Import/Export Specialist

Food Import License & FICS Clearance

Complete food import compliance — FSSAI Central License + FICS portal clearance

Importing food into India requires mandatory compliance with FSSAI regulations. Every food importer must have an FSSAI Central License and obtain clearance through FICS (Food Import Clearance System) for each shipment. FICS is integrated with ICEGATE and the Customs Single Window for seamless import clearance. Without FSSAI NOC from FICS, food consignments are held at ports of entry. Velco Legal India's import compliance specialists handle the complete process from Central License to per-consignment clearance.

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Service Summary

Our Fee₹7,999

Govt Fee₹7,500/year (Central License) + clearance fees

Timeline30–45 working days (license); 7–15 days per consignment

PortalFICS — Food Import Clearance System

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Pay only after license delivery

Who Needs This?

Businesses importing food products for sale in India

F&B companies with international supply chains

E-commerce platforms importing packaged foods

Nutraceutical and supplement importers

Specialty and gourmet food importers

Hotel and restaurant chains importing specific ingredients

Customs brokers handling food consignments

Trading companies dealing in imported food products

Documents Required

FSSAI Central License (mandatory for importers)

IEC (Importer Exporter Code) from DGFT

Bill of Lading / Airway Bill

Commercial Invoice and Packing List

Certificate of Analysis from accredited lab (country of origin)

Label declaration as per FSSAI import regulations

Phytosanitary certificate (for plant-based products)

Health certificate from country of origin

Product specification / data sheet

Country of origin certificate

Note: Our team sends you a custom document checklist based on your business type. Exact requirements may vary.

How the Process Works

Obtain FSSAI Central License

If you don't have one already, we help you obtain the mandatory FSSAI Central License for importers.

FICS Account Setup

We help you register and set up your FICS account linked to your FSSAI Central License and IEC code.

Per-Consignment NOC Application

For each shipment, we file the NOC application on FICS with the required documents before the consignment arrives.

Port Clearance Coordination

We coordinate with FSSAI port offices for testing/inspection and follow up until the consignment is cleared.

Expected Timeline

30–45 working days (license); 7–15 days per consignment

After successful document submission. Timeline depends on FSSAI portal processing.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is FICS and why is it important for food importers?

FICS (Food Import Clearance System) is FSSAI's online platform for food import clearances. Every imported food consignment must obtain an FSSAI No Objection Certificate (NOC) through FICS before it can be cleared at Indian ports. Without FICS clearance, your consignment will be detained.

Can I import food without an FSSAI Central License?

No. Every food importer must have a valid FSSAI Central License. Without it, FICS applications cannot be filed and consignments will not be cleared at ports.

How long does FICS clearance take per consignment?

For routine consignments with complete documentation, FICS clearance takes 7–15 working days. Consignments may be selected for physical inspection or lab testing, which can extend the timeline.

What happens if an imported food consignment fails FSSAI inspection?

If a consignment fails FSSAI inspection or testing, it may be re-exported or destroyed under FSSAI supervision. We help prepare complete documentation to minimize rejection risk.

Do private-label imported food products need special approval?

Yes. Imported food products sold under Indian private labels must comply with Indian labeling regulations. Products with non-standard formulations may also need FSSAI product approval before importation.