FSSAI Central License for Food Importers & Exporters
Any business importing or exporting food commercially needs a Central License, regardless of turnover — turnover-based thresholds don't apply to this category. Customs will not clear a food shipment without a valid Central License, and it typically needs to be linked with your Import Export Code (IEC).
A concrete example first
A Mumbai-based importer bringing in a small quantity of specialty ingredients for the first time assumed a lower-tier registration would apply given the modest volume — it doesn't work that way for import and export.
Why turnover doesn't matter here
Central License is mandatory for any business that imports or exports food commercially, regardless of turnover — the trigger is the activity itself, not the scale. See State vs Central License for the full list of turnover-independent categories.
Share your turnover and business type and we'll confirm whether you need Basic Registration, a State License, or a Central License.
Check my category →Central License and your IEC
An Import Export Code (IEC), issued separately by the Directorate General of Foreign Trade, generally needs to be linked with your FSSAI Central License application. Customs authorities will not clear a food shipment — inbound or outbound — without a valid Central License in place.
Documentation specific to import/export
Beyond the standard Central License paperwork (see the full documents checklist), import/export applications typically need product specifications, country-of-origin details, and a recall plan.
Can a small importer bringing in a single product apply for a lower category?
No — import of food in commercial quantities requires a Central License no matter how small the shipment or how new the business is. There's no reduced tier for low-volume importers the way there is for domestic turnover-based categories.
This article is for general information only. For your specific situation, consult a practicing CA.
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