What is FSSAI and why do I need a license?

FSSAI (Food Safety and Standards Authority of India) is the statutory food regulatory body of India. Any business involved in manufacturing, processing, storage, distribution, or sale of food must obtain FSSAI license/registration. Operating without one risks penalties up to ₹5 lakh and imprisonment.

What are the FSSAI license types in India?

There are 3 types: (1) Basic Registration — turnover up to ₹1.5 Crore/year; (2) State License — turnover ₹1.5 Crore to ₹50 Crore/year; (3) Central License — turnover above ₹50 Crore or multi-state/importer/exporter operations.

How long does FSSAI registration take?

FSSAI Basic Registration takes 7–10 working days. State License takes 30–45 days. Central License takes 45–60 days. With Velco Legal India, we prepare and submit your application within 24 hours.

What is the cost of FSSAI license in India?

Government fees: Basic Registration ₹100/year, State License ₹2,000–₹5,000/year, Central License ₹7,500/year. Velco Legal India professional service fees start at ₹999 for Basic Registration.

What documents are required for FSSAI registration?

For Basic Registration: Photo ID proof, address proof of business, passport size photo. For State/Central License: additionally business registration certificate, rental agreement/ownership proof, food safety management plan, list of food categories.

Can I get FSSAI license online?

Yes. FSSAI licenses are applied 100% online through the FoSCoS portal (foscos.fssai.gov.in). Velco Legal India provides complete online assistance — no physical office visit needed anywhere in India.

What is the penalty for operating without FSSAI license?

Operating a food business without FSSAI license attracts imprisonment up to 6 months and/or fine up to ₹5 lakh under Section 63 of the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006.

How to renew FSSAI license?

FSSAI license must be renewed 30 days before expiry through FoSCoS portal. Late renewal attracts a penalty of ₹100/day. Velco Legal India handles renewal for ₹999 onwards with 24-hour application submission.

FSSAI License for Food Importers & Exporters 2026

Food importers and exporters have specific FSSAI compliance requirements that differ from domestic food businesses. If you import any food product into India — even as a one-time transaction — you need a valid FSSAI Central License. Here is everything you need to know.

FSSAI Requirements for Food Importers

All food importers in India must:

Hold a valid FSSAI Central License (Importer category)
Register on the FICS portal (Food Import Clearance System) at fics.fssai.gov.in
Submit food safety declaration for each consignment
Ensure food products comply with FSSAI standards
Maintain import records for audit

FICS Portal — Import Clearance Process

For each food import consignment, you must obtain FSSAI clearance through the FICS portal:

Login to fics.fssai.gov.in with your Central License credentials
Submit Bill of Entry and food safety documents
FSSAI reviews the consignment declaration
For certain products, physical testing at FSSAI-approved lab is required
Upon clearance, FSSAI issues No Objection Certificate (NOC)
Present NOC to customs for release of goods

Critical: Without a valid FSSAI Central License, your imported food consignment will be detained or destroyed at the port of entry. There is absolutely no exemption for importers — even personal commercial imports require Central License.

FSSAI Requirements for Food Exporters

Food exporters from India have different compliance requirements:

FSSAI license (Basic, State, or Central based on turnover) at the manufacturing/processing facility
For organic exports: APEDA registration and organic certification
For certain products: EIC (Export Inspection Council) certificate
Compliance with importing country's food safety standards

EIC Certificate for Food Exporters

The Export Inspection Council (EIC) issues Food Safety certificates for Indian food exports to EU, USA, and other countries that require third-party food safety verification. EIC has labs across India for pre-shipment testing.

Documents for Importer FSSAI Central License

IEC (Importer Exporter Code) from DGFT
Company registration and identity documents
Warehouse/storage facility address proof
List of food products to be imported
Import licenses (if required for specific products)

Conclusion

FSSAI compliance for import-export food businesses is complex and non-negotiable. Velco Legal India's specialist team handles Central License applications for importers, FICS portal registration, and export compliance documentation. Starting ₹4,999 for Central License.

FSSAI License for Food Importers and Exporters: Complete Guide