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
Key Benefits of FSSAI Registration for Food Export Business
Registering your Food Export Business under FSSAI is not just about avoiding penalties — it opens real business doors:
✓Legal Operation: The only way to legally manufacture, process, store, or sell food products in India
✓Food Delivery Platforms: Mandatory for Zomato, Swiggy, ONDC listing — without it, you cannot take online orders
✓Brand Credibility: 14-digit FSSAI number on packaging signals quality and builds consumer confidence
✓B2B Supply Opportunities: Hotels, airlines, hospital chains and retail chains mandate FSSAI from all suppliers
✓Financial Benefits: Required for GST, MSME, startup scheme eligibility and business bank account opening
✓Export Capability: International trade documentation requires FSSAI certification for all food products
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
Penalties for Operating Food Export Business Without FSSAI License
The Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006 prescribes strict penalties for non-compliance. Every Food Export Business owner must be aware of the legal consequences:
- Operating without registration/license: Fine up to ₹5 lakh per offence
- Non-compliance with FSSAI standards: Fine up to ₹2 lakh
- Selling sub-standard food: Fine up to ₹5 lakh
- Unsafe food causing injury: Imprisonment up to 6 months + fine up to ₹1 lakh
- Adulterated food causing serious harm: Imprisonment up to 7 years + fine up to ₹10 lakh
- Expired license not renewed in time: Treated as operating without a license
⚠️ Important: FSSAI authorities conduct regular market surveillance. New businesses and Food Export Business units are frequently targeted in surprise inspections. It is illegal to commence food operations before obtaining your license.
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.
Get Your FSSAI License for Food Export Business Fast
ClearlyComply experts handle the entire process. Most businesses receive their license in 15–20 working days.
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🏠Basic Registration
₹499
Turnover < ₹12 lakh · 7–10 days
- Single business location
- Government fee ₹100/year
- Certificate valid 1–5 years
Apply Now → Most Common
🏢State License
₹3,499
₹12 lakh – ₹20 crore · 15–30 days
- State-level operations
- Inspection support included
- Government fee ₹2,000–₹5,000/yr
Apply Now →🏗️Central License
₹9,999
Turnover > ₹20 crore · 30–60 days
- Multi-state operations
- Dedicated account manager
- Government fee ₹7,500/year
Apply Now →
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.
How do I renew my Food Export Business FSSAI license?+
FSSAI licenses must be renewed before the expiry date. Apply on the FoSCoS portal (foscos.fssai.gov.in) at least 30 days before expiry. Late renewal attracts penalties, and an expired license means you must stop operations. ClearlyComply sends renewal reminders and handles the entire renewal process — same government fee applies as the original license.
Can I modify my FSSAI license to add new products for my Food Export Business?+
Yes. If you start selling or manufacturing new food products not listed in your original FSSAI application, you must apply for a license modification (amendment) on the FoSCoS portal. ClearlyComply handles FSSAI amendments — the process typically takes 7–10 working days and involves submitting an updated product list and paying the applicable amendment fee.
What is the difference between FSSAI registration and FSSAI license?+
FSSAI Basic Registration is for small food businesses with annual turnover below ₹12 lakh — it involves a simpler process and lower fee (₹100/year). FSSAI License (State or Central) is for larger businesses with higher turnover — it involves more documentation, potential inspection, and higher fees. The type you need depends solely on your annual food business turnover.
Does my Food Export Business need a separate FSSAI license for each location?+
Generally yes — each business location or manufacturing unit requires its own FSSAI registration or license. However, for Central License holders with multi-state operations, a single Central License can cover multiple units under certain conditions. For Food Export Business businesses with multiple outlets, our experts can advise on the most cost-effective licensing structure based on your turnover and operational geography.
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