Is FCO Registration mandatory for all food exporters from India?

Yes, FCO Registration is mandatory for all entities engaged in food product import, export, or re-export under FSSAI regulations. The CBIC cross-verifies FCO status at customs, making it a non-negotiable compliance requirement for food EXIM.

What is the validity period of FCO Registration?

FCO Registration is valid for 3 years from the date of issuance. You must initiate renewal at least 30 days before expiration to maintain continuous EXIM eligibility.

Can I apply for FCO Registration without an active IEC?

No, an active IEC issued by DGFT is a prerequisite for FCO Registration. You must obtain your IEC first through the DGFT portal before applying for FCO with FSSAI.

How long does FCO Registration approval typically take?

Standard FCO Registration approval takes 7-15 business days depending on documentation completeness and whether facility verification is required. High-risk food categories may require physical inspection, extending the timeline.

What happens if my FCO Registration expires during an active shipment?

Expired FCO Registration will result in customs clearance delays or rejection of your shipments. You must renew FCO before expiration to avoid operational disruptions. If expired, you must re-apply and wait for approval before resuming EXIM activities.

FCO Registration

Complete guide to FCO Registration for food exports/imports in India. Understand FSSAI requirements, eligibility, application process, fees, and compliance procedures for food traders.

Verify that your IEC (Importer Exporter Code) is active and valid with the DGFT before proceeding with FCO registration.
Collect all required documents including IEC certificate, GST registration, business PAN, facility layout with photographs, and food safety compliance certifications.
Create an account on the FSSAI online portal and fill the FCO Registration application form with accurate facility and business details.
Upload all supporting documents in prescribed formats and pay the applicable FCO Registration fee (₹5,000-₹15,000) through the secure payment gateway.
Complete facility verification if required by FSSAI; upon approval, download your FCO Registration certificate valid for 3 years.

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What is FCO Registration?

FCO Registration refers to the registration process for Food Consignment Operations under India's food safety and export compliance framework. FCO Registration is mandatory for entities engaged in the import, export, or re-export of food products, food ingredients, food additives, and other food-related commodities. This registration is issued by the FSSAI (Food Safety and Standards Authority of India) under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, and operates in conjunction with EXIM regulations governed by the DGFT (Directorate General of Foreign Trade).

FCO Registration serves as proof of compliance with India's food safety standards and eligibility to engage in international food trade. The registration certificate demonstrates that your organization meets the prerequisites set by FSSAI for safe handling, storage, and documentation of food products during import and export operations.

Pricing

Package	Price	Details
Standard	On Request	Documentation and application filing

Process

📋
Verify that your IEC (Importer Exporter Code) is active and valid with the DGFT before proceeding with FCO registration.
🔍
Collect all required documents including IEC certificate, GST registration, business PAN, facility layout with photographs, and food safety compliance certifications.
📝
Create an account on the FSSAI online portal and fill the FCO Registration application form with accurate facility and business details.
✅
Upload all supporting documents in prescribed formats and pay the applicable FCO Registration fee (₹5,000-₹15,000) through the secure payment gateway.
📤
Complete facility verification if required by FSSAI; upon approval, download your FCO Registration certificate valid for 3 years.

Documents Required

IEC (Importer Exporter Code) certificate issued by DGFT
GST Registration Certificate (GSTIN) or GST Provisional ID
Business Registration Document (Partnership Deed, Memorandum of Association, Proprietorship Proof, or Cooperative Registration)
PAN (Permanent Account Number) card of the proprietor/authorized signatory
Facility Layout Plan with dimensions and clear photographs of storage/processing areas
Food Safety Compliance Certificate (HACCP, BIS certification, ISO 22000, or equivalent FSSAI-recognized standard)

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FCO Registration

Complete guide to FCO Registration for food exports/imports in India. Understand FSSAI requirements, eligibility, application process, fees, and compliance procedures for food traders.

Verify that your IEC (Importer Exporter Code) is active and valid with the DGFT before proceeding with FCO registration.

Collect all required documents including IEC certificate, GST registration, business PAN, facility layout with photographs, and food safety compliance certifications.

Create an account on the FSSAI online portal and fill the FCO Registration application form with accurate facility and business details.

Upload all supporting documents in prescribed formats and pay the applicable FCO Registration fee (₹5,000-₹15,000) through the secure payment gateway.

Complete facility verification if required by FSSAI; upon approval, download your FCO Registration certificate valid for 3 years.

Google VerifiedBusiness

500+Export Clients Served

End-to-EndEXIM Support

What is FCO Registration?

Package

Price

Details

Standard

On Request

Documentation and application filing

Process

📋

Verify that your IEC (Importer Exporter Code) is active and valid with the DGFT before proceeding with FCO registration.

🔍

Collect all required documents including IEC certificate, GST registration, business PAN, facility layout with photographs, and food safety compliance certifications.

📝

Create an account on the FSSAI online portal and fill the FCO Registration application form with accurate facility and business details.

✅

Upload all supporting documents in prescribed formats and pay the applicable FCO Registration fee (₹5,000-₹15,000) through the secure payment gateway.

📤

Complete facility verification if required by FSSAI; upon approval, download your FCO Registration certificate valid for 3 years.

Documents Required

IEC (Importer Exporter Code) certificate issued by DGFT

GST Registration Certificate (GSTIN) or GST Provisional ID

Business Registration Document (Partnership Deed, Memorandum of Association, Proprietorship Proof, or Cooperative Registration)

PAN (Permanent Account Number) card of the proprietor/authorized signatory

Facility Layout Plan with dimensions and clear photographs of storage/processing areas

Food Safety Compliance Certificate (HACCP, BIS certification, ISO 22000, or equivalent FSSAI-recognized standard)