# FSSAI Licence for Food Importers & Exporters

> Food importers need an FSSAI central licence regardless of turnover, an Importer Exporter Code (IEC), and FSSAI clearance for each consignment through the Food Import Clearance System (FICS). Food exporters also apply through the central licence route. Imported food must carry FSSAI-compliant labels with the importer's name, address and licence number.

Practice: FSSAI Food Licence — https://www.industax.com/services/fssai/

Import is a central-category activity: even a small importer needs a central licence. At the port, FSSAI's authorised officers clear each consignment through FICS after document scrutiny, visual inspection and, where required, sampling and testing.

Labels on imported food must meet the FSS (Labelling and Display) Regulations — the importer's details and FSSAI logo and licence number are usually added as a sticker before clearance. Non-compliant labels are a common reason for rejections.

Exporters need a central licence and, depending on the product, registrations with export promotion bodies or the Export Inspection Council. The importing country's food rules then apply to the product itself.

## Key facts

| Item | Detail |
| --- | --- |
| Licence tier | Central licence for importers regardless of turnover |
| Customs code | Importer Exporter Code (IEC) from DGFT |
| Per-shipment clearance | Food Import Clearance System (FICS) |
| Labels | Importer name, address, FSSAI logo and licence number required |
| Annual return | D-1 by 31 May |

## Who needs this

- Importers of packaged food, ingredients, additives and beverages
- E-commerce sellers importing food products for India
- Food exporters and merchant exporters

## What's included

- IEC check and central licence application
- Label compliance review for imported products
- Documentation checklist for FICS clearance
- Exporter licence and annual returns

## Documents

- IEC certificate
- Form B and premises / warehouse proof
- Product list with ingredients and country of origin
- Specimen labels and stickers
- Company incorporation documents and authorised signatory details

## Process

1. **Licence** — Central licence applied for with the import/export activity.
2. **Label check** — Product labels and stickers reviewed before the first shipment.
3. **Clearance support** — FICS documentation prepared for each consignment.
4. **Returns** — D-1 annual return and fee tracked.

## Also covers

- **FSSAI licence for food exporters** — Exporters apply through the central licence route.

## FAQs

### Do small food importers need a central licence?

Yes. Import is a central-category activity, so turnover does not change the requirement.

### Is IEC enough to import food?

No. You need both an IEC for customs and an FSSAI central licence, and each consignment needs FSSAI import clearance.

### Why do imported food shipments get rejected?

Common reasons are non-compliant labels, shelf life below FSSAI's requirement at the time of import, unapproved ingredients and failed lab tests.

## Official sources

- FoSCoS — FSSAI licensing portal: https://foscos.fssai.gov.in/
- Food Safety and Standards Authority of India: https://www.fssai.gov.in/
- DGFT — Importer Exporter Code: https://www.dgft.gov.in/

---
Canonical page: https://www.industax.com/services/fssai/fssai-import-export-licence
Publisher: Indus Tax — CA-led tax and compliance firm (https://www.industax.com). Contact: info@industax.com, 9059139258.
This is general information, not advice for your specific facts.