The softgels were made, tested and packed. The container was booked. Then the importing authority asked for one document nobody had prepared — and the shipment sat for a week. With softgel exports, the paperwork is as much a part of the product as the capsule. Here is what to prepare, and when.
- Registration in the destination country usually comes before the first shipment.
- Request COA, MSDS, Free Sale Certificate and GMP certificates early.
- Labels and packaging must follow the importing country’s rules.
Documents importers commonly request
| Document | What it shows |
|---|---|
| Certificate of Analysis (COA) | Batch test results against the specification |
| Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS / SDS) | Composition, handling and safety information |
| Free Sale Certificate (FSC) | That the product is freely sold in the country of manufacture |
| GMP certificate | That the facility follows Good Manufacturing Practice (e.g. WHO-GMP) |
| Manufacturing licence | That the manufacturer is licensed for the category |
| Invoice, packing list, Certificate of Origin | Value, quantities and origin for customs |
Requirements differ by country and by whether the product is a medicine or a food supplement — always confirm the current list with the importing authority or your regulatory consultant.
Registration comes first
Many markets require product registration before import. The dossier usually draws on the same documents above plus formulation and stability information, so ask your manufacturer for them at the start of the project.
Packaging and labelling for export
- Labels in the language and format the destination market requires
- Export-grade cartons that protect softgels from heat and crushing
- Batch number and expiry clearly printed on every pack
Choosing a softgel capsule exporter from India
Look for a manufacturer that already ships internationally, supports export documentation and can pack under your brand. We work as a softgel capsule exporter from India to partners across Asia, Europe, Africa and Latin America.
