Imported Food explained: this guide covers what it means, who it applies to, the step-by-step process, documents required, fees, due dates and penalties in India — so you can stay compliant with confidence and avoid costly mistakes.
Regulation 6 sets the packaging and labelling conditions for imported food. It requires proper transport, storage, packaging and labelling, easy access for inspection, a stuffing list, a special route to correct certain labelling deficiencies at the customs-bound warehouse with a single sticker, sampling after compliance, and rejection at visual inspection for consignments that do not comply with the labelling and packaging regulations.
This article reads the text as amended up to 27 October 2025 (FSSAI Compendium Version VII dated 06.11.2025). FSSAI compendia are reference consolidations and the Gazette text prevails. Later notifications should be checked on fssai.gov.in.
No Food Importer shall import food that is not transported or stored in optimal storage conditions of temperature and hygiene, and packaged and labelled as per the regulations applicable to that article. For rectifiable labelling deficiencies, a single non-detachable sticker may be affixed next to the principal display panel at the custom bound warehouse carrying the importer's name and address, the FSSAI logo and licence number, the Non-Veg or Veg logo, the category and generic name for proprietary food, and any other information the Food Authority instructs. A consignment that does not comply with the labelling and packaging regulations is to be rejected at visual inspection with no sample drawn. Importers and brand owners are affected. Support is available through FSSAI import licence help.
Regulation 6(1): conditions of transport, storage, packaging and labelling
No Food Importer shall import articles of food that are not transported or stored in optimal storage conditions of temperature and hygiene, packaged and labelled as per the regulations applicable to that particular article of food. The labelling rules are in the Labelling and Display Regulations, 2020; our article on date marking, imported food and allergens deals with the imported-food rules in that instrument.
Regulation 6(2) and (3): easy access and the stuffing list
6(2) Any consignment of food, multiple foods or food in different categories packed in a single container, carton, pallet or skid shall be packed so that the Authorised Officer has easy access to all of them for inspection and sampling.
6(3) If there is no proper stuffing list for an article of food, the Authorised Officer shall direct the customs officer to issue an order for de-stuffing the container and facilitate the de-stuffing, to facilitate inspection and sampling. "Stuffing list" is defined in regulation 2(1)(x) of these Regulations; see our article on the definitions.
Regulation 6(4): the sticker for rectifiable deficiencies
For imported packaged food consignments, a special dispensation on labelling is allowed for the rectifiable labelling deficiencies at the custom bound warehouse, by affixing a single non-detachable sticker, or by any other non-detachable method, next to the principal display panel (words substituted with footnote 2, the notification of 20 October 2020). The items are:
| Item | Content as printed |
|---|---|
| (a) | name and address of the importer |
| (b) | Food Safety and Standards Authority of India's logo and license number |
| (c) | Non-Veg or Veg Logo |
| (d) | category or sub category along with generic name, nature and composition for proprietary food |
| (e) | any other labelling information as per instructions issued by the Food Authority from time to time |
The sticker route is a dispensation for deficiencies that are "rectifiable". The regulation does not list which deficiencies are rectifiable beyond these items, so a deficiency outside them has to be considered against the labelling regulations for that article.
Regulation 6(5) to (7): the rectification procedure
| Sub-reg. | What it says |
|---|---|
| (5) | for the rectifiable deficiencies in (4), the Authorised Officer may pass an order, during scrutiny stage or after visual inspection, directing the importer or authorised agent to carry out the permissible labelling rectifications within a specified time in the customs area, without altering or masking the original label information in any manner |
| (6) | on rectification, the Authorised Officer shall carry out visual inspection or re-inspection and, if satisfied, draw the sample, subject to all other conditions being fulfilled |
| (7) | if the importer fails to rectify within the specified time, the Authorised Officer may pass an order refusing clearance and issue a non conformance report |
The words "without altering or masking the original label information" are the limit of the dispensation: the sticker adds to the label and does not cover it.
An invented example: Pacific Pantry imports packed noodles whose label lacks the importer's name and address and the FSSAI logo with licence number. The Authorised Officer orders rectification at the custom bound warehouse within a specified time. Pacific Pantry affixes one non-detachable sticker next to the principal display panel carrying those items. The Authorised Officer re-inspects and, if satisfied, draws the sample. If the sticker is not affixed in time, clearance can be refused and a non conformance report issued.
Regulation 6(8) and (9): sampling and information
6(8) If the Authorised Officer is satisfied that the Food Importer has complied with these regulations, the Authorised Officer or representatives shall draw two parts of food sample from the imported articles in the customs area, in the presence of the Food Importer or Custom House Agent, for testing.
6(9) If the food analyst seeks additional information on ingredients or any other parameters after receipt of the sample, the Authorised Officer shall direct the Food Importer to provide the information duly supported by documentary evidence.
Regulation 6(10): rejection at visual inspection
The Authorised Officer shall reject the consignment not complying with the provisions of the "Labeling and Packaging Regulations, 2011" at the visual inspection, and no sample shall be drawn. That 2011 instrument has been replaced by the Packaging Regulations, 2018 and the Labelling and Display Regulations, 2020; the cross-reference is printed as it stands.
The shelf-life condition
The heading of regulation 6 in the Regulations is "Compliance with standards for packaging and labelling". The remaining shelf-life condition for customs clearance sits in regulation 5(6): not less than sixty per cent or three months before expiry, whichever is less, at the time of import; see our article on regulation 5.
Where this fits
Samples drawn after compliance go for analysis under regulation 10. Storage conditions before clearance are in regulation 8, covered in the article on storage and sampling. For the label rules of packaged food generally, see the live post on FSSAI logo and licence number on labels.
Need help with an import label?
Fixing a label at the port is slower and costlier than getting it right before shipment. Our FSSAI import licence service helps importers check labels, stickers and documents against these conditions before the consignment lands.
Key takeaways
- Imports must be transported, stored, packaged and labelled as the rules for that article require.
- A stuffing list is needed; without one the Authorised Officer can direct de-stuffing.
- Rectifiable deficiencies can be fixed with a single non-detachable sticker carrying the five listed items.
- Failure to rectify in time can lead to refusal of clearance and a non conformance report.
- Non-complying consignments are rejected at visual inspection with no sample drawn.
Read next
- Regulation 5: clearance of imported food
- Regulation 7: clearance for specific purposes
- Date marking, imported food and allergens: Labelling and Display Regulations
- Importing food into India: FSSAI requirements
Disclaimer: Based on the FSSAI regulations named above as consolidated in FSSAI's compendium versions or as published in the Gazette, with the later notifications the article names (consulted on fssai.gov.in on 2-3 October 2026). Later notifications and the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006 provisions referred to should be checked. This article is general information, not legal advice; check the official text before acting.