Document No. APEDA/Q/PNSUGU/2015/ Dated 12.03.

2015

CRITERIA FOR GRANT OF

RECOGNITION CERTIFICATE TO

PEANUT SHELLING UNITS,

GRADING UNITS AND
SHELLING-CUM-GRADING UNITS

FOR EXPORT

Agricultural and Processed Food Products

Export Development Authority
rd
3 Floor, NCUI Building, 3 Siri Institutional Area,
August Kranti Marg, New Delhi 110 016
Tel: 26534175, Fax: 26519259; E-mail: dprasad@apeda.gov.in

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 Document No. APEDA/Q/PNSUGU/2015/ Dated: 12.03.2015

CRITERIA FOR GRANT OF RECOGNITION CERTIFICATE TO PEANUT SHELLING

UNITS, GRADING UNITS AND SHELLING-CUM-GRADING UNITS FOR EXPORT

To enhance export of peanuts from India and to ensure appropriate food safety measure,
quarantine compliances and quality parameters, it is essential to adopt the criteria outlined in this
document for grant of recognition certificate to the peanut processing units and integrated peanut
processing units. The objectives of these criteria are to encourage exporters of peanuts to come up
to the international compliance requirements. Expected benefits of these criteria include
infrastructure development, encouragement to backward linkages, export of good quality produce
and encouraging adoption of internationally acceptable practices and creation of a healthy
competitive environment among exporters.

01 CRITERIA FOR 1.1 Application for recognition of peanut shelling units,

APPLICATION FOR grading units and shelling-cum-grading units for export
RECOGNITION AND shall be made to APEDA in Form-I. Application can
RENEWAL be submitted to any office of APEDA in the country.

1.2 The application should be accompanied with the peanut

shelling units, grading units and shelling-cum-grading
unit infrastructure data in Form-II.

1.3 The applications complete in all respects alongwith a

Demand draft of Rs. 25,000/- as non-refundable
processing fee in favour of APEDA to be submitted.
The demand draft should be payable at the respective
place where the application is being submitted.

1.4 Onus of renewal before expiry of the original

recognition shall be on the processor/exporter/unit.

1.5 Following other documents should be submitted along

with the application:

a) Name & addresses of owners/partners/

directors/trustees etc. along with documentary
evidence.

b) Copy of permission/license from the local body to

run the shelling unit and grading unit or both.

c) Copy of the lease agreement of the peanut shelling

unit, grading unit and shelling-cum-grading unit is
being run on lease basis (if applicable).

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 d) Lay out of the premises.

e) List of machinery and equipment including

transport vehicles.

f) Copy of certificate of quality, food safety,

maintenance manuals and procedures, if any.

g) Health record of workers.

h) Record of training provided to workers.

1.6 The application should be signed by the

owner/partner/director/managing trustee duly
authorized for the purpose and a documentary
evidence/power of attorney/ copy of the resolution
must accompany the application.

02 PEANUT SHELLING, 2.1 Preliminary scrutiny of the application with the help of
GRADING AND checklists shall be carried out by APEDA. In case the
SHELLING-CUM- application is in order, APEDA shall organize
GRADING UNIT inspection of the unit by a recognition committee
RECOGNITION constituted by it consisting of official from APEDA,
CRITERIA respective State Government(s) and Directorate of
Groundnut Research (DGR). The committee will have
minimum two members of which one will be from
APEDA.

2.2 APEDA shall carry out surprise (unannounced)

inspection of 10% recognized peanut shelling, grading
and shelling-cum-grading units selected randomly by a
committee constituted by APEDA consisting of official
from APEDA, State Government(s) and DGR. The
Committee shall submit its inspection report in Form-
III to APEDA. The expenditure shall be borne by
respective departments. The inspection committee will
have minimum two members of which one will be
from APEDA.

2.3 Evaluation of the applications and physical inspection

shall be carried out on first-come-first-served basis.

2.4 APEDA shall inform the peanut shelling, grading and

shelling-cum-grading unit/exporter one week in
advance of the date of inspection so that by such time

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 the unit should be ready with requisite records, as
required for verification by the shelling, grading and
shelling-cum-grading unit recognition committee.

2.5 The Recognition Committee shall furnish the

inspection report with its recommendations to APEDA
as per format given in Form-III within two weeks of
the physical inspection.

2.6 Peanut shelling units, grading units and shelling-cum-

grading units shall ensure awareness of groundnut
farmers on Good Agricultural Practices,
implementation of official controls including food
safety management system in accordance with the
Code of Practice for Prevention and Reduction of
Aflatoxin Contamination in Peanuts CAC/RCP 55-
2004.

2.7 Peanut shelling units, grading units and shelling-cum-

grading units shall ensure compliance with the advisory
issued by Plant Protection Advisor vide letter dated
26.2.2015 in accordance with the summary given in
Appendix-I.

03 ISSUE OF 3.1 In case the Recognition Committee is satisfied that the

RECOGNITION shelling, grading and shelling-cum-grading unit
CERTIFICATE TO conforms to the requirements of the criteria, it will
GROUNDNUT recommend to APEDA to issue the Recognition
SHELLING, GRADING Certificate. The same shall be issued by APEDA in
AND SHELLING-CUM- Form-IV. The certificate shall bear a unique number
GRADING UNITS allotted by APEDA.
AND GRADING UNITS
3.2 The Recognition Certificate issued to peanut shelling,
grading and shelling-cum-grading unit shall be
prominently displayed in the unit.

3.3 Any change in the layout, design, capacity,

documentation, title, etc., of the unit shall be got
approved by APEDA within 60 days of such change.

3.4 The date of validity of the Recognition Certificate shall

be for two years from the date of issue.

3.5 The unit shall be re-inspected by the unit Recognition

Committee for the purpose of renewal of the certificate.

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 The re-inspection shall be carried out before expiry of
validity of the certificate.

3.6 In case, peanut shelling, grading and shelling-cum-

grading is carried out in a leased unit, the certificate
shall be issued to the manufacturer/exporter who is the
lessee and not to the owner of the unit. In case, lease
agreement expires before the expiry of the recognition
certificate, then validity of the certificate shall be
limited to the date of expiry of lease agreement. In case
of extension of lease agreement, the certificate shall be
renewed for such period as appropriate.

3.7 The shelling, grading and shelling-cum-grading unit

shall also comply with such other instructions as may
be issued from time to time.

3.8 In case any amendment(s) in the Recognition

Certificate is required, the exporter shall apply to
APEDA who shall make necessary amendment after
verification. The original and all copies of the
certificate issued to the processor/exporter shall be
submitted for the purpose alongwith documentary
evidence.

04 REFUSAL/CANCE- 4.1 Issue of certificate may be refused or, if issued, may be

LATION/SUSPEN- cancelled or suspended:
SION OF PEANUT
SHELLING, GRADING a) If the unit does not conform to the prescribed
AND SHELLING-CUM- guidelines.
GRADING UNIT
RECOGNITION b) If there are adverse reports from the financial
CERTIFICATE institution/banks against any of the owners/
directors/partners/trustees.

c) In case of un-satisfactory arrangements for disposal

of rejected, rotten, and waste.

d) In the absence of a valid license from the local

bodies.

4.2 In the overall interest of exports from India, APEDA

reserves the right, at any stage, to
withdraw/cancel/suspend recognition given to a unit.

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 4.3 Refusal of application for certificate or its
cancellation/suspension, as the case may be, shall be
communicated to the applicant.

05 APPEAL AGAINST 5.1 Appeal against refusal/cancellation or certificates may

REFUSAL/SUSPENSION/ be submitted to APEDA within 30 days of the receipt
CANCELATION OF of such refusal/ suspension/cancellation.
RECOGNITION
CERTIFICATE
5.2 In case of cancellation of certificates, the original
certificate of unit recognition shall accompany the
appeal.

5.3 APEDA shall consider the application on merits and, if

considered necessary, order re-inspection of the unit
during which time the anomalies pointed out by the
Committee should be rectified.

5.4 If approved, a fresh certificate shall be issued. The

intervening period between cancellation of certificate
and issue of fresh certificate shall be deemed to imply
that the unit is not recognized during this period.

06 ISSUE OF DUPLICATE 6.1 In case of loss or mutilation of any certificate, a

RECOGNITION duplicate certificate may be issued on payment of Rs.
CERTIFICATE IN 1,000/-. The validity of the duplicate certificate shall
CASE OF LOSS OR be the same as that of the original.
MULTILATION

Signed/-
Place: New Delhi (Santosh Sarangi)
Date: 12.03.2015 Chairman, APEDA

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 FORM - I

FORM OF APPICATION FOR RECOGNITION RENEWAL OF PEANUT

SHELLING, GRADING AND SHELLING-CUM-GRADING UNIT FOR
EXPORTS
1 Name and address of the peanut shelling, grading
and shelling-cum-grading
2 Contact person
3 Telephone No.
4 E-mail
5 APEDA Registration No., if obtained
6 Total installed capacity of shelling, grading and
shelling-cum-grading
7 Core operation of the unit shelling, grading and
shelling-cum-grading, please specify
8 Details of shelling, grading and shelling-cum-
grading infrastructure
9 Likely production (in MT) per annum
10 SSI/DIC/EOU License No. and date
11 Copy of permission/license from SSI/DIC/EOU to
run the shelling, grading and shelling-cum-grading
(please enclose self-attested copy)
12 Copy of the lease agreement in case the shelling,
grading and shelling-cum-grading is being run on
lease basis (please enclose self-attested copy)
13 Copy of certification of GAP, HACCP, Food Safety
Management System, ISO, Environment
Management System, etc.
14 Name and address of the bankers
15 Application fee of Rs. 25,000/-
DD No.____ dated ______.

Please attach the following documents in addition to the above:

(i) Name & addresses of owners/partners/directors/trustees etc. along with

documentary evidence.
(ii) Copy of permission/license from the local body to run the shelling, grading and
shelling-cum-grading or both.
(iii) Copy of the lease agreement in case the shelling, grading and shelling-cum-
grading unit or both being run on lease basis (if applicable).
(iv) Lay out of the premises.
(v) List of machinery and equipment including transport vehicles.
(vi) Copies of compliance to food safety management system (such as HACCP, ISO-
22000, BRC, etc.) certificate of quality management system (such as ISO-9001)

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 environment management system (such as ISO-14001), manuals and procedures,
pertaining to unit maintenance and cleaning schedules, etc.
(vii) Health record of workers.
(viii) Record of training provided to workers.

DECLARATION

(a) I/We declare that I/we possess authority and right to shelling, grading and
shelling-cum-grading and both as well as store peanuts in the above premises
and to effect any structural and/or other modifications required conforming to the
instructions issued from time to time.
(b) I/We also declare that I/we have read and understood the criteria for grant of
recognition certificate for peanut shelling, grading and shelling-cum-grading unit
and have complied with the same in respect of the above stated unit facility. I/we
understand that non-compliance will entail cancellation of the recognition
certificate issued to me.

Place: Signature* ------------------

Date: Name ------------------
Designation ------------------
*owner/partner/director/ managing trustee duly authorized

UNDERTAKING

I/We, --------- undertake to always maintain the above mentioned unit as per the
standards prescribed in this document, to abide by any instructions that may be issued by
APEDA in this respect from time to time and to get the unit inspected whenever called
upon to do so by APEDA and adhere to following specifications:

a) Moisture: maximum 7%
b) Admixture/foreign matter: 0.01% maximum
c) Count variation: Well graded, not to exceed 2 counts either side
d) Imperfect kernels such as (damaged, broken, split, shriveled, sprouted, and
discoloured): less than half percent

VERIFICATION

I/We --------------, hereby, declare that to the best of my knowledge and belief, the
above information is complete and correct and that I agree to abide by the conditions laid
down in this behalf.

Place: Signature ------------------

Date: Name ------------------
Designation ------------------

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 FORM – II

PEANUT SHELLING, GRADING AND SHELLING-CUM-GRADING UNIT AND

GRADING UNIT INFRASTRUCTURE DATA

Sr. Item Data by APEDA

No. Applicant Verification
1 Name & address of the unit

2 Surroundings (clean/unclean)
3 Ventilation arrangement
4 Cattle trap system, if any
5 Pest, insect, rodent proofing
6 Condition of drainage system whether open or
permanently installed underground
7 Arrangements for drainage disposal of waste
material
8 Whether the external walls are properly
plastered and free from crevices, holes,
dampness
9 Whether the walls and ceilings are properly
white washed
10 Whether the floor, walls and ceilings are
properly plastered with impervious material
11 Whether sufficient signboards indicating “do
not spit/do not smoke” are prominently
displayed in the unit
12 Whether adequate lights have been provided in
the working area
13 Whether the processing area is free from cob-
webs and spiders
14 Type of shed (whether temporary or RCC, etc.)
15 Storage - Palletization / off the floor
16 Ventilation/exhaust fans
17 Condition of floor, walls and roof
18 Lighting arrangement
19 Cleanliness in storages
20 Transportation capacity (if own vehicles are
used)
21 Arrangements for annual
maintenance/calibration of equipment (Please
provide copies of manuals/procedures)
22 If own power generation capacity

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 23 If state/private run power source, amount of
sanctioned/allocated load
24 Capacity of standby generators in case of
power failure
25 Storage arrangement for gunny/hessian bags,
packaging material, pallets
26 Storage arrangement of rejections
27 Storage arrangement for fungicides etc.
28 Periodic maintenance of equipment and
premises (enclose copy of manual)
29 Receipt and dispatch record of the produce in
unit
30 Whether a laboratory exists
31 Tests performed
32 Person in-charge of the lab, his/her name and
qualifications
33 List of in-house laboratory equipment
34 Managerial/supervisory staff
35 Technical/mechanical/maintenance staff
36 Semi-skilled workers
37 Unskilled workers
38 Whether clean attire, aprons, gloves, caps etc.
are provided to workers
39 Whether educated to observe personal hygiene
40 Whether informed that smoking, chewing,
spitting in the processing area is prohibited
41 Hand washing facility
42 No. of toilets for each sex of workers
43 Modernization/upgradation needs of the unit
44 Projected plans for modernization/ upgradation
with target dates
45 Introduction of quality control on-line product
inspection procedures
46 Specific activities for improving appearance of
surroundings and environmental control Peanut
shelling, grading and shelling-cum-grading
unit

PLACE: AUTHORISED SIGNATORY

DATE:

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 Form – III

PEANUT SHELLING, GRADING AND SHELLING-CUM-GRADING UNIT

INSPECTION REPORT

1. Name and Address of the Unit :

2. Processing capacity

(a) Shelling capacity :

(b) Grading capacity :

3. Storage capacity

(a) For raw material :

(b) For finished goods :

RECOMMENDATION:

SIGNATURE OF RECOGNTION COMMITTEE MEMBERS

1. Signature :
Name :
Designation :
Date :

2. Signature :
Name :
Designation :
Date :

3. Signature :
Name :
Designation :
Date :

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 FORM – IV

CERTIFICATE OF PEANUT SHELLING, GRADING AND SHELLING-CUM-GRADING

UNIT RECOGNITION

This is to certify that the peanut shelling, grading and shelling-cum-grading unit
described below has been inspected by the peanut shelling, grading and shelling-cum-
grading unit Recognition Committee constituted by APEDA, and the existing facilities are
considered adequate to meet the prescribed level for export of peanuts:

1. Name and Address of exporter :

2. Certificate No. :

3. Certificate valid up to :

4. Address of the unit :

5. Processing capacity

(a) Shelling capacity :

(b) Grading capacity :

6. Storage capacity

(a) For raw material :

(b) For finished goods :

For and on behalf of APEDA

Place:
SEAL
Date: Authorized signatory

Agricultural and Processed Food Products

Export Development Authority
3rd Floor, NCUI Building, 3 Siri Institutional Area,
August Kranti Marg, New Delhi 110 016

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 CHECKLIST FOR PEANUT SHELLING, GRADING AND SHELLING-CUM-GRADING
UNIT

1. Whether the Unit has Signboards in English as well as in local languages displaying in bold letters
regarding strictly prohibition of smoking, pan chewing, spitting etc. in the premises especially in
those places where grading, hand picking etc. are carried out.
2. Whether footwear worn by personnel to be removed and feet washed when they arrive before entering
processing area
3. Whether there is a provision at doors, windows to prevent entry of rodents, birds and insects by
providing at least wire/plastic mesh/net (Dust Plastic Flaps at main Entry / Air Curtains)
4. Whether the factory premises including compound have rodent and pest control policy
5. Whether equipments which can trap pest and rodents are provided, (Bait Station Plan & Pest Control
Contract / Procedure for Pest Control)
6. Whether effective control mechanism in processing and storage area for insects, rodents and pest has
been set up (Through Pest o Flash or flier catcher etc.)
7. Whether cracks and holes in the walls and Floor are sealed to avoid likely entry & Infestation of
rodents, birds or insects.
8. Whether the unit and storage area are damp-proof and properly ventilated.
9. Whether sufficient light reaches in the Unit & Storage area
10. Whether the roofing is of RCC or asbestos sheets or any other materials
11. Whether all windows and light fittings in production or storage areas are protected (as per glass
policy).
12. Whether the cargo is being properly stacked by leaving
a) At least 1 foot of space between the wall of the godown and the stack.
b) At least 1 foot free space made available in between two stacks
c) Minimum of 2 feet is left between the ceiling of the godown and the top of the stack.
13. Whether sufficient passage for moving about for inspection and disinfestations and also for
facilitating movement of bags has been provided (Pathway Identification & Area Identification Sign
Board).
14. Whether the finished goods in bags are placed on wooden crates/pallets/ tarpauline at the time of
stacking to avoid floor seepage.
15. Whether the empty bags to be used for packing the cargo are fumigated including the strings used for
stitching.
16. Whether the containers on arrival are inspected for any perforation or damage and are export worthy
17. Whether the container is cleaned, dried prior to stuffing and is fumigated after stuffing.
18. Whether the rejected goods are kept separately in the store room with identification mark
"REJECTED" so that the same do not mix up with accepted goods.
19. Whether there are separate rooms to store packing materials to avoid them getting contaminated/spoil
with dust, insect infestation, and harbourage by rodents.
20. Whether different commodities or materials which give off odors are stored separately to avoid cross
contamination.
21. In case of Hand Picking and Selection, whether the workers are provided with picking tables/picking
belts for the job.
22. Whether moisture meter available inside the facility and weighing scale. To be available duly
calibrated by approved agency)
23. Whether First Aid Boxes are available at suitable places.
24. Whether workers engaged in handling, processing and packing are provided with apron - headgears,
cover for mouth, hand gloves and shoe cover while working in the processing unit.
25. Whether the unit/warehouse have separate toilets for gents and ladies with water taps, wash basin,
sufficient quantity of water and soap for cleaning hands and legs.
26. Whether sufficient Fire fighting equipments are kept ready in the units/warehouses and staff is
adequately trained to use the same.

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 Appendix-I

Prevention of groundnut bruchid, Caryedon serratus and Khapra beetle,

Trogoderma granarium

The peanut shelling, grading and shelling-cum-grading unit shall ensure the followings:

1. Quality system in place to ensure high standards of Phytosanitary compliances.

2. Monitoring of storage pests especially groundnut bruchid (Caryedon serratus) and Khapra
beetle (Trogoderma granarium).

3. Processing lines/packing machines shall be cleaned and disinfested periodically.

4. For containerized shipments, cleanliness status of the container shall be ensured before
stuffing.

5. Present total quantity of lot for inspection for which Phytosanitary certificate is required.

6. The vessel holds/hatches should be inspected for residual commodities/infestation before

loading.

7. In case of onboard fumigation the fumigator must ensure the gas tight worthiness of the
ship holds/hatches alongwith air circulation system in the hatches for effective
fumigation.

8. The fumigator must treat the groundnut consignments meant for feeding stuff with
Methyl Bromide @32gm/m³ for 24 hours or Phosphine @ 4gm/m³ for 120 hrs. for
groundnut bruchid (Caryedon serratus).

9. The untreated groundnuts should not be stacked close to the treated lot to avoid cross
infestation.

10. The groundnuts should not be moved before the treatment exposure period is completed.

11. The untreated lot is not loaded/mixed in the vessel.

12. Get verification carried by PSC issuing authorities that the consignment is free from
storage pests especially groundnut bruchid and Khapra Bettle.

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