAN card, Aadhaar, bank account details, and business registration documents (e.g., GST certificate, company incorporation certificate).
     • Fee: ₹500 (online payment).
     • Timeline: 2-3 working days.
     • Output: 10-digit IEC number.
   • Note: Ensure the IEC is linked to your GST registration.

2. Register with APEDA:

   • Why: The Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) oversees agricultural exports like garlic.
   • Where/How: Register on the APEDA website (apeda.gov.in).
     • Submit: IEC, company details, bank certificate, and export plan.
     • Fee: ₹5,000 (approx.).
     • Timeline: 5-7 working days.
     • Output: APEDA Registration-cum-Membership Certificate (RCMC).
   • Note: APEDA provides market insights and quality guidelines for Qatar.

3. Identify a Qatari Importer:

   • Why: The importer handles Qatar’s import licensing and customs clearance.
   • Where/How:
     • Use APEDA’s Agri Exchange portal or trade platforms like IndiaMART, TradeIndia.
     • Attend trade fairs (e.g., Gulfood in Dubai) or contact the Indo-Arab Chamber of Commerce.
     • Verify the importer’s credentials: They must have a valid import license from Qatar’s Ministry of Commerce and Industry (MCI) and be a member of the Qatar Chamber of Commerce and Industry (QCCI).
   • Action: Sign an export contract specifying garlic quality, quantity, HS Code (0703.20), payment terms (e.g., Letter of Credit), and delivery terms (e.g., C&F Doha).

4. Understand Qatari Requirements:

   • Why: Qatar enforces strict food safety and customs regulations.
   • Where/How:
     • Check Qatar’s Ministry of Public Health (MoPH) Food Safety Department guidelines (moph.gov.qa).
     • Review Qatar General Authority of Customs (customs.gov.qa) and GCC standards (e.g., GSO 9/2007 for labeling).
     • Coordinate with the importer for specific requirements (e.g., WATHEQ system registration).
   • Key Standards:
     • Garlic must be free of pests, diseases, and contaminants (e.g., pesticides, heavy metals).
     • Labeling: Country of origin (India), net weight (10% tolerance), and GCC-compliant labels.
     • Packaging: Ventilated mesh bags for freshness.

Step 2: Sourcing and Quality Assurance

5. Source High-Quality Garlic:

   • Why: Qatar requires export-quality garlic meeting Indian and GCC standards.
   • Where/How:
     • Source from garlic-producing regions like Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, or Uttar Pradesh.
     • Partner with APEDA-registered farmers or cooperatives.
     • Ensure garlic meets Agmark standards (if applicable) or buyer specifications (e.g., bulb size, freshness).
   • Action: Conduct pre-harvest quality checks (e.g., pesticide residue testing).

6. Conduct Laboratory Testing:

   • Why: To ensure compliance with Qatari food safety standards (e.g., pesticide limits, microbial safety).
   • Where/How:
     • Use NABL-accredited laboratories in India (e.g., Vimta Labs, Eurofins, SGS India).
     • Test for: Pesticide residues, heavy metals, and microbial contaminants.
     • Contact: Find labs via NABL’s website (nabl-india.org) or APEDA’s directory.
     • Cost: ₹5,000–₹15,000 per sample.
     • Timeline: 3-5 days.
   • Output: Test report (required for Health Certificate and Certificate of Conformity).

Step 3: Documentation

7. Prepare Required Documents: Below is a list of all documents, their purpose, and how/where to obtain them:

   a. Commercial Invoice:

   • Purpose: Details the transaction for customs and payment.
   • Content:
     • Exporter and importer details.
     • Garlic description (e.g., fresh, quantity, HS Code: 0703.20).
     • Value, terms (e.g., C&F), and currency.
   • Where/How:
     • Create on your company letterhead using accounting software or templates.
     • Stamp and sign the document.
     • Attestation: By Indo-Arab Chamber of Commerce (iacciindia.com) or Qatar Embassy in New Delhi.
     • Cost: ₹1,000–₹5,000 for attestation.
   • Note: Ensure consistency with other documents (e.g., packing list).

   b. Certificate of Origin (CoO):

   • Purpose: Proves garlic is from India; required for customs and duty benefits.
   • Content: Product details, HS Code, and origin (India).
   • Where/How:
     • Apply through:
       • Export Inspection Council (EIC) or Export Inspection Agency (EIA) (eicindia.gov.in).
       • Federation of Indian Export Organisations (FIEO) or Indo-Arab Chamber of Commerce.
     • Submit: Invoice, packing list, and export contract.
     • Attestation: Qatar Embassy in New Delhi or a GCC/Arab embassy.
     • Cost: ₹500–₹2,000 (plus attestation fees).
     • Timeline: 1-3 days.
   • Note: Use the Unified GCC CoO format for Qatar.

   c. Certificate of Conformity (CoC):

   • Purpose: Ensures compliance with Qatari food safety and GCC standards.
   • Where/How:
     • Engage an MoPH-approved certification body in India:
       • SGS India (sgs.com): Offices in Mumbai, Chennai, Delhi.
       • Intertek India (intertek.com): Offices in Delhi, Bangalore.
       • TÜV Rheinland India (tuv.com).
     • Process:
       • Submit samples and test reports (from NABL-accredited labs).
       • Inspection of garlic and packaging.
       • Verification of compliance with Qatar’s Technical Regulations.
     • Cost: ₹10,000–₹50,000 (depending on shipment size).
     • Timeline: 5-10 days.
   • Note: Coordinate with the importer to confirm the certification body.

   d. Phytosanitary Certificate:

   • Purpose: Confirms garlic is pest- and disease-free.
   • Where/How:
     • Apply through the Plant Protection, Quarantine & Storage (PPQS) Directorate (ppqs.gov.in).
     • Use the Plant Quarantine Information System (PQIS) online portal.
     • Steps:
       • Register on PQIS.
       • Submit application with invoice, packing list, and export details.
       • Schedule inspection at a PPQS facility (e.g., Mumbai, Chennai, or regional offices).
     • Cost: ₹1,000–₹5,000.
     • Timeline: 1-2 days post-inspection.
   • Note: Check Qatar’s specific phytosanitary requirements via the importer or MoPH.

   e. Packing List:

   • Purpose: Details shipment contents for customs.
   • Content:
     • Number of packages, gross/net weight, and volume.
     • Garlic description (e.g., fresh, mesh bags).
   • Where/How:
     • Create on company letterhead, aligning with the invoice.
     • Attestation: By Indo-Arab Chamber or Qatar Embassy (if required).
     • Cost: ₹500–₹2,000 for attestation.
   • Note: Ensure accurate weight and package count.

   f. Bill of Lading (or Airway Bill):

   • Purpose: Proof of shipment and transport contract.
   • Content: Exporter, importer, port of loading (e.g., Nhava Sheva), destination (e.g., Doha Port), and shipment details.
   • Where/How:
     • Issued by the shipping line (e.g., Maersk, MSC) or air carrier (e.g., Qatar Airways).
     • For sea freight: State that the ship is allowed to enter Arab ports (certified by the shipping agency).
     • Obtain through your freight forwarder.
     • Cost: Included in shipping charges.
   • Note: Use sea freight for cost savings (7-14 days) or air freight for urgency (1-2 days).

   g. Health Certificate:

   • Purpose: Confirms garlic is safe for consumption.
   • Where/How:
     • Issued by the Export Inspection Agency (EIA) or APEDA-recognized labs.
     • Submit: Lab test reports (pesticides, heavy metals, microbial safety).
     • Apply via EIC/EIA offices (e.g., Mumbai, Delhi).
     • Cost: ₹2,000–₹5,000.
     • Timeline: 2-3 days.
   • Note: Required for fresh garlic; confirm with the importer.

   h. Certificate of Free Sale (CFS) (if requested):

   • Purpose: Confirms garlic is freely sold in India.
   • Where/How:
     • Issued by EIC or a Chamber of Commerce (e.g., FIEO).
     • Submit: Invoice, test reports, and export details.
     • Cost: ₹1,000–₹3,000.
     • Timeline: 1-2 days.
   • Note: Not always required; verify with the importer.

   i. Letter of Credit (L/C) (if applicable):

   • Purpose: Secures payment for the exporter.
   • Where/How:
     • Initiated by the Qatari importer through their bank (e.g., Qatar National Bank).
     • Exporter provides documents (e.g., CoO, invoice) to their bank (e.g., SBI, ICICI).
     • Attestation: Documents may need Qatar Embassy or Indo-Arab Chamber certification.
   • Note: Common for India-Qatar trade; confirm terms (e.g., C&F) with the importer.

   j. Import License (Importer’s Responsibility):

   • Purpose: Allows the importer to clear garlic in Qatar.
   • Where/How:
     • The Qatari importer obtains it from the Ministry of Commerce and Industry (MCI).
     • Exporter verifies the importer’s license and QCCI membership.
   • Note: Not the exporter’s responsibility but critical for customs clearance.

Step 4: Packaging and Labeling

8. Package and Label Garlic:
   • Why: To meet Qatari standards and ensure freshness.
   • How:
     • Use ventilated mesh bags (e.g., 5kg, 10kg) to prevent spoilage.
     • Ensure non-removable marking of “Product of India.”
     • Labels must include:
       • Country of origin (India).
       • Net weight (with 10% tolerance).
       • Exporter/importer details.
       • Comply with GCC labeling standards (GSO 9/2007).
   • Where: Work with packaging suppliers approved by APEDA or local vendors.
   • Note: Inspect packaging for compliance during phytosanitary checks.

Step 5: Logistics and Shipping

9. Engage a Freight Forwarder:
   • Why: Simplifies documentation, customs, and shipping.
   • Where/How:
     • Hire a forwarder experienced in India-Qatar trade (e.g., DHL Global Forwarding, DB Schenker).
     • Provide: Invoice, packing list, and export details.
     • They coordinate with shipping lines and handle document attestation.
   • Cost: ₹10,000–₹50,000 (depending on shipment size).
10. Book Shipping:
    • Why: To transport garlic to Qatar.
    • Where/How:
      • Sea Freight (recommended for cost):
        • Ports: Nhava Sheva (Mumbai), Mundra (Gujarat), Chennai.
        • Destination: Doha Port or Hamad Port.
        • Timeline: 7-14 days.
      • Air Freight (for urgency):
        • Airports: Mumbai, Delhi, or Chennai to Hamad International Airport.
        • Timeline: 1-2 days.
      • Book through the freight forwarder or directly with carriers (e.g., Maersk, Qatar Airways).
    • Note: Ensure refrigerated containers for sea freight to maintain freshness.
11. Submit Documents for Customs:
    • Why: For Indian export clearance and Qatari import clearance.
    • Where/How:
      • India:
        • File a Shipping Bill with Indian Customs Service (customs.gov.in) via the ICEGATE portal.
        • Submit: Invoice, packing list, CoO, phytosanitary certificate, and health certificate.
        • Customs inspects the shipment at the port.
      • Qatar:
        • The importer submits documents via Qatar’s Al Nadeeb system (customs.gov.qa).
        • Documents: Invoice, CoO, CoC, phytosanitary certificate, packing list, bill of lading, and health certificate.
      • Note: The freight forwarder often handles both sides.

Step 6: Qatari Customs and Delivery

12. Qatari Customs Clearance:
    • Why: To release the shipment in Qatar.
    • Where/How:
      • The Qatari importer:
        • Registers the garlic in the WATHEQ system (MoPH’s food safety platform).
        • Links the HS Code (0703.20) to their Commercial Registration and import license.
        • Submits documents via Al Nadeeb.
      • Customs duties: ~5% for garlic (verify with the Integrated GCC Customs Tariff).
      • MoPH may inspect the shipment for compliance (e.g., pesticide residues).
    • Note: Ensure all documents are attested to avoid delays.
13. Delivery to Importer:
    • Why: To complete the export process.
    • Where/How:
      • The importer collects the garlic from Doha Port/Hamad Port or Hamad International Airport.
      • The shipment is transported to the importer’s warehouse or distribution center.
    • Note: Track the shipment via the freight forwarder or carrier.

Step 7: Post-Export

14. Receive Payment:
    • Why: To finalize the transaction.
    • Where/How:
      • If using a Letter of Credit:
        • Submit documents (e.g., CoO, bill of lading) to your bank.
        • Payment is released after verification (typically 7-15 days).
      • If direct payment: Coordinate with the importer for wire transfer.
    • Note: Retain copies of all documents for records.
15. File Export Benefits (if applicable):
    • Why: To claim incentives like Duty Drawback or RoDTEP.
    • Where/How:
      • Apply via DGFT’s portal with the Shipping Bill and bank realization certificate.
      • Timeline: 30-60 days for processing.
    • Note: Check eligibility with APEDA or DGFT.

Recommendations

• Start Early: Begin documentation 2-3 weeks before shipping to account for testing and attestation.
• Work with Importer: Confirm specific requirements (e.g., CoC provider, CFS need) and ensure they have a valid import license.
• Use a Freight Forwarder: They streamline logistics and ensure compliance.
• Verify Regulations:
  • India: Contact APEDA (apeda.gov.in), PPQS (ppqs.gov.in), or EIC (eicindia.gov.in).
  • Qatar: Check MoPH (moph.gov.qa), Customs (customs.gov.qa), or Qatar Chamber (qatarchamber.com).
• Track Updates: Use the latest 12-digit HS Code and GCC Customs Tariff (effective January 2025).
• Retain Records: Keep copies of all documents for audits or future exports.

If you need help with specific contacts (e.g., PPQS offices in your city), sample document templates, or details on a particular step, let me know!