India's growing consumer market and changing dietary preferences have opened significant opportunities for importing food products from across the globe. Whether you are looking to bring in packaged foods, health supplements, organic products, or specialty ingredients, the food import procedure in India requires careful adherence to food safety regulations. The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) plays a central role in regulating all food imports to ensure they meet Indian quality and safety benchmarks.
This guide provides a complete overview of how to import food products India, covering FSSAI licensing, customs requirements, labelling standards, and compliance obligations. Business professionals in the food distribution and retail sectors will find actionable insights to help them navigate the regulatory landscape effectively and avoid costly mistakes at customs.
Understanding Food Import Regulations in India
All food products entering India must comply with the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006. The FSSAI is the apex regulatory authority responsible for setting standards, issuing licenses, and conducting inspections. Every consignment of imported food is subject to inspection and testing at the port of entry to verify compliance with Indian food safety standards. This applies to all food categories without exception.
Food importers must hold a valid FSSAI Import License, which is separate from the regular FSSAI registration or state license. This Central License is mandatory for all businesses importing food products into India, regardless of the volume or value of the consignment. The license must be obtained before placing any import orders with overseas suppliers.
Key Registrations and Licenses Required
The first requirement is an Import Export Code from DGFT. Apply through Patron Accounting IEC registration service. The second critical requirement is an FSSAI Central Import License, obtainable with guidance from Patron Accounting FSSAI registration service. Additionally, ICEGATE registration and active GST registration are necessary for customs filing and tax compliance.
The FSSAI Import License is valid for 1 to 5 years and must be renewed before expiry. The license number must be displayed on all imported food product labels. Without this license, customs authorities will not release food consignments, and the goods may be destroyed or re-exported at the importer's cost, resulting in significant financial losses.
Step-by-Step Food Import Procedure
Step 1: Obtain IEC and FSSAI Import License
Apply for your IEC through the DGFT portal. Simultaneously, apply for the FSSAI Central Import License through the Food Licensing and Registration System (FLRS) portal. The FSSAI application requires details about your business, the types of food products you intend to import, and your storage facilities.
Step 2: Register on ICEGATE
Register on ICEGATE for electronic filing of Bills of Entry. This portal is used for all customs documentation, duty assessment, and clearance tracking. Your customs broker will use ICEGATE to submit import documents on your behalf.
Step 3: Source Products and Verify Compliance
Before placing orders, verify that the food products comply with FSSAI standards for ingredients, additives, contaminants, and labelling. Request a Certificate of Analysis from the supplier. Products containing non-permitted ingredients or exceeding contaminant limits will be rejected at the port.
Step 4: Arrange Shipment
Coordinate with your supplier and freight forwarder for shipping. Food products require temperature-controlled shipping for perishable items. Ensure all documents including the commercial invoice, packing list, bill of lading, certificate of origin, and health certificate are in order.
Step 5: Port Inspection and FSSAI Testing
Upon arrival, the consignment is referred to the FSSAI Food Import Clearance Officer. Random samples are drawn for laboratory testing covering microbiological safety, pesticide residues, heavy metals, and labelling compliance. Clearance is granted only after satisfactory test results.
Step 6: Customs Clearance and Duty Payment
After FSSAI clearance, the customs broker files the Bill of Entry and pays applicable duties. Basic Customs Duty, IGST, and Social Welfare Surcharge are assessed based on HS code classification. Once duties are paid, the consignment is released.
Labelling Requirements for Imported Food
All imported food products must carry labels compliant with FSSAI regulations. Labels must include product name, list of ingredients in descending order, nutritional information, net quantity, manufacturing and expiry dates, country of origin, importer name and address, FSSAI license number, and vegetarian or non-vegetarian symbol.
If the original label does not contain all required information in English or Hindi, supplementary labels must be affixed before the products leave the customs bonded area. Non-compliant labelling is one of the most common reasons for consignment rejection at Indian ports and can result in significant financial losses.
Documents Required
The complete documentation set includes IEC, FSSAI Import License, commercial invoice, packing list, bill of lading, certificate of origin, health certificate from the exporting country, Certificate of Analysis, import permit for restricted items, insurance certificate, and ICEGATE Bill of Entry.
Ensure your GST registration is current, as IGST paid on imported food products can be claimed as input tax credit. This is particularly important for businesses operating on thin margins in the food distribution sector.
Import Duties on Food Products
Import duties on food products vary widely. Basic Customs Duty ranges from 5% to 100% for different food categories. Processed foods typically attract BCD of 30% to 50%. IGST ranges from 5% to 18% depending on product type. Social Welfare Surcharge applies at 10% of BCD. Additional Agricultural Infrastructure Development Cess may apply on certain items.
India applies tariff rate quotas on certain food imports, where a lower duty rate applies up to a specified quantity. Importers should check the latest customs notifications for current duty rates applicable to their products.
Common Challenges
The most significant challenge is FSSAI testing delays. Laboratory testing can take 5 to 15 working days, during which goods remain at the port incurring storage charges. Products that fail testing are re-exported or destroyed at the importer's expense.
Labelling non-compliance is another frequent issue. Many importers underestimate FSSAI labelling requirements. Working with a professional firm like Patron Accounting before placing orders helps identify compliance gaps proactively.
