Quick Answer
Indian food exporters must hold a Central FSSAI License in addition to complying with the destination country food safety requirements. FSSAI ensures that food exported from India meets international standards and maintains India reputation as a safe food supplier.
Who Needs FSSAI License for Food Export Business?
- Food product exporters
- Agricultural and processed food exporters
- Spice, rice, and grain exporters
- Packaged food exporters to global markets
💡 The 14-digit FSSAI License number must be displayed at your premises and printed on all packaging, bills, and menus.
Which License Type Do You Need?
| Annual Turnover | License Type | Issued By |
|---|
| Below ₹12 Lakh | Basic FSSAI Registration | State Food Authority |
| ₹12 Lakh – ₹20 Crore | State FSSAI License | State Food Authority |
| Above ₹20 Crore | Central FSSAI License | FSSAI Central Office |
⚠️ If your business operates across multiple states, a Central FSSAI License is required regardless of turnover.
Documents Required
- PAN & Company registration
- Central FSSAI License
- Import Export Code (IEC) from DGFT
- APEDA registration (for agricultural exports)
- Destination country compliance documentation
- Third-party lab test reports
- HACCP or ISO 22000 certification
Step-by-Step Application Process
- Determine License Type — Based on annual turnover decide Basic, State, or Central License.
- Register on FoSCoS Portal — Visit foscos.fssai.gov.in and create an applicant account.
- Fill Application Form — Complete Form A (Basic) or Form B (State/Central) with your details.
- Upload Documents — Attach all required documents in prescribed formats.
- Pay Government Fee — Pay online via UPI, net banking, or debit/credit card.
- Await Inspection — An FSSAI officer may inspect your premises within 30 days.
- Receive License — Download your FSSAI License certificate from the FoSCoS portal.
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Fees & Timeline
| License Type | Government Fee | Processing Time |
|---|
| Basic Registration | ₹100/year | 7–10 working days |
| State License | ₹2,000–₹5,000/year | 15–30 working days |
| Central License | ₹7,500/year | 30–60 working days |
FSSAI Licenses are valid for 1 to 5 years. Renewal must be done at least 30 days before expiry.
Frequently Asked Questions
What FSSAI approvals are needed for exporting food from India?
A Central FSSAI License is mandatory for food exporters. Additionally, APEDA registration is required for agricultural and processed food exports. Some products need specific commodity board approvals.
Do food exporters need separate certification for each country they export to?
Yes and no. The Central FSSAI License covers exports from India. Each destination country has its own import requirements which must be met separately. The US requires FDA registration; EU requires EU health certificates.
What is FSSAI role in food export certification?
FSSAI issues Export Certificates and Health Certificates for food products when requested by importing countries. These certify that the food meets Indian food safety standards and has been produced in a licensed facility.
How does FSSAI handle rejections of Indian food by importing countries?
When Indian food is rejected by another country, FSSAI investigates the cause and may take action against the exporter. Repeated rejections can lead to FSSAI inspections and license action.
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