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FSSAI import clearance and food import licence
How to import food into India: FSSAI licence, Bill of Entry on ICEGATE, inspection and testing, NOC or rejection report, documents and the fees FSSAI lists. Official steps.
Official sources checked: 2 Oct 2026
The short answer
How to import food into India: FSSAI licence, Bill of Entry on ICEGATE, inspection and testing, NOC or rejection report, documents and the fees FSSAI lists. Official steps. Key facts: Issued by: FSSAI Authorised Officers at the port; Validity: FSSAI licence is valid 1 to 5 years, as you choose; Time: Depends on inspection and lab testing.
Source: fssai.gov.in, checked 2 Oct 2026.
What it is
Every consignment of imported food needs clearance from FSSAI. The importer must hold an FSSAI licence and the clearance runs through the Food Import Clearance System (FICS), which is linked to Customs.
The importer or customs broker files the Bill of Entry on ICEGATE. If Customs' risk system says FSSAI clearance is needed, the Bill of Entry is referred to FICS, an Authorised Officer inspects and samples the goods, and a No Objection Certificate (NOC) is issued if the lab results conform.
Who needs it
Anyone importing food articles into India, including importers of ingredients and packaged food. The FSSAI licence is a mandatory document for the clearance, according to FSSAI's FAQ.
Official fees
| Fee | Official amount |
|---|---|
| FSSAI importer licence: initial payment with the application on FoSCoS | ₹1,000 + GSTChecked on 2 Oct 2026 SourceThe rest of the licence fee is paid once the application is marked eligible for grant. A licence can run for 1 to 5 years. |
| FSSAI importer licence: balance of the licence fee | Shown on FoSCoSNot officially verified SourceThe manual says a differential payment is made later. The amount depends on the licence period, so we show no figure. |
| Visual inspection fee per consignment | ₹2,000Official document, older edition: not officially verified SourceFrom FSSAI's FAQ of 15 January 2020. Confirm the current amount. |
| Lab testing per sample: infant nutrition foods and packaged drinking water | ₹12,000Official document, older edition: not officially verified SourceFrom the same FAQ. |
| Lab testing per sample: all other food categories | ₹5,000Official document, older edition: not officially verified SourceFrom the same FAQ. |
| Review application to FSSAI against a rejection | ₹2,000Official document, older edition: not officially verified SourceSecond appeal to the CEO carries ₹5,000, per the same FAQ. |
Fees and rules change and can differ between offices. Confirm the fee on the official portal before you pay. Amounts marked Not officially verified could not be checked on an official page.
Documents to keep ready
- FSSAI licence (mandatory)
- Bill of Entry
- Bill of Lading
- Country of Origin Certificate
- Ingredient list
- Specimen copy of the label
- End use declaration
- If applicable: FSSAI product approval, Certificate of Analysis from the country of origin, commercial invoice cum packing list, and the declaration forms FSSAI lists for special cases
Steps to apply
- Get your IEC. Then apply for the FSSAI importer licence on FoSCoS (Form B). The licence is a Central licence issued by FSSAI regional offices. foscos.fssai.gov.in Fee: ₹1,000 + GST first
- Register yourself or your customs broker on FSSAI's Food Import Clearance System. fics.fssai.gov.in
- File the Bill of Entry on ICEGATE. If FSSAI clearance is needed, it is referred to FICS. icegate.gov.in
- The Authorised Officer checks documents and labels and fixes an inspection date. Fee: ₹2,000 (dated)
- Two samples are drawn and sent to an FSSAI notified NABL lab. Fee: ₹5,000 or ₹12,000 per sample (dated)
- If samples conform, an NOC is generated. If not, a non-conformity report rejects the clearance.
- If you disagree, file a review within 15 days in Form 6. Fee: ₹2,000 (dated)
Where to apply
- FSSAI Food Import Clearance System: Clearance of each consignment
- FoSCoS: Importer licence
- FSSAI FAQ on food import: Official documents and fee list
Govt License is not a government website. We never take government fees or apply for you.
Conditions of the import licence
FSSAI's FAQ lists two main duties. Tell the licensing authority about any change in activity, and file the annual return in Form D-1 with the regional office. A licence runs for one to five years as the importer chooses, and renewal should be applied for before expiry.
After you apply
What to do once the form is submitted: where to track it, how long it takes, why it gets rejected and what the law says if you do not have it.
Track your application
Typical time
Depends on inspection and lab testing
Not officially verified
If you operate without it
Food cannot be cleared without FSSAI no objection. A rejected consignment can be destroyed or sent back. Section 67 of the FSS Act says the importer can also be punished under the Foreign Trade Act and the Customs Act. The FSSAI manual does not list rupee amounts for import cases.
Law: Food Safety and Standards Act 2006 section 67
Checked on 5 Oct 2026 Source
Common reasons for rejection and how to fix them
| Reason | How to fix it |
|---|---|
| Labelling or packaging does not meet the rules | Correct the label as the officer directs; you can seek a review within 15 working days. |
| Sample fails the lab test (Non Conforming Report) | Apply for a retest of the second sample at a referral laboratory, or file a review in Form 6 within 15 days. |
| Documents missing when the bill of entry is referred | Upload all documents on FICS and keep the appointment for inspection. |
| Food does not meet the shelf life or licence conditions | Check the import rules and your FSSAI licence before shipping. |
Checked on 5 Oct 2026 Source
Govt License is an independent guide. Fines and rules change, so confirm on the official portal. Items marked Not officially verified could not be checked on an official page.