INTRODUCTION

India is often called the “food basket of the world”—from Basmati rice and spices to processed foods, Indian products reach kitchens in Europe, the US, the Middle East, and beyond. But behind every successful export container lies one crucial document: the FSSAI Central License. Without it, no exporter can legally ship food outside India.

In today’s compliance environment, international buyers, customs authorities, and even online marketplaces insist on this license. Importers too, who bring food into India, need to show they are registered and approved by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI).

This blog is a step-by-step guide to applying for an FSSAI Central License for export and import, including eligibility, documents, fees, penalties, and practical advice. By the end, you’ll also see how Lawfinity makes the process painless, saving you from costly mistakes.

WHY IS FSSAI CENTRAL LICENSE REQUIRED FOR EXPORT AND IMPORT?

Food is not just a commodity—it’s trust in a packet. When an Indian spice exporter sends products abroad, or an importer brings chocolates into India, authorities want assurance that the food is safe, hygienic, and legally compliant.

Here’s why the license is required:

Legal Compliance – The Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006 mandates a Central License for exporters and importers. Without it, operations are illegal.
Customs Clearance – Indian customs and international ports demand FSSAI license details before clearing consignments.
International Buyers’ Trust – Foreign clients prefer to work only with licensed exporters as it reduces risk of rejection.
Traceability and Safety – It ensures accountability if a food safety issue arises in global markets.
Global Market Access – Without FSSAI approval, your goods may be detained, rejected, or destroyed abroad.

In short: no license = no trade.

WHO ISSUES THE FSSAI CENTRAL LICENSE?

The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), functioning under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, issues this license.

The authority monitors food businesses at a national level.
Regional or state offices of FSSAI process applications depending on the business’s location.
For exporters, FSSAI often coordinates with other agencies like the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) for Import Export Code (IEC).

So, while you apply online on the FoSCoS (Food Safety Compliance System) portal, the actual verification, approval, and inspections are done by FSSAI officials.

ELIGIBILITY AND DOCUMENTS REQUIRED FOR FSSAI CENTRAL LICENSE

Who needs the license?

All food exporters irrespective of turnover.
Importers bringing any food articles into India.
Large food manufacturers with turnover above ₹20 crore.
Storage units, distributors, transporters linked with export/import.
Businesses operating in multiple states.

Key Documents Required

Form-B (duly filled and signed).
Import Export Code (IEC) issued by DGFT.
List of food products intended for export/import.
FSSAI Declaration Form.
Certificate of incorporation / partnership deed / LLP agreement.
Proof of business premises – Rent agreement/ownership proof.
Utility bill (electricity, water) as address proof.
Photo ID and address proof of directors/partners/proprietor.
NOC from local municipality or panchayat.
Food safety management plan (FSMS).
List of equipment/machinery used.
Authority letter nominating a responsible person.

DOCUMENTS AND FEES FOR FSSAI CENTRAL LICENSE

Fees (as per latest FSSAI updates – 2025)

Central License Application Fee: ₹7,500 per year.
Renewal Fee: Same as new license (₹7,500 per year).
Validity: 1 to 5 years (businesses usually opt for 5 years to avoid yearly hassles).
Inspection Fee: Extra charges if an inspection is required.

Note: Fees are non-refundable, so even a small documentation error can waste both money and time.

STEP-BY-STEP PROCESS TO APPLY FOR FSSAI CENTRAL LICENSE

Applying for the license might feel intimidating, but when broken into steps, it looks manageable:

1. Check Eligibility – Confirm you fall under the Central License category (all exporters/importers do).

2. Gather Documents – Collect IEC, FSMS plan, ownership proof, etc.

3. Register on FoSCoS Portal – Create login on foscos.fssai.gov.in.

4. Fill Form-B Online – Provide company details, product categories, and supporting information.

5. Upload Documents – Scan and upload all required documents.

6. Pay Fees Online – Select validity (1–5 years) and pay ₹7,500 per year.

7. Application Scrutiny – FSSAI reviews your application. If documents are incomplete, they issue a query.

8. Inspection (if needed) – For certain businesses, an FSSAI inspector visits premises.

9. Approval and License Generation – Once verified, license is generated online. You can download the certificate.

Pro tip: Respond to FSSAI queries within the given timeframe; otherwise, the application may be rejected.

PENALTY FOR OPERATING WITHOUT FSSAI CENTRAL LICENSE

Skipping compliance is never a smart idea. If you export or import food without a Central License:

Monetary Penalties – Can go up to ₹5 lakhs.
Seizure of Goods – Customs can stop shipments.
Business Closure – Authorities can seal your premises.
Loss of Buyer Trust – International clients may blacklist your company.
Legal Liability – If unsafe food reaches consumers, you face lawsuits both in India and abroad.

So, a one-time license cost is far cheaper than the risks of skipping it.

HOW LAWFINITY SIMPLIFIES THE FSSAI CENTRAL LICENSE PROCESS

At Lawfinity, we know compliance can feel like a maze—full of forms, inspections, technical jargon, and government portals. Instead of letting red tape hold you back, we make the FSSAI Central License process simple, smooth, and stress-free.

How We Simplify the Central License Process

Eligibility Consultation – We assess your business activity and confirm whether the Central License is mandatory for you.
Documentation Support – Our team prepares, reviews, and uploads all required documents with zero errors.
Application Filing – We handle the complete online filing process on the FoSCoS portal from start to finish.
Query Resolution – If FSSAI raises objections, we respond promptly to avoid delays.
Inspection Guidance – We prepare your premises and team for FSSAI inspections, ensuring compliance with standards.
Regular Updates – We keep you informed at every step until your license is approved.
Renewal Reminders – We track expiry dates and send timely reminders so your license never lapses.

Why Choose Lawfinity?

End-to-end compliance partner – From consultation to approval, everything is managed by experts.
Error-free process – Minimized chances of rejection or re-submission.
Time & cost savings – Faster approvals, reduced delays, and no hidden costs.
Peace of mind – You focus on business, we handle compliance.

At Lawfinity, a license is not just paperwork—it is your passport to legal operations, international trade, and consumer trust. With our expert guidance, you gain more than an FSSAI Central License—you gain confidence, compliance, and clarity.

MUSINGS FROM THE AUTHOR’S INK

When I think of Indian mangoes brightening a Middle Eastern fruit basket, or spices adding aroma to a European kitchen, one thing is clear—such stories only come alive when compliance is respected. The FSSAI Central License is often misunderstood as just another government formality, but in reality, it is far more. It is a passport of trust, ensuring that when your product crosses borders, it represents not just your brand but also India’s reputation for safe and high-quality food.

In my experience, businesses that embraced compliance consistently grew faster and stronger. They faced fewer shipment rejections at customs, gained smoother market entry, attracted repeat international buyers, and built credibility in the global supply chain. On the other hand, those who attempted shortcuts or neglected proper licensing often faced delays, penalties, and financial losses that could have been easily avoided.

So my advice is simple—don’t treat compliance as a hurdle; treat it as your shield. It protects your business, your reputation, and your long-term growth. And if the process feels overwhelming, remember you don’t have to do it alone. At Lawfinity, we walk with you through every step—making compliance clear, smooth, and growth-focused.