FSSAI License For Importers - Process, Documents Required, Fee

Updated on April 20, 2023 12:02:27 PM

India is the world's largest end-user and importer of food articles, with annual imports valued at more than 1.4 billion dollars; several food items are being imported into India from multiple nations. As per the mandate for providing safe and high-quality food to the public, FSSAI has made it obligatory for importers to have a FSSAI central license for importers in India.

What is FSSAI?
Why FSSAI license is necessary for importers
Documents required for FSSAI license for importers
Process of FSSAI license for importers
FSSAI license fee for importers
Validity and renewal of FSSAI licesne
FSSAI compliance for importers
FAQs

FSSAI Food License [Sample]

What is FSSAI?

Food safety and standard authority of India was founded in 2006 with a mandate to govern the food industry of India. From import-export of products to small street hawkers, FSSAI governs and except them to have an FSSAI registration /license.

FSSAI Functions by the Food safety and standard act guidelines, and all FBOs operating in the country are compelled to follow these guidelines established under FSS Act.

Food retailers such as FBOs who carry the import of food items into the country must have a FSSAI Central license for food import.

Why FSSAI licesne is necessary for importers?

Food import is one of the most profitable businesses in the country due to high demand, and it is directly linked to the health of consumers. Therefore to curtail any ill practices and import sub-standard food items into the country, FSSAI has introduced mandatory licensing for food importers for better consumers' health.

Documents Required for FSSAI license for importers

Address proof by authorized government authorities
Identity proof such as Aadhar
Proof of ownership of the establishment
Partnership deed or company incorporation certificate
Certificate from the ministry of commerce 100% EOU
Coop act-1861/multistate Coop Act-2002 certification if asked
Form IX duly filled
Form -B must be filled

These Documents Are Mandatory For Importing Food To India.

Ingredient List
Specimen copy of the label
Declaration
Bill of Entry
Country of Origin Certificate
Import-export code

Process of FSSAI license for importers

Step-1: online application

You can apply on the foscos web portal and duly fill from-B and upload all asked documents as per your nature of business. After compilation will give a reference number to track the status of your application. You can also track your application status using our FSSAI application trackers tool for update.

Step-2: Inspection by FSSAI

Within one week, authorities will respond to the application as per the norm; if the application is rejected, an inspection will be held at the premise by the food safety officer.

Step-3: Approval from FSSAI

After the duly inspection, authorities will give clearance, and it will proceed to the next stage for the issuance of the FSSAI license.

Step-4: Issuance of license

After the approval, the central licensing authority will issue the FSSAI license and provide a soft copy to your registered email address.

FSSAI License fee for importers

The Central licensing body of FSSAI is responsible for proving the FSSAI license for food import.

The fee for the FSSAI central license is Rs. 7,500 + 18% GST per year.

Note : As per the new norm of FSSAI. The applicants are required to pay only Initial fee of ₹1000 + 18% GST on it for their FSSAI licenses. However once the application is processed and passed by the licensing authorities then the rest of the differential amount i,e respective license fee along with differential GST has to be paid by the applicant within 30 working days. If the applicant failed to pay the amount then approval will be auto rejected.

Validity and renewal of FSSAI license for importer

FSSAI license granted under the FSS regulation shall be valid for 1-5 years.
Fill FSSAI license renewalapplication 30 days before the date of expiry.
Failing to renew the no food importer is allowed to carry their business after the day of expiry of FSSAI license.
If the renewal of a license is not filed till 30 days before the expiry date, a late fee of INR 100 per day shall be charged, along with the renewal fee.
In the case of FBOs filling for FSSAI renewal from the 1st to 90th-day after the day of expiry, then they shall be charged 3 times the original annual fee respectively and 5 times if they appear after the 90th day from the day of expiry.

NOTE: you can check your FSSAI validity online using our Free FSSAI license number checker tool to avoid late fee charges.

FSSAI compliances for importers

The importer must file annual returns through from-D and submit them to region FSSAI authorities before May 31 each year.
The shelf life of imported food articles must be up to at least 60% during the time of import. In case of a shelf life of fewer than 7 days, NOC from FSSAI is mandatory.
Proper hygienic storage facilities must be available to store imported food items.
A random sampling of imported food items for testing but be carried out by a food safety officer.
Declaration once food consignment arrives at port.
No food operator shall import any food product that is not transported or stored in optimal storage conditions, controlled temperature and hygienic conditions.