Quick Answer
Any business importing food products into India must obtain a Central FSSAI License. This is a mandatory requirement under FSSAI import regulations. All imported food must be cleared through FSSAI-designated ports and comply with Indian food safety standards.
Who Needs FSSAI License for Food Import Business?
- Food product importers and trading companies
- International food brand distributors in India
- Importers of specialty and ethnic foods
- HORECA importers of specialty ingredients
💡 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 documents
- FSSAI Central License application
- Import Export Code (IEC) from DGFT
- List of food products to be imported
- Country of origin certificates
- Supplier FSSAI-equivalent certifications
- No Objection Certificate for restricted items
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 is the FSSAI process for importing food into India?
All food imports must be declared on the FSSAI online system. Consignments are either examined by FSSAI-authorised food testing labs or cleared based on risk categorisation. Non-compliant consignments are rejected at the port.
Are there any food products banned from import in India?
Yes. FSSAI maintains a list of prohibited and restricted items. Foods not meeting Indian standards for additives, contaminants, or composition may be rejected. Genetically modified foods require special FSSAI approval.
Do imported foods need to be labelled in English and Hindi?
Yes. FSSAI requires that imported packaged foods have English or Hindi labels meeting FSSAI labelling standards. Original foreign language labels can be kept but a compliant sticker in English/Hindi must be applied.
What happens to imported food that fails FSSAI testing?
Non-compliant imported food consignments are either re-exported at the importer expense or destroyed under FSSAI supervision. The importer faces financial loss and potential license action.
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