FSSAI Central License for Import & Export Food Business in India

Last Updated on August 26, 2026

There is great potential for India’s food industry in the field of international business since companies will import and export Indian food products to foreign countries. The business of importing and exporting food products involves much more than just procuring, marketing, and moving food items. Such an enterprise needs to comply with all laws related to food safety, customs, trading, and documentation. The company has to know the laws that apply to its own business before engaging in foreign trade. There can be various permits that can be necessary for the company depending on the kind of business it carries out. These can include FSSAI licence, Import Export Code (IEC), product standards, labelling laws, packaging laws, etc. The importers need to ensure that the food products imported into India comply with safety standards. The same applies to the exporters, who have to comply with foreign laws also.

What is FSSAI?

The FSSAI refers to the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India. This is a statutory body created by the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, to regulate and oversee food safety in India. For businesses that need FSSAI Basic Registration rather than a Central Licence, our guide on FSSAI registration for home-based food businesses explains the categories and process.”

Role of FSSAI

1. Food safety regulator: The FSSAI creates and implements food safety regulations for food products and food establishments in India.
2. Licensing and registration: The FSSAI regulates the licensing and registration system for food companies. The company might need an FSSAI Registration, State Licence or Central Licence based on its operations and size.
3. Food standards: It creates standards for food products, ingredients, additives, contaminants and other food safety standards to help ensure that the food supplied to the customers is of the right standards.
4. Import regulation: The FSSAI regulates food imports and ensures that imported foods meet the food safety standards of India.
5. Consumer protection: The regulatory regime protects consumers against food that is hazardous, adulterated, contaminated or of low quality.
6. Awareness and compliance: The FSSAI also creates awareness about food safety issues and encourages food companies to use proper safety, storage and handling standards.
7. Monitoring and enforcement: The FSSAI, along with other authorised bodies, helps in monitoring compliance through inspection, sampling and testing.

FSSAI Licence for Import/Export Food Business

FSSAI Licence is a mandatory regulatory requirement for businesses involved in the import/export of food items in India. In the case of food importers, obtaining the Central FSSAI Licence is mandatory because food imports fall under the purview of India’s food safety laws. The type of licence required by exporters depends on their kind of food business.

The application needs to be made online through the Food Safety Compliance System (FoSCoS). The applicants need to choose the appropriate Kind of Business (KoB), enter business and food product details along with the necessary documentation and make the payment of the concerned government fees.

There may be a need for food importers to provide an Import Export Code (IEC) along with other related company documents and identity documents. Once issued, the FSSAI licence will enable the company to conduct the specified food activities by abiding by the concerned food safety and other regulations.

How to Apply For FSSAI Central Licence For Import Export Business?

1. Identify the correct licence:

• Food importers are explicitly mentioned in the list of Central Licence categories that have unlimited capacity.
• Merchant-exporters can also require an FSSAI licence depending on the nature of their business.

Understanding whether you need registration or a licence is the first step; our guide on FSSAI registration vs FSSAI licence differences covers the threshold and category distinctions.

Which Licence Does Your Import/Export Food Business Need?

Business Type	FSSAI Requirement
Food Importer	Central Licence, mandatory under FSSAI Import Regulations regardless of turnover
Manufacturer-Exporter (produces and exports)	State or Central Licence based on annual turnover
Merchant Exporter (buys finished goods and exports)	FSSAI licence or registration based on business scale and product type
Trader (buys and sells imported food domestically)	Central Licence (since the import activity triggers Central Licence)

Manufacturer-Exporter threshold:

• State Licence: ₹1.5 crore to ₹20 crore annual turnover
• Central Licence: Above ₹20 crore OR manufacturing in multiple states

Important for exporters: Some export markets (USA, EU, Japan) require the exporter to hold specific country-specific certifications beyond FSSAI, such as FDA registration for US exports or EU establishment approval. FSSAI licence alone does not satisfy all destination country requirements.

2. Obtaining the IEC:

Import Export Code (IEC) issued by the DGFT (Directorate General of Foreign Trade) is an important document for food importers and also part of the FSSAI Central Licence documents.

Other Regulatory Requirements Alongside FSSAI for Food Import/Export

FSSAI and IEC are the two most important requirements, but depending on the food category, additional approvals may be required:

Requirement	Applicable To	Issuing Authority
AGMARK certification	Certain agricultural products for export	AGMARK/DAC
APEDA registration	Exporters of agricultural products, processed food, meat, dairy	APEDA
EIC (Export Inspection Council) certificate	Marine products, meat, dairy for EU/US export	EIC
FSSAI Product Approval	Novel food, nutraceuticals, proprietary foods	FSSAI
Plant Quarantine clearance	Fresh fruits, vegetables, plants	NPPO/NBPGR
BIS certification	Certain packaged food products	BIS

For exporters targeting the EU or US:

• EU export requires establishment registration with FSSAI and often additional country-specific documentation
• US FDA requires prior notice submission for each food shipment entering the USA

Most food businesses focusing only on FSSAI and IEC miss these parallel regulatory requirements, which become blocking issues at customs on the destination country’s side.

3. Register at FoSCoS:

Visit the FoSCoS website and click on “Apply for New licence/Registration. Make your selection in regard to the correct place, state, and KoB (kind of business), for example, “Importer.”

4. Select Central Licence:

In the importer category, choose the Central Licence and then go ahead with the form after reading the eligibility criteria shown at FoSCoS.

5. Fill out Form B:

Enter all the relevant details in the form B regarding your business, address, contact details, and food products. Details should match the supporting documents provided.

6. Provide product information:

Choose and mention the exact products or categories of food that the company will be importing/exporting. The product information should be aligned with the actual activities of the company.

7. Uploading of documents:

In accordance with the business entity and activities, some documents are the IEC, constitution papers, proof of address and identity of the proprietor/partners/directors/authorized signatory, along with other documents.

8. Apply online and pay the requisite fee:

As per the government requirements. Presently, according to the latest FoSCoS fees structure, a new Central Licence costs ₹7,500 per year depending upon the category and conditions.

FSSAI Perpetual Validity: April 2026 Update

As per FSSAI’s notification effective April 1, 2026, FSSAI licences (including Central Licences for importers) now carry perpetual validity, meaning they do not expire at the end of a fixed term.

Feature	Before April 2026	From April 2026
Licence validity	1 to 5 years (chosen at application)	Perpetual, no expiry
Renewal requirement	Periodic renewal before expiry	Annual fee payment instead
Annual fee	Included in multi-year payment	Separate annual payment obligation
What happens if annual fee is missed	N/A (renewal model)	Licence suspension

What this means for importers: You no longer need to renew your Central FSSAI Licence periodically, but you must pay the annual fee each year to keep it active. Missing annual fee payments result in suspension, which blocks your ability to receive imported consignments at ports.

9. Monitoring of application:

Upon submission of the application, a reference number will be provided. The applicants can check the status of their application on FoSCoS and reply if there is a need for any information from the authority.

10. Obtaining the licence:

If the application is successful and all the necessary conditions are fulfilled, an FSSAI Central Licence will be granted to the company.

FSSAI NOC for Imported Foods

Holding an FSSAI Central Licence is the first requirement. But for every consignment of imported food, the importer must also obtain an FSSAI No Objection Certificate (NOC), also called the FSSAI Import Clearance, before the goods can be released from customs.

How FSSAI import clearance works:

Step	Action	Where
1	File Bill of Entry with ICEGATE (Customs)	ICEGATE portal
2	FSSAI is notified automatically via ICEGATE integration	System-generated
3	FSSAI Food Safety Officer at the port inspects/tests the consignment	Port of entry
4	Lab testing at an NABL-accredited lab (if required)	FSSAI notified lab
5	FSSAI issues NOC/Clearance Certificate	FoSCoS / port FSSAI office
6	Customs releases the consignment	Port

If the imported food fails FSSAI inspection: The consignment is either rejected (sent back) or destroyed at the importer’s cost. This is why pre-import compliance (checking Indian standards before ordering) is critical.

How Long Does FSSAI Central Licence Take for Import/Export Businesses?

Stage	Approximate Time
IEC application and receipt	2–3 working days
FoSCoS application submission	Same day
Document scrutiny	7–15 working days
Physical inspection (if required)	15–30 working days
FSSAI Central Licence issued	30–60 working days from complete application

If scrutiny queries arise: The authority may raise queries on FoSCoS. Responding promptly within the specified time is critical; delayed responses restart the processing clock.

For new businesses: Factor 6–8 weeks from IEC application to FSSAI licence issuance into your import planning timeline before placing the first order.

Importance / Benefits Of FSSAI Central Licence

1. Regulatory compliance:

• FSSAI licence is needed for those food firms that are regulated by the Food Safety and Standards Act and the regulations thereunder.
• It allows the licensed food businesses to be compliant with India’s food safety regime.

2. Builds consumer trust:

• Showing an FSSAI licence is an indication that the business is registered with the food safety regulator.
• That could lead to increased consumer confidence in the safety of its food products.

3. Builds business credibility:

Having an FSSAI licence can assist a food business in gaining credibility while dealing with consumers, suppliers, distributors, retailers, and other commercial parties.

4. Facilitates food imports:

• Businesses importing food items into India usually require an FSSAI Central Licence.
• It assists in ensuring that food imports are aligned with the regulatory regime on food safety matters.

5. Aids business development:

Having the right licence can assist food businesses to penetrate various retail outlets and commercial channels, including organised retail, e-commerce, institutional marketing, and other channels that require regulatory certification.

6. Encourages food safety standards:

Acquiring and maintaining the licence can encourage food enterprises to observe the regulations concerning food handling, storage, hygiene, manufacturing, packaging, and other food safety practices.

7. Helps to avoid regulatory consequences:

Non-acquisition of the required FSSAI licence might result in penalties and other forms of regulatory action against the food firm. Having the appropriate licence reduces such risks.

8. Creates good market reputation:

Proper food safety compliance will help in creating a good brand reputation.

FSSAI Labelling Requirements for Imported Food

Under FSSAI’s Food Safety and Standards (Labelling and Display) Regulations, imported food sold in India must carry compliant labels. Key requirements:

Label Element	Requirement
Name of food	In English (minimum)
Net quantity	In metric units
Country of origin	Mandatory “Product of [Country]”
Importer details	Name and address of Indian importer
FSSAI licence number	14-digit Central Licence number
Best before / expiry date	Adjusted for Indian format (DD/MM/YYYY)
Ingredient list	In descending order of composition
Allergen declaration	Required
Nutritional information	As per FSSAI Nutritional Labelling Regulations

The 2024 FSSAI Horizontal Labelling Regulations introduced additional requirements that importers must comply with for products entering India. Labels printed by the overseas manufacturer that don’t include Indian importer details and FSSAI number must have a sticker/re-label applied before distribution.

Consequences of Non-Compliance

1. Without an FSSAI licence, conducting a food business may attract imprisonment of up to six months and/or a fine of up to five lakh rupees under Section 63 of the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006.
2. Unsafe food: Penalties for non-compliance with food safety regulations can be substantially higher than in the above cases. Section 59 imposes penalties including imprisonment and fines starting from 6 months and ₹1 lakh, without injury to life imprisonment with a penalty of a minimum of ₹10 lakh in case of death.
3. False information: Providing false information under Section 61 attracts a penalty of imprisonment for up to three months and a fine of up to ₹2 lakh.
4. Adulteration and hygiene violation: Possession of certain adulterants attracts a penalty up to ₹10 lakh. Processing or manufacture under unsanitary conditions attracts a penalty up to ₹1 lakh.
5. Disruption of compliance: Regulatory actions can have an effect on the ability of the company to carry out food business and harm the reputation of the company among customers and business partners. The FSSAI has a very strict regulatory regime at present focused on licensing and food safety compliance.

FSSAI Central Licence holders, including importers, must file an annual return; our guide on the FSSAI annual return Form D1 filing process covers what to report and when.

KANAKKUPILLAI offers professional assistance in obtaining, renewal and revision of the FSSAI licence and other food business compliances.

Keep Your Food Business Always Compliant With Kanakkupillai

Food safety is not just an issue of compliance with legislation, but it is very important for building trust in customers as well as for the brand of your organisation. We at KANAKKUPILLAI can offer you reliable expert assistance with all issues related to FSSAI registration, licensing, renewal, modification, and compliance with food safety legislation. Let us do all the work with compliance while you focus on your food business.

Conclusion

It becomes important for food importers and exporters to obtain the right FSSAI licence for conducting legal activities and maintaining the standards for food safety. Selecting the right type of licence and updating the required information will help you stay away from any problems in relation to regulations. KANAKKUPILLAI will be of great assistance in obtaining an FSSAI licence and other related issues. Get professional assistance in regard to food industry compliance through KANAKKUPILLAI.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Is an FSSAI Central Licence needed for food imports?

Yes. Organisations that import food items to India will be required to get an FSSAI Central Licence according to relevant food safety laws. The organisation will be able to conduct the food-related activity but will also comply with India’s food safety laws. The importer needs to obtain the licence before starting the business.

2. Do food exporters need an FSSAI Central Licence?

The food exporter will be required to obtain the appropriate FSSAI licence or registration depending on their activities and the business category. This requirement will depend on the nature of the business operation. It is recommended that businesses use FoSCoS to find out what their right Kind of Business (KoB) is before applying.

3. How do importers apply for an FSSAI Central Licence?

The applicant will be able to apply online using the FoSCoS website by clicking “Apply for New licence/Registration” and choosing the right Central Licence category. The applicant needs to fill in the right application form, submit the right documents, pay the government fee and answer all questions asked during the inspection process.

4. What kind of documents does one need for an FSSAI Central Licence?

It varies based on the organisational structure of the firm and what activities they indulge in. General requirements include the IEC, proof of identity and address, documents related to the constitution of the business, authorised signatory details and information about the food product. Further documents may be needed based on the food business and licence selected by it.

5. What if an importer operates without an FSSAI licence?

Operation of a food business without an FSSAI licence is a violation of the provisions laid out in the Food Safety and Standards Act. According to Section 63, an importer working without a licence could face jail terms of up to six months and fines up to five lakh.