Is FSSAI Registration mandatory for all food exports from India?

Yes, absolutely. Under the FSSAI Act 2006 and FTP 2023-28, every food business operator engaged in manufacturing, processing, or distribution of food products for export must obtain FSSAI Registration before shipping. Customs authorities will not permit clearance without valid FSSAI documentation. The only exception is certain raw agricultural products (unprocessed wheat, rice, pulses) exported as bulk commodities, which still require health certificates from State Agricultural Departments, not FSSAI.

How long is FSSAI Registration valid and when should I apply for renewal?

FSSAI Registration is valid for 3 years from the date of issuance. Renewal applications must be submitted 90 days before expiry to ensure continuity. The renewal process typically takes 45 days if no deficiencies are found during inspection. Late renewal incurs penalties of ₹500 per month of delay (capped at ₹5,000). If your license expires before renewal approval, you cannot legally export food products, and customs will reject shipments.

Which FSSAI license category do I need for export-oriented food manufacturing?

The category depends on your annual turnover and operational scope. If your turnover is up to ₹12 lakhs, apply for Basic FSSAI Registration (no renewal). For turnover between ₹12 lakhs to ₹20 crores, apply for State FSSAI License. For turnover exceeding ₹20 crores or if you operate manufacturing units in multiple states, apply for Central FSSAI License. Export-oriented businesses typically require State or Central licenses as they involve significant production volumes and interstate distribution networks.

What happens if my FSSAI Registration expires during an export shipment?

Expired FSSAI Registration makes your export shipment non-compliant and subject to rejection at the port of export by customs authorities. The shipment may be seized, and you face penalties up to ₹1 lakh (individual) or ₹5 lakhs (company) plus potential imprisonment. International buyers may also initiate trade disputes or cancel orders. To avoid this, always initiate renewal 120 days before expiry and maintain a digital copy of your current registration on file.

Do I need FSSAI Registration if I only import food products for re-export?

Yes. Even if you are purely a trader/importer re-exporting packaged food items, you require State or Central FSSAI License depending on your turnover and storage capacity. The license proves that your storage and handling practices comply with FSSAI standards. Additionally, obtain an IEC certificate from CBIC and submit it along with FSSAI documentation to customs for export clearance. Organic and GI-certified products also require FSSAI Registration despite other certifications.

FSSAI Registration

FSSAI Registration guide for Indian food exporters. Learn eligibility, application process, fees, and compliance requirements for legal food exports under FSSAI Act 2006.

Register on FSSAI online portal (https://fssai.gov.in) and create a unique login account with your email and mobile number
Select appropriate license category (Basic, State, or Central) based on annual turnover and operational scope
Complete the application form with business details, PAN, IEC, factory address, product categories, and food safety certifications
Upload scanned documents including GST certificate, IEC certificate, factory layout plan, photographs of premises, and pollution clearance; remit application fees online
Coordinate pre-inspection with the FSSAI nodal officer in your jurisdiction within 30-45 days; facility must meet hygiene and food safety standards

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What is FSSAI Registration?

FSSAI Registration is a mandatory regulatory approval issued by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), a statutory body under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. It is required for all food business operators engaged in manufacturing, processing, packaging, storage, distribution, and sale of food products in India. For exporters, FSSAI Registration serves as proof of compliance with food safety standards under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, and is essential documentation for obtaining export clearances and meeting buyer requirements in international markets.

FSSAI issues three categories of licenses based on business scale: Basic FSSAI Registration (for micro and small enterprises with annual turnover up to ₹12 lakhs), State FSSAI License (for businesses with turnover between ₹12 lakhs to ₹20 crores), and Central FSSAI License (for businesses exceeding ₹20 crores turnover or operating across multiple states). Export-oriented food businesses typically require State or Central licenses depending on their operational footprint and product categories.

Pricing

Package	Price	Details
Standard	On request	Including document prep

Process

📋
Register on FSSAI online portal (https://fssai.gov.in) and create a unique login account with your email and mobile number
🔍
Select appropriate license category (Basic, State, or Central) based on annual turnover and operational scope
📝
Complete the application form with business details, PAN, IEC, factory address, product categories, and food safety certifications
✅
Upload scanned documents including GST certificate, IEC certificate, factory layout plan, photographs of premises, and pollution clearance; remit application fees online
📤
Coordinate pre-inspection with the FSSAI nodal officer in your jurisdiction within 30-45 days; facility must meet hygiene and food safety standards
🏆
Submit corrective action report if inspection findings reveal deficiencies; re-inspection occurs within 15 days
🤝
Receive FSSAI Registration Certificate digitally and via registered mail; validity is 3 years from issuance date

Documents Required

Proof of Business Registration (GST certificate, PAN, partnership deed, or company registration certificate)
IEC (Importer Exporter Code) Certificate issued by CBIC under Customs Act 1962
Factory/Premises Layout Plan with dimensions, equipment placement, and storage areas, certified by architect or engineer
Photographs of manufacturing facility including production area, storage area, quality control laboratory, and packaging section (minimum 5-10 clear photographs dated within 3 months)
Pollution Control Board Clearance Certificate (No Objection Certificate from relevant state/central PCB) if applicable to product category
BIS (Bureau of Indian Standards) certification or third-party HACCP/ISO 22000 certification for export-oriented production (if available)
Product list with detailed description, manufacturing process, ingredients, shelf life, and packaging specifications
Affidavit stating that business has no pending litigation under food laws and proprietors/directors have no criminal convictions
Bank account details and authorized signatory information for license issuance and correspondence
Insurance policy details (product liability or food safety insurance) for high-risk categories like meat, dairy, or beverages

Frequently Asked Questions

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FSSAI Registration

FSSAI Registration guide for Indian food exporters. Learn eligibility, application process, fees, and compliance requirements for legal food exports under FSSAI Act 2006.

Register on FSSAI online portal (https://fssai.gov.in) and create a unique login account with your email and mobile number

Select appropriate license category (Basic, State, or Central) based on annual turnover and operational scope

Complete the application form with business details, PAN, IEC, factory address, product categories, and food safety certifications

Upload scanned documents including GST certificate, IEC certificate, factory layout plan, photographs of premises, and pollution clearance; remit application fees online

Coordinate pre-inspection with the FSSAI nodal officer in your jurisdiction within 30-45 days; facility must meet hygiene and food safety standards

Google VerifiedBusiness

500+Export Clients Served

End-to-EndEXIM Support

What is FSSAI Registration?

Package

Price

Details

Standard

On request

Including document prep

Process

📋

Register on FSSAI online portal (https://fssai.gov.in) and create a unique login account with your email and mobile number

🔍

Select appropriate license category (Basic, State, or Central) based on annual turnover and operational scope

📝

Complete the application form with business details, PAN, IEC, factory address, product categories, and food safety certifications

✅

Upload scanned documents including GST certificate, IEC certificate, factory layout plan, photographs of premises, and pollution clearance; remit application fees online

📤

Coordinate pre-inspection with the FSSAI nodal officer in your jurisdiction within 30-45 days; facility must meet hygiene and food safety standards

🏆

Submit corrective action report if inspection findings reveal deficiencies; re-inspection occurs within 15 days

🤝

Receive FSSAI Registration Certificate digitally and via registered mail; validity is 3 years from issuance date

Documents Required

Proof of Business Registration (GST certificate, PAN, partnership deed, or company registration certificate)

IEC (Importer Exporter Code) Certificate issued by CBIC under Customs Act 1962

Factory/Premises Layout Plan with dimensions, equipment placement, and storage areas, certified by architect or engineer

Photographs of manufacturing facility including production area, storage area, quality control laboratory, and packaging section (minimum 5-10 clear photographs dated within 3 months)

Pollution Control Board Clearance Certificate (No Objection Certificate from relevant state/central PCB) if applicable to product category

BIS (Bureau of Indian Standards) certification or third-party HACCP/ISO 22000 certification for export-oriented production (if available)

Product list with detailed description, manufacturing process, ingredients, shelf life, and packaging specifications

Affidavit stating that business has no pending litigation under food laws and proprietors/directors have no criminal convictions

Bank account details and authorized signatory information for license issuance and correspondence

Insurance policy details (product liability or food safety insurance) for high-risk categories like meat, dairy, or beverages

Frequently Asked Questions