FSSAI Import License in Itarsi
Every food importer needs a Central FSSAI Licence — mandatory regardless of turnover — plus an Import Export Code (IEC). Our CA/CS team files your Central Licence on the FoSCoS portal end-to-end and gets you clearance-ready at the port, 100% online with zero hidden charges.
Get Expert Help
Expert calls back during business hours
FSSAI Import License in Itarsi
RoC Gwalior — Company House, City Centre, Gwalior – 474011
Madhya Pradesh High Court
23 (Madhya Pradesh)
Madhya Pradesh levies Professional Tax (max ₹2,500/year).
Ordnance Factory, Railway Junction, Logistics Belt
Itarsi is a major railway-junction town with an ordnance factory and central-India logistics role.
What Is FSSAI Import License?
A quick, plain-language explanation before the details.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Quick Facts
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 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.
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.
Who Can Apply?
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
Everything You Need. One Professional Team.
Consultation
Confirm that a Central FSSAI Licence is required for your import activity and map out the IEC requirement.
IEC Check
Verify you hold a valid Import Export Code — or guide you to obtain one before filing.
Document Collection
Collect every required document over WhatsApp / email with a clear checklist.
Form B Preparation
Prepare and review your Central Licence (Form B) application with correct food categories.
FoSCoS Filing
File the Central Licence application on the FoSCoS portal (foscos.fssai.gov.in) with the Central Licensing Authority.
Query & Inspection Support
Respond to authority queries and prepare you for any inspection on your behalf.
Licence Delivery
Hand over your Central FSSAI Licence with the 14-digit number for customs clearance.
Post-Licence Guidance
Explain import labelling, point-of-entry clearance, annual fee, FSCR and next steps.
What You’ll Receive
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.
Importer Identity
Of the importer entity- 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
Import Office & Business
Address & activity- Address proof of the registered / import office
- Rent agreement + owner’s NOC if premises are rented
- List of food products / categories being imported
- Nature of business declared as importer / trader
Compliance & Labelling
For imported food- Import labelling as per FSSAI packaging & labelling rules
- Food Safety Management System (FSMS) plan / declaration
- Product details / specifications of imported items
- Authority letter appointing the authorised signatory
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 →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.
Consultation
We confirm a Central FSSAI Licence is required for your import activity and check your IEC position.
Document collection
We collect your importer identity, IEC, office address proof and food-category list over WhatsApp or email.
Form B on FoSCoS
We prepare and file your Central Licence (Form B) application on the FoSCoS portal (foscos.fssai.gov.in).
Query & inspection
We respond to any query from the Central Licensing Authority and support any inspection on your behalf.
Central Licence issued
Your Central FSSAI Licence with the 14-digit number is issued — ready to quote for customs clearance of imported food.
IEC & port readiness
We confirm your IEC is linked and hand over point-of-entry guidance so your first consignment clears smoothly.
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.
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.
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 →Common Mistakes That Delay Your Application
TaxClue reviews your documents before filing to reduce avoidable errors.
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
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
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.
Why Businesses Choose TaxClue
CA / CS Team
Qualified professionals with deep FSSAI and food-import compliance expertise handle your Central Licence.
End-to-End
From consultation to licence — Central Licence plus IEC coordination, fully managed with minimal effort from you.
Clearance Ready
We get you customs-clearance ready with the right FSSAI number, labelling and point-of-entry guidance.
100% Online
Everything over WhatsApp / email — no office visits required.
Transparent Fees
A clear quote confirmed upfront — ₹0 hidden professional charges.
Post-Service Support
Guidance continues after your import licence is issued.
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
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need an FSSAI licence to import food into India?
Which FSSAI licence type is needed for import — Basic, State or Central?
Is an IEC required in addition to the FSSAI Import Licence?
How is the FSSAI number used for customs clearance?
What is checked at FSSAI points of entry?
What documents are needed for an FSSAI Import Licence?
Which form is used for the FSSAI Import Licence?
How long does an FSSAI Import Licence take?
Is the FSSAI Import Licence valid permanently?
Do imported food products need special labelling?
What happens if I import food without an FSSAI licence?
Can the same Central Licence cover both import and other activities?
How much does an FSSAI Import Licence cost — government fee?
Is there a turnover limit for an FSSAI Import Licence?
Can I import food on a Basic or State FSSAI registration?
What is the difference between an FSSAI Import Licence and an IEC?
Which foods can be imported and are any restricted?
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:
- FoSCoS — Apply & TrackOfficial portal to file the Central Licence (Form B), track your application and download the FSSAI licence
- FSSAI — Import division & guidanceFood Safety and Standards Authority of India — import clearance, points of entry and notifications
- DGFT — Import Export Code (IEC)Apply for the IEC required alongside your FSSAI Central Licence to import food
- Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006 — full textThe governing law for food-business licensing and food import · India Code
Related Guides
State vs Central FSSAI Licence
Read guide ArticleFSSAI Registration vs Licence
Read guide ArticleFSSAI Documents Checklist
Read guide ArticleFSSAI Labelling Requirements
Read guide ArticleAll About FSSAI
Read guide ArticleWhat Is a Food Business Operator (FBO)?
Read guide ArticleNutraceuticals FSSAI Approval
Read guide ArticleOperating Without FSSAI — Section 63
Read guideFSSAI Import License Resources — All Free
Get Your FSSAI Import License, End to End
Expert-managed Central FSSAI Licence for food import — IEC coordination, document collection, Form B filing on FoSCoS and point-of-entry guidance. Free consultation, transparent fee, zero hidden charges.