Is FSSAI License mandatory for food exporters from India?

Yes, FSSAI licensing or registration is mandatory under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, for all food exporters regardless of destination country. The license category depends on your annual turnover: Central License for operations with turnover exceeding ₹5 crores or engaged in inter-state/international trade; State License or Registration for smaller operations. For EXIM operations, most exporters qualify for Central License due to the inter-state nature of exports. Non-compliance results in penalties up to ₹10 lakhs and port detention.

How long does it take to obtain FSSAI Central License?

The typical timeline is 30-45 days from application submission to license issuance. This includes form submission (1-2 days), fee payment processing (1-3 days), premises inspection scheduling (7-15 days), physical inspection (1 day), and verification/certificate generation (10-20 days). In metro cities like Delhi, Mumbai, and Bangalore, processing may be faster due to higher inspector availability. Delays occur if the premises fails initial inspection or if documents are incomplete; resubmission after rectification can extend the timeline by 15-30 days.

Can I apply for FSSAI License without an IEC?

For domestic food businesses, FSSAI License is independent of IEC (Importer-Exporter Code). However, for food exporters or importers, possessing a valid IEC issued by DGFT is strongly recommended and often required by importing countries as proof of regulatory authority. If you plan to export, obtain your IEC from DGFT before or simultaneously with FSSAI License application. For importers, IEC is mandatory under the Customs Act, 1962, and is prerequisite for customs clearance; CBIC will cross-reference IEC validity during import documentation verification.

What happens if my FSSAI License expires?

If your FSSAI License expires, you must immediately stop food manufacturing, processing, importing, or sale activities until renewal is complete. Operating with an expired license attracts penalties of ₹1 lakh to ₹10 lakhs and potential imprisonment under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006. For exporters, expired FSSAI status may trigger CBIC port detention and cargo seizure. You should apply for renewal at least 90 days before expiry through the FSSAI portal. Renewal fees are 50% of the original license fee, and the process is faster than initial licensing if there are no previous violations.

Does FSSAI License help with export promotion schemes like RoDTEP?

Yes, maintaining valid FSSAI certification enhances eligibility and processing of export promotion schemes under FTP 2023-28, including RoDTEP (Remission of Duties and Taxes on Exported Products). Many Export Promotion Councils (such as APEDA for agricultural products and MPEDA for seafood) require FSSAI compliance as a prerequisite for issuing RCMC (Registered Category-wise Certificate) and processing export incentive claims. Additionally, CBIC and port authorities recognize FSSAI licenses during customs clearance, reducing documentation delays and enhancing supply chain credibility with international buyers.

FSSAI License

Get FSSAI License for food exports from India. Learn application process, fees, eligibility, and compliance for exporters. EXIM Saathi guides food trade certification.

Register an account on the FSSAI e-Services portal (https://www.fssai.gov.in) with valid email and mobile number, then select the appropriate license category based on annual business turnover and operational scope.
Complete the prescribed application form (Form A for Central License or Form B for State License) with accurate business, food operation, and product details, then upload scanned documents including business registration, premises proof, and product specifications.
Pay the non-refundable application fee online via NEFT, RTGS, or card (₹10,000 for Central License, ₹5,000 for State License) and retain the payment receipt for reference.
Coordinate with the FSSAI-designated Food Safety Officer for physical inspection of your food business premises to verify compliance with hygiene, storage, temperature control, and safety standards (inspection typically within 15-30 days).
Upon successful inspection and verification, download the digitally signed FSSAI License Certificate from the portal, which becomes valid immediately and remains valid for 5 years (Central) or 2 years (State).

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What is FSSAI License?

The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) License is a mandatory regulatory authorization issued under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, governing the manufacture, processing, distribution, sale, and import of food products in India. For exporters, the FSSAI license serves as proof of compliance with Indian food safety standards and is often a prerequisite for accessing international markets, as many importing countries recognize FSSAI certification as evidence of adherence to global food safety protocols.

The FSSAI operates under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare and is responsible for setting food safety standards aligned with Codex Alimentarius Commission guidelines. The license is issued in multiple categories based on the nature and scale of food operations, with distinct requirements for manufacturers, importers, processors, and distributors. For EXIM operations, particularly food and agricultural product exports, obtaining and maintaining FSSAI registration or licensing is non-negotiable for regulatory compliance and market access.

मूल्य निर्धारण

पैकेज	कीमत	विवरण
Standard	On request	Including document prep

प्रक्रिया

📋
Register an account on the FSSAI e-Services portal (https://www.fssai.gov.in) with valid email and mobile number, then select the appropriate license category based on annual business turnover and operational scope.
🔍
Complete the prescribed application form (Form A for Central License or Form B for State License) with accurate business, food operation, and product details, then upload scanned documents including business registration, premises proof, and product specifications.
📝
Pay the non-refundable application fee online via NEFT, RTGS, or card (₹10,000 for Central License, ₹5,000 for State License) and retain the payment receipt for reference.
✅
Coordinate with the FSSAI-designated Food Safety Officer for physical inspection of your food business premises to verify compliance with hygiene, storage, temperature control, and safety standards (inspection typically within 15-30 days).
📤
Upon successful inspection and verification, download the digitally signed FSSAI License Certificate from the portal, which becomes valid immediately and remains valid for 5 years (Central) or 2 years (State).

आवश्यक दस्तावेज़

PAN Card and Aadhaar ID of proprietor, director, or authorized signatory
Business registration proof: Certificate of Incorporation (for companies), GST Registration Certificate, or Udyam Registration
Proof of premises ownership or lease agreement with a validity covering the license term (minimum 5 years for Central License)
Layout plan of food business premises showing production, storage, and testing areas with dimensions
Detailed product specification sheet listing all food items manufactured, processed, or imported with ingredients and allergen information
IEC (Importer-Exporter Code) issued by DGFT for exporters and importers, along with recent IEC certificate
Valid GST Registration Certificate showing business address and tax registration number
List of machinery, equipment, and quality assurance/testing facilities available at the premises
Declaration form signed by authorized signatory confirming compliance with Food Safety and Standards Rules, 2011
Copy of previous food business inspection reports or certifications from other statutory agencies (if applicable)

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FSSAI License

Get FSSAI License for food exports from India. Learn application process, fees, eligibility, and compliance for exporters. EXIM Saathi guides food trade certification.

Register an account on the FSSAI e-Services portal (https://www.fssai.gov.in) with valid email and mobile number, then select the appropriate license category based on annual business turnover and operational scope.

Complete the prescribed application form (Form A for Central License or Form B for State License) with accurate business, food operation, and product details, then upload scanned documents including business registration, premises proof, and product specifications.

Pay the non-refundable application fee online via NEFT, RTGS, or card (₹10,000 for Central License, ₹5,000 for State License) and retain the payment receipt for reference.

Coordinate with the FSSAI-designated Food Safety Officer for physical inspection of your food business premises to verify compliance with hygiene, storage, temperature control, and safety standards (inspection typically within 15-30 days).

Upon successful inspection and verification, download the digitally signed FSSAI License Certificate from the portal, which becomes valid immediately and remains valid for 5 years (Central) or 2 years (State).

Google VerifiedBusiness

500+Export Clients Served

End-to-EndEXIM Support

What is FSSAI License?

पैकेज

कीमत

विवरण

Standard

On request

Including document prep

प्रक्रिया

📋

🔍

📝

Pay the non-refundable application fee online via NEFT, RTGS, or card (₹10,000 for Central License, ₹5,000 for State License) and retain the payment receipt for reference.

✅

📤

आवश्यक दस्तावेज़

PAN Card and Aadhaar ID of proprietor, director, or authorized signatory

Business registration proof: Certificate of Incorporation (for companies), GST Registration Certificate, or Udyam Registration

Proof of premises ownership or lease agreement with a validity covering the license term (minimum 5 years for Central License)

Layout plan of food business premises showing production, storage, and testing areas with dimensions

Detailed product specification sheet listing all food items manufactured, processed, or imported with ingredients and allergen information

IEC (Importer-Exporter Code) issued by DGFT for exporters and importers, along with recent IEC certificate

Valid GST Registration Certificate showing business address and tax registration number

List of machinery, equipment, and quality assurance/testing facilities available at the premises

Declaration form signed by authorized signatory confirming compliance with Food Safety and Standards Rules, 2011

Copy of previous food business inspection reports or certifications from other statutory agencies (if applicable)

FSSAI License

What is FSSAI License?

मूल्य निर्धारण

प्रक्रिया

आवश्यक दस्तावेज़

अक्सर पूछे जाने वाले प्रश्न

संबंधित सेवाएं

श्रेणी के अनुसार

शुरू करने के लिए तैयार?

FSSAI License

What is FSSAI License?

मूल्य निर्धारण

प्रक्रिया

आवश्यक दस्तावेज़

अक्सर पूछे जाने वाले प्रश्न

संबंधित सेवाएं

श्रेणी के अनुसार

शुरू करने के लिए तैयार?