APEDA Advisory: Recognition of NABL Labs for Peanut Export Analysis

The Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) has streamlined the procedure for the export of peanuts and peanut products. According to the APEDA Regulation for Export of Peanuts, all consignments must undergo rigorous testing for Aflatoxin levels at labs recognized by APEDA and accredited by NABL. This is a critical requirement for exporters targeting markets like the EU, where safety standards are exceptionally high. Exporters are required to register on the APEDA 'Peanut.net' portal, an end-to-end traceability system. This system tracks the product from the farm to the final container, ensuring that every batch meets the maximum residue limits (MRLs) specified by the importing country. Failure to comply with these testing protocols can lead to blacklisting or the destruction of cargo at international ports. ## What this means for exporters Exporters must verify that their chosen laboratory has a valid scope of accreditation for the specific tests required. As per APEDA Trade Notices, periodic audits of these labs are conducted to maintain the integrity of the certification process. We recommend that exporters integrate these testing timelines into their supply chain schedules to prevent shipment delays and ensure all health certificates are digitally generated through the APEDA portal.