FSSAI Licence for Food Importers & Exporters
Central licence, IEC and import clearance for food importers and exporters
- 1LicenceCentral licence applied for with the import/export activity.
- 2Label checkProduct labels and stickers reviewed before the first shipment.
- 3Clearance supportFICS documentation prepared for each consignment.
- 4ReturnsD-1 annual return and fee tracked.
Share your details. We’ll reply on WhatsApp with the next steps and a checklist.
Pick a plan — the fee is adjusted if you hire us within 30 days.
About FSSAI Licence for Food Importers & Exporters
A clear overview, in simple terms — what it is, why it matters, and how we handle it.
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.
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.
| 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 this is for
Common scenarios where this service is a good fit.
- Importers of packaged food, ingredients, additives and beverages
- E-commerce sellers importing food products for India
- Food exporters and merchant exporters
What you get
Clear deliverables so you know exactly 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
Expert review before every submission — not just data entry.
Working notes and reconciliations you can rely on in future notices.
Resident Indians, NRIs, expats and cross-border businesses — all served.
Documents required
A practical checklist. We'll tell you if anything else is needed based on your case.
* This is a base checklist. After a quick pre-check, we may ask for additional items specific to your case.
Process
A simple, trackable workflow — designed to avoid back-and-forth.
Central licence applied for with the import/export activity.
Product labels and stickers reviewed before the first shipment.
FICS documentation prepared for each consignment.
D-1 annual return and fee tracked.
Get a quote
We share a clear quote on WhatsApp after a quick checklist pre-check.
- Fixed quote on WhatsApp after a short look at your facts and documents.
- Government fees, if any, are paid at actuals and shown separately.
| Factor | DIY | Indus Tax |
|---|---|---|
| Expert review | ❌ | ✅ |
| Notice risk reduction | ❌ | ✅ |
| Deduction optimisation | ❌ | ✅ |
| Audit-ready records | ❌ | ✅ |
| AIS/26AS reconciliation | ❌ | ✅ |
Share your facts and deadline. We'll reply with the right checklist and a clear quote.
Fee adjusted against our service fee if you go ahead within 30 days.
- Priority CA Call-backSkip the queue — a CA calls you within 30 minutes.₹255
- RecommendedCA Consultation (30 min)Talk one matter through properly with a CA.₹755
- In-depth CA Review (60 min)Documents reviewed before the call, written action plan after.₹1,155
Call-backs run Mon–Sat, 9 AM–6 PM IST. Booked outside these hours? We call you first thing the next working morning.
Compare the 3 plansFrequently asked questions
Answers to the most common questions we get.
This page also covers
- FSSAI licence for food exporters
- Exporters apply through the central licence route.
Official sources
- FoSCoS — FSSAI licensing portal
- Food Safety and Standards Authority of India
- DGFT — Importer Exporter Code
Indus Tax is a private professional services firm and is not affiliated with any government authority. Rules and fees change — we confirm current positions before filing.
