FSSAI Import License in Alwar

Local jurisdiction

Registrar (RoC)

RoC Jaipur — 72, Lal Kothi, Tonk Road, Jaipur – 302015

Jurisdictional HC

Rajasthan High Court

GSTIN prefix

08 (Rajasthan)

Professional Tax

Rajasthan does not levy Professional Tax.

Business hubs

Bhiwadi RIICO, Neemrana (Japanese Zone), Khushkhera, MIA Alwar, Tapukara

Alwar district (Bhiwadi-Neemrana-Khushkhera) is Rajasthan's largest industrial belt in the NCR — a hub for auto, electronics, and the Japanese & Korean investment zones.

Also in: Bharatpur Jaipur

To import food into India you must hold a Central FSSAI Licence under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006 — it is mandatory for every food importer regardless of turnover. You also need an Import Export Code (IEC) from the DGFT. The application is filed on the FoSCoS portal (foscos.fssai.gov.in) and grants a 14-digit FSSAI number. That number is required for customs clearance — imported food consignments are checked and cleared at FSSAI-notified points of entry before they can enter the country.

Central

Licence onlyFood import is a Central-Licence-only activity. Unlike Basic or State, there is no turnover slab — every importer must hold a Central FSSAI Licence to clear food at customs.

Understand It

What Is FSSAI Import License?

A quick, plain-language explanation before the details.

In simple terms

An FSSAI Import Licence is a Central FSSAI Licence that lets you legally import food into India — its 14-digit FSSAI number is quoted for customs clearance of imported food consignments.

Legally

Under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006 and the FSS (Licensing & Registration of Food Businesses) Regulations, 2011, importing food is a Central-licensable activity. Every food importer must obtain a Central FSSAI Licence irrespective of turnover, in addition to an Import Export Code (IEC) issued by the DGFT.

Governing authority

Administered by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) — Central Licensing Authority — through the Food Safety Compliance System (FoSCoS) portal at foscos.fssai.gov.in, which replaced the older FLRS portal.

Validity

FSSAI licences are perpetual since 1 April 2026 — the old 1–5 year renewal cycle is replaced by an annual fee plus the annual Food Safety Compliance Report (FSCR) on FoSCoS. Older licences were issued for 1 to 5 years.

Service Intelligence

Quick Facts

Professional Fee

Custom quote

Governing Law

FSS Act 2006

Timeline

Varies by case

Mode

100% Online

Authority

FSSAI (Central)

Filing Form

Form B (FoSCoS)

Registration No.

14-digit

Also Needed

IEC (DGFT)

Legal & Regulatory Framework

Act

FSS Act, 2006

Regulations

FSS (Licensing & Registration) Regulations, 2011

Filing Form

Form B (Central)

Authority

FSSAI (Central) + DGFT (IEC)

Portal

foscos.fssai.gov.in

Last Reviewed

17 Aug 2026

Before You Start

Is This Service Right for You?

Ideal for

Importers of packaged & processed foods
Importers of ingredients, additives & nutraceuticals
Brands bringing international food products into India
Distributors & wholesalers of imported food
E-commerce sellers importing food to sell in India
HoReCa & retail chains sourcing food from abroad

You may need this if

You import any food product, ingredient or additive into India
Customs is asking for your FSSAI number to clear a consignment
You are launching an imported food brand in India
You need a Central FSSAI Licence alongside your IEC
You import food to sell online or through retail
Your consignment is held at an FSSAI point of entry for clearance

Not sure if you need this?

Talk to an Expert →

Why It Matters

Why Is an FSSAI Import License Required?

Importing food into India is a Central-licensed activity. Here is why the Import Licence matters for every food importer.

01

Mandatory for Importers

A Central FSSAI Licence is compulsory for anyone importing food into India — there is no turnover exemption. Importing without it is an offence under the FSS Act.
02

Customs Clearance

Your 14-digit FSSAI number is required to clear imported food at customs. Without it, consignments are held and cannot enter the country.
03

Point-of-Entry Checks

Imported food is inspected and cleared at FSSAI-notified points of entry. A valid Central Licence lets your consignment go through the clearance process.
04

IEC Pairing

Food import needs both an FSSAI Central Licence and an Import Export Code (IEC) from the DGFT — the two work together for legal import.
05

Consumer Trust

A valid FSSAI licence and correct import labelling build confidence with buyers, distributors and retail platforms for your imported range.
06

Avoid Penalties

Importing or selling food without a valid FSSAI licence can attract a penalty of up to ₹5 lakh, consignment rejection and business disruption.

Transparent

Simple, Transparent Pricing

Custom quote for your case

Fees depend on your business type and scope. Get a clear, itemised quote upfront — no hidden professional charges, government fee billed at actuals.

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Eligibility

Who Can Apply?

Food importers & import houses

Distributors of imported food

International food brands entering India

Ingredient & additive importers

E-commerce sellers importing food

Retail & HoReCa chains sourcing abroad

Eligibility checklist

You import food, ingredients or additives into India (Central Licence, no turnover slab)
A valid Import Export Code (IEC) issued by the DGFT
Identity & constitution proof of the importer entity
Address proof of the registered / import office
A list of the food products / categories being imported
Import labelling that meets FSSAI packaging and labelling rules

End-to-End

Everything You Need. One Professional Team.

01

Consultation

Confirm that a Central FSSAI Licence is required for your import activity and map out the IEC requirement.

02

IEC Check

Verify you hold a valid Import Export Code — or guide you to obtain one before filing.

03

Document Collection

Collect every required document over WhatsApp / email with a clear checklist.

04

Form B Preparation

Prepare and review your Central Licence (Form B) application with correct food categories.

05

FoSCoS Filing

File the Central Licence application on the FoSCoS portal (foscos.fssai.gov.in) with the Central Licensing Authority.

06

Query & Inspection Support

Respond to authority queries and prepare you for any inspection on your behalf.

07

Licence Delivery

Hand over your Central FSSAI Licence with the 14-digit number for customs clearance.

08

Post-Licence Guidance

Explain import labelling, point-of-entry clearance, annual fee, FSCR and next steps.

No Ambiguity

What You’ll Receive

Central FSSAI Licence (import)

14-digit FSSAI number for customs

FoSCoS application acknowledgement

Correct food-category classification

Import labelling compliance guidance

IEC coordination guidance

Point-of-entry clearance checklist

Post-licence compliance checklist

Checklist

What Documents Are Required for an FSSAI Import License?

An Import Licence is a Central FSSAI Licence, so it needs a fuller document set than Basic or State — including your IEC. Keep clear scans (PDF/JPG) ready; everything is collected securely over WhatsApp or email, with zero office visits.

Choose a document group

Importer Identity

Of the importer entity

5 documents

PAN of the importer (individual / entity)
Aadhaar / identity proof of the authorised signatory
Passport-size photograph of the signatory
Constitution proof — partnership deed / incorporation certificate
Import Export Code (IEC) issued by the DGFT

IEC is mandatory

Food import needs both a Central FSSAI Licence and an Import Export Code (IEC) from the DGFT. We confirm your IEC before filing, or guide you to obtain one.

Import labelling matters

Imported food must carry FSSAI-compliant labelling before it clears customs. We help you get the labelling and food categories right to avoid consignment holds.

FoSCoS is the only portal

All FSSAI applications, renewals and modifications go through FoSCoS (foscos.fssai.gov.in). The old FLRS portal has been discontinued.

Point-of-entry clearance

Imported food is checked and cleared at FSSAI-notified points of entry. Your Central Licence number is quoted for that clearance, so it must be in place before import.

Don’t have all the documents?

We’ll identify what your case needs →

Step by Step

How to Get an FSSAI Import License (Step by Step)

The entire application happens online through the FoSCoS portal at foscos.fssai.gov.in with the Central Licensing Authority.

01

Consultation

We confirm a Central FSSAI Licence is required for your import activity and check your IEC position.

02

Document collection

We collect your importer identity, IEC, office address proof and food-category list over WhatsApp or email.

03

Form B on FoSCoS

We prepare and file your Central Licence (Form B) application on the FoSCoS portal (foscos.fssai.gov.in).

04

Query & inspection

We respond to any query from the Central Licensing Authority and support any inspection on your behalf.

05

Central Licence issued

Your Central FSSAI Licence with the 14-digit number is issued — ready to quote for customs clearance of imported food.

06

IEC & port readiness

We confirm your IEC is linked and hand over point-of-entry guidance so your first consignment clears smoothly.

How Long It Takes

How Long Does an FSSAI Import License Take?

Stage	Expected Time
Document collection & Form B preparation	A few working days
FoSCoS application filing (Central Authority)	On document readiness
Query / inspection & licence issue	Varies by case

A Central FSSAI Licence generally takes longer than Basic or State registration because it is processed by the Central Licensing Authority and can involve document scrutiny or inspection. Authority queries, or incomplete documents, extend the timeline until they are resolved. We do not promise a fixed date — but we file promptly and track your application throughout.

Compliance Calendar

Key Dates — At a Glance

Frequency	What Is Due
On Issue	Quote the FSSAI number for customs clearance · Ensure imported stock carries FSSAI-compliant labelling · Clear consignments at FSSAI-notified points of entry
Annually	Pay the annual fee to keep the licence active · File the annual Food Safety Compliance Report (FSCR) on FoSCoS · File the annual return applicable to Central Licence holders
Ongoing	Perpetual validity since 1 April 2026 — no fixed-term renewal · Maintain your Food Safety Management System (FSMS) · Keep import and food-safety records for inspection
Event-Based	Report any change in address, category or products · Modify the licence on FoSCoS when details change · Add new imported product categories as your range grows

Dates are indicative and may change with government notifications. Our team tracks every deadline so you never miss a filing.

Why Outsource

Doing It Yourself vs TaxClue

Doing It Yourself

Confirm that food import needs a Central Licence, not Basic / State
Obtain and link a valid IEC from the DGFT yourself
Create and navigate a FoSCoS account for Central licensing
Classify imported food products into the correct categories
Fill and file Form B without errors
Meet FSSAI import labelling rules before customs clearance
Respond to Central Authority queries and inspection notes

With TaxClue

Expert confirms Central Licence is the correct route for import
IEC requirement checked and coordinated
FoSCoS Central Licence filing handled end-to-end
Food categories classified correctly
Form B prepared and reviewed before filing
Import labelling & point-of-entry guidance provided
Authority queries and inspection support handled by our team

Skip the guesswork.

Let an expert handle it →

Avoid Delays

Common Mistakes That Delay Your Application

Assuming Basic or State registration is enough to import food

Applying without a valid Import Export Code (IEC)

Non-compliant import labelling causing consignment holds

Wrong or incomplete food-category selection

Office address proof not matching the application

Missing NOC from the property owner for rented premises

Blurred or incomplete document scans causing queries

Missing the annual fee or the annual FSCR filing

TaxClue reviews your documents before filing to reduce avoidable errors.

Stay Compliant

What Compliance Applies After the FSSAI Import License?

On Issue

Quote the FSSAI number for customs clearance
Ensure imported stock carries FSSAI-compliant labelling
Clear consignments at FSSAI-notified points of entry

Annually

Pay the annual fee to keep the licence active
File the annual Food Safety Compliance Report (FSCR) on FoSCoS
File the annual return applicable to Central Licence holders

Ongoing

Perpetual validity since 1 April 2026 — no fixed-term renewal
Maintain your Food Safety Management System (FSMS)
Keep import and food-safety records for inspection

Event-Based

Report any change in address, category or products
Modify the licence on FoSCoS when details change
Add new imported product categories as your range grows

Risk Assessment

Penalties & Consequences

What is at stake if you do not comply

Importing food without a Central Licence → consignment held or rejected at customs
Applying without a valid IEC → import cannot be cleared at the point of entry
Non-compliant import labelling → consignment held at the FSSAI point of entry
Selling imported food without a valid FSSAI → Section 63 penalty up to ₹5 lakh
Assuming Basic or State registration covers import → it does not; import is Central-only

Latest Updates

Regulatory Updates 2025–26

2025: All FSSAI licence and registration applications, renewals and returns are filed on the FoSCoS portal (foscos.fssai.gov.in).
2025: FSSAI licence tiers by turnover: Basic registration up to ₹12 lakh, State licence ₹12 lakh to ₹20 crore, and Central licence above ₹20 crore; importers always need a Central licence.
2025: The Labelling & Display Regulations require the FSSAI licence number, veg/non-veg mark and nutritional information on packaged food.

The Difference

Why Businesses Choose TaxClue

01

CA / CS Team

Qualified professionals with deep FSSAI and food-import compliance expertise handle your Central Licence.

02

End-to-End

From consultation to licence — Central Licence plus IEC coordination, fully managed with minimal effort from you.

03

Clearance Ready

We get you customs-clearance ready with the right FSSAI number, labelling and point-of-entry guidance.

04

100% Online

Everything over WhatsApp / email — no office visits required.

05

Transparent Fees

A clear quote confirmed upfront — ₹0 hidden professional charges.

06

Post-Service Support

Guidance continues after your import licence is issued.

Data Care

Your Documents Deserve Professional Care

Documents handled by professionals under confidentiality
Access limited to the team working on your file
Communication over secure digital channels
Documents retained only as long as needed for compliance

Answers

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need an FSSAI licence to import food into India?

Yes. Importing food into India requires a Central FSSAI Licence under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006 — it is mandatory for every food importer irrespective of turnover. You also need an Import Export Code (IEC) from the DGFT. The FSSAI number is quoted for customs clearance of imported food.

Which FSSAI licence type is needed for import — Basic, State or Central?

Food import is a Central-licensable activity, so you need a Central FSSAI Licence. Basic Registration and State Licence do not cover import. There is no turnover slab for import — every food importer must hold a Central Licence.

Is an IEC required in addition to the FSSAI Import Licence?

Yes. An Import Export Code (IEC), issued by the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT), is required alongside your Central FSSAI Licence to legally import food into India. The two work together — the IEC for foreign trade and the FSSAI licence for food safety and customs clearance.

How is the FSSAI number used for customs clearance?

Your 14-digit FSSAI number is required to clear imported food consignments at customs. Imported food is checked and cleared at FSSAI-notified points of entry; without a valid Central FSSAI Licence, consignments are held and cannot enter the country.

What is checked at FSSAI points of entry?

Imported food consignments are inspected and cleared at FSSAI-notified points of entry, where labelling, documentation and product compliance are verified against FSSAI regulations before the food is allowed into India. A valid Central FSSAI Licence is a prerequisite for this clearance.

What documents are needed for an FSSAI Import Licence?

Importer identity and constitution proof (PAN, identity proof, incorporation / partnership deed), a valid IEC, address proof of the registered / import office (with the owner’s NOC if rented), a list of the food products / categories being imported, FSSAI-compliant import labelling and an FSMS plan. Requirements can vary by product category.

Which form is used for the FSSAI Import Licence?

A Central FSSAI Licence — including for import — is applied for using Form B on the FoSCoS portal (foscos.fssai.gov.in) with the Central Licensing Authority, along with the required documents and food-category details.

How long does an FSSAI Import Licence take?

A Central FSSAI Licence generally takes longer than Basic or State registration because it is processed by the Central Licensing Authority and can involve document scrutiny or inspection. The exact time depends on your documents and any queries raised. We file promptly and track the application throughout, but do not promise a fixed date.

Is the FSSAI Import Licence valid permanently?

Since 1 April 2026, FSSAI licences have perpetual validity and no longer expire — the old 1–5 year renewal cycle is discontinued. Instead of renewing, you keep the licence active by paying the annual fee and filing the annual Food Safety Compliance Report (FSCR) on FoSCoS. Older licences were issued for 1 to 5 years.

Do imported food products need special labelling?

Yes. Imported food must carry labelling that complies with FSSAI packaging and labelling regulations before it clears customs. Non-compliant labelling is a common reason for consignments being held at points of entry, so we help you get labelling and food categories right before you import.

What happens if I import food without an FSSAI licence?

Importing or selling food without a valid FSSAI licence is an offence under the FSS Act and can attract a penalty of up to ₹5 lakh, along with consignment rejection at customs and business disruption. Customs will not clear imported food without a valid FSSAI number.

Can the same Central Licence cover both import and other activities?

A Central FSSAI Licence can cover import along with related food-business activities you declare, provided the correct food categories and activities are included in the application. We help you scope the licence so it covers your import operations and any manufacturing, trading or distribution you also do.

How much does an FSSAI Import Licence cost — government fee?

An import licence is a Central FSSAI Licence, whose government fee is generally around ₹7,500 per year. That is the statutory fee only; the DGFT IEC has its own one-time fee, and our professional fee for managing the filing is quoted separately and confirmed upfront with zero hidden charges.

Is there a turnover limit for an FSSAI Import Licence?

No. Unlike Basic Registration (up to ₹12 lakh) or a State Licence (₹12 lakh–₹20 crore), food import has no turnover slab — every food importer must hold a Central FSSAI Licence irrespective of turnover, even for a single small consignment.

Can I import food on a Basic or State FSSAI registration?

No. Basic Registration and State Licences do not authorise food import. Import is a Central-licensable activity, so if you currently hold a Basic or State FSSAI you must obtain (or upgrade to) a Central Licence before you can clear imported food at customs.

What is the difference between an FSSAI Import Licence and an IEC?

They are two separate registrations that work together. The Import Export Code (IEC) from the DGFT is the trade permit that lets you move goods across the border, while the Central FSSAI Licence is the food-safety authorisation that clears imported food at FSSAI points of entry. Food importers need both.

Which foods can be imported and are any restricted?

Most packaged and processed foods, ingredients, additives and nutraceuticals can be imported once you hold a Central FSSAI Licence and an IEC, provided they meet FSSAI standards, labelling and shelf-life rules. Some products need product approval or have specific import conditions, and consignments failing point-of-entry checks can be rejected. We confirm the requirements for your product range.

Verify Everything

Official Sources & Legal References

Every regulatory detail on this page — the governing law, licence route, forms and penalties — is drawn from primary law and official government sources. Verify them directly:

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Document ChecklistDocuments for the Central Import Licence FSSAI Labelling GuideImport labelling rules before customs clearance Compliance GuideAnnual fee, FSCR and point-of-entry duties Free Downloads LibraryTemplates, checklists & workbooks Free Legal DraftsReady-to-use draft formats All ResourcesGuides, calendars & checklists

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