FSSAI License Requirements for Exporters - A Complete Guide

The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India regulates food businesses from plant hygiene to additive limits. For most domestic businesses the tier, registration, State License or Central License, depends on turnover and activity, but exporters are treated differently: FSSAI's eligibility criteria place every exporter category under the Central License, whatever the turnover. This guide explains who needs which license, the FoSCoS filing steps, the documents listed in the Licensing Regulations, fees and validity after the 2026 amendment, and how the FSSAI license works alongside the Import Export Code (IEC) from DGFT.

What is FSSAI and why it matters for exporters

The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) is the statutory body established under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006. It sets standards for food and regulates its manufacture, storage, distribution, sale and import. For exporters, an FSSAI license is a basic compliance requirement: FSSAI's West Region Public Notice 5/2026, citing Regulation 2.1.2 of the Licensing Regulations and Section 31 of the Act, states that all exporters shall possess a valid FSS license. A license also shows overseas buyers that the business operates under a national food safety regime, although the exported product must still meet the importing country's own standards.

Ensures compliance with Indian food safety standards

A licensed business must meet the hygiene and sanitary requirements in Schedule 4 of the FSS (Licensing and Registration of Food Businesses) Regulations, 2011 and the conditions of its license, and the Licensing Authority can audit and inspect licensed premises. The resulting records of testing, hygiene and traceability help when a buyer asks for a Certificate of Analysis or when a destination country changes its maximum residue limits. If a business does not comply, a Designated Officer can issue an improvement notice under Section 32 of the Act and, if the notice is not followed, suspend or cancel the license.

Builds trust with international buyers and customs authorities

The FSSAI license number gives buyers a verifiable identifier for the food business operator, and many importers ask for a copy of the license during supplier approval. FSSAI's licensing FAQ of 20 November 2024 (question 151) says exporters should show the FSSAI logo and license number on the product label for traceability. Because some foreign buyers ask exporters not to name the manufacturer or exporter on retail packs, FSSAI's West Region Public Notice 5-A/2026 has allowed these details to appear on secondary or tertiary packaging as an interim arrangement.

Who needs an FSSAI license to export food from India

All exporters need an FSSAI license, not a registration. FSSAI's FoSCoS Kind of Business eligibility criteria (updated 1 April 2026) list three exporter categories, 100% Export Oriented Units, Exporter – Manufacturer and Trader/Merchant – Exporter, and place each under the Central License with no turnover threshold. The turnover thresholds that took effect on 1 April 2026 (registration up to ₹1.5 crore, State License above ₹1.5 crore and up to ₹50 crore, Central License above ₹50 crore) apply to domestic kinds of business and do not change this. The requirement applies whether the product is branded, private-label or a bulk commodity, and to manufacturers and traders alike.

Manufacturers, processors, and packers of food for export

Manufacturers, processors and packers who make food for export apply under the Exporter – Manufacturer kind of business, which FoSCoS describes as covering products that comply with the importing country's rules even where they do not meet FSSAI product standards. A unit holding a 100% Export Oriented Unit certificate from the Ministry of Commerce applies as a 100% Export Oriented Unit. Both need a Central License. A manufacturer that also sells in India must also select the appropriate domestic manufacturing kind of business, and any new activity needs a license modification before it starts. Inspecting officers check hygiene and sanitary conditions against Schedule 4, so facilities should be ready for inspection when they apply.

Traders and merchants exporting branded or private-label food items

Traders and merchant exporters who buy finished food and export it apply under the Trader/Merchant – Exporter kind of business, which also needs a Central License regardless of turnover. If the trader sources from contract manufacturers, each manufacturing site needs its own valid FSSAI license or registration, and the trader should keep records that link each batch to its source and to the supplier's license number. These records support traceability checks by buyers and authorities and make a recall manageable.

Types of FSSAI licenses applicable to exporters

FSSAI has three tiers: registration, State License and Central License. For domestic businesses the tier depends mainly on turnover and activity, under thresholds that FSSAI revised by an order dated 13 March 2026 with effect from 1 April 2026. For exporters, the kind of business decides the tier, and all three exporter kinds of business need a Central License.

Basic Registration for turnover up to ₹1.5 crore

Registration, filed in Form A, covers small food businesses with a turnover of up to ₹1.5 crore from 1 April 2026 (₹12 lakh before that date), according to FSSAI's FAQs on the 2026 amendment. The fee is ₹100 a year. Registration does not allow a business to export: FoSCoS lists registration as not applicable to every exporter kind of business. A small producer that supplies a merchant exporter can hold a registration for its own premises, but the business that exports needs a Central License.

State License for turnover above ₹1.5 crore and up to ₹50 crore

A State License, filed in Form B and granted by the State Licensing Authority, covers domestic businesses in this band from 1 April 2026 (previously above ₹12 lakh and up to ₹20 crore). It is not available for the exporter kinds of business, so a business that holds a State License for domestic activity needs a Central License covering its export activity before it ships.

Central License for exporters, importers and turnover above ₹50 crore

The Central Licensing Authority grants licenses for the food businesses listed in Schedule 1 of the Licensing Regulations, a list the Food Authority can change by notification. Under the current FoSCoS eligibility criteria this covers all exporters and importers regardless of turnover, domestic businesses with turnover above ₹50 crore, and categories such as proprietary food, health supplements and non-specified food. A Central License does not cover every location of a business: a business active in two or more states takes a Central License for its declared head office, and each unit is licensed according to its own kind of business.

Step-by-step process to apply for FSSAI license for export

The application is filed online through the Food Safety Compliance System (FoSCoS) portal, which replaced the earlier FLRS platform. Applicants create a user ID, select the kind of business and then complete Form B for a State or Central License or Form A for registration. Exporters always use Form B, because every exporter kind of business needs a Central License. After payment, the portal generates a receipt with a reference number that is used in all later correspondence.

Register on FoSCoS portal and select appropriate license type

Register on the FoSCoS portal with an email address and mobile number; the authority sends all communication to these contact details, so enter them carefully. Choose "Apply for License/Registration", select the state and read the note before proceeding. According to FoSCoS's guide for exporters, exporters are listed under Manufacturer, with three kinds of business: 100% Export Oriented Units, Exporter – Manufacturer and Trader/Merchant – Exporter. Choose the one that matches your activity, because a wrong kind of business leads to queries or to a license that does not cover what you do.

Fill application form, upload documents, and pay fees

Complete every mandatory field in Form B, including GST, PAN or CIN details as applicable, the registered office address and the exact production or storage premises. Upload the documents listed in the next section in the formats and sizes the portal accepts, pay the fee online and save the receipt; FoSCoS issues a 17-digit reference number for tracking the application. Under Regulation 2.1.4 of the Licensing Regulations, the authority scrutinises the application within 15 days and may ask for more information, which must be supplied within 30 days or the application stands rejected. The authority may then direct a Food Safety Officer to inspect the premises.

How long does it take to get an FSSAI license for export? Regulation 2.1.4 requires the Licensing Authority to issue a license within 60 days of issuing the application ID for a complete application. If an inspection is carried out, the authority decides within 30 days of receiving the inspection report, excluding the time the applicant takes to fix any defects it points out. Under Regulation 2.1.6, if no license, notice of inadequacy or inspection report showing defects is received within 60 days of a complete application, the applicant may start the business.

Documents required for FSSAI license application for exporters

What documents are needed to apply for an FSSAI license as a food exporter? The mandatory checklist ensures the licensing authority can verify the legal identity of the applicant, the legitimacy of the premises, and the safety systems in place for the specific food categories destined for international markets. Missing or outdated documents are a common cause of queries and inspection delays, so exporters must assemble the complete set before initiating the online Form B submission.

Proof of identity and address of proprietor/partner/director

Annexure 2 of Schedule 2 of the Licensing Regulations asks for photo identity and address proof issued by a government authority for the proprietor, partners, directors or authorised signatory, and a list of directors with full addresses and contact details. Firms and companies also submit their partnership deed or memorandum and articles of association. Names and addresses should match across the PAN, GST registration and application, because mismatches are a common reason for queries.

Proof of premises possession (rent agreement or ownership deed)

Proof of possession of the premises, such as a sale deed, rent agreement or electricity bill, must cover the exact address declared in the application. Annexure 2 also asks for no-objection certificates from the municipality or local body and from the State Pollution Control Board, except in a notified industrial area. Inspectors check the address during any site visit, and a difference between the documents and the actual site leads to an adverse report.

Food safety management plan or affidavit

A Food Safety Management System (FSMS) plan, or a certificate if the business has one, shows how the business controls hazards, traceability, recall and hygiene. It should follow the good hygiene and manufacturing practices set out in Schedule 4 of the Licensing Regulations and cover the products you export. Where applicable, Annexure 2 also asks for a recall plan showing to whom the product is distributed.

List of food categories to be exported

Manufacturers list the food categories they will produce, using FSSAI's food category system, for example 04 (fruits and vegetables, including nuts and seeds) or 12 (salts, spices, soups, sauces, salads and protein products). For the exporter kinds of business, FSSAI's West Region Public Notice 5/2026 says authorities should not insist on product-specific food categories in the license, because exported food must meet the importing country's standards. Accurate product descriptions still matter at the destination: the European Commission's 2024 Alert and Cooperation Network annual report records 5,250 RASFF notifications, up 12% on 2023, and lists India among the origins of fruit and vegetable notifications, where pesticide residues were the most reported issue.

Blueprint or layout of processing unit (if applicable)

Manufacturers and processors must submit a blueprint or layout plan of the processing unit showing dimensions in metres or square metres and operation-wise area allocation, as listed in Annexure 2. They also submit a list of equipment and machinery with installed capacity and horsepower, and a chemical and bacteriological analysis report, from a recognised or public health laboratory, of water used as an ingredient. A layout that does not match the site leads to inspection findings that must be corrected before the license is granted.

Fees and validity of FSSAI license for exporters

What are the fees and validity period for an FSSAI license for exporters? Fees are charged per year and depend on the type of license. Since the 2026 amendment, licenses no longer expire after a fixed term, and FSSAI's FAQs on the amendment say the fee can be paid for any number of years at once and at any time of the year.

Exporters pay ₹7,500 a year for a Central License

The Central License that exporters need costs ₹7,500 a year, according to the FoSCoS Kind of Business eligibility criteria (updated 1 April 2026), which list ₹5,000 a year for a State License and ₹100 a year for registration. Paying five years in advance for a Central License therefore costs ₹37,500. Fees are paid online through FoSCoS when the application is submitted.

Validity of the license after the 2026 amendment

The Food Safety and Standards (Licensing and Registration of Food Businesses) Amendment Regulations, 2026, notified on 10 March 2026, introduced perpetual validity. According to FSSAI's FAQs of 27 March 2026, a license or registration issued on or after 1 April 2026 remains valid unless it is suspended, cancelled or surrendered, and does not need renewal. Hygiene and safety obligations continue, and any change to the license still goes through the existing modification procedure. Holders of licenses issued before that date should check the status and validity shown on FoSCoS.

Role of IEC in conjunction with FSSAI for export

Is an Import Export Code (IEC) required along with FSSAI license for food export? Yes. The IEC issued by the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) is required to export or import goods from India, while the FSSAI license covers the food business itself. The two serve different purposes: the IEC identifies the business for foreign trade, customs and export benefits, and the FSSAI license shows that the food business is licensed under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006. Without an IEC the exporter cannot file export documents in its own name, and without an FSSAI license it breaches the licensing requirement in Section 31 of the Food Safety and Standards Act. Keep the business name and address identical across the IEC, GST and FSSAI records to avoid queries.

Product-specific FSSAI requirements for export

Are there additional FSSAI requirements for specific food categories meant for export? Yes. FoSCoS places some categories under the Central License even for domestic sale, including proprietary food, health supplements and nutraceuticals, and non-specified food, which needs product approval from FSSAI before the license application. Meat, fish, dairy, egg and honey products bound for certain markets, such as the EU, also need export certification from the Export Inspection Council (EIC), which covers processing hygiene, cold chain and testing. Labels must meet the destination country's rules on additives, allergens and nutrition information; FSSAI's licensing FAQ says the domestic FSS (Labelling and Display) Regulations, 2020 may not apply to exported products, apart from the FSSAI logo and license number.

Common mistakes to avoid during FSSAI application for export

Exporters often face delays or rejections due to avoidable errors in the FSSAI application process. Understanding these pitfalls helps ensure a smooth licensing experience and prevents disruptions to export timelines.

Incorrect classification of food business type or turnover

Selecting the wrong kind of business or misreporting turnover leads to queries, rejection or a license that does not cover the activity. Exporters must choose one of the three exporter kinds of business, all of which need a Central License regardless of turnover. For domestic activities, the thresholds from 1 April 2026 are up to ₹1.5 crore for registration, above ₹1.5 crore and up to ₹50 crore for a State License, and above ₹50 crore for a Central License, replacing the earlier ₹12 lakh and ₹20 crore limits.

Uploading unclear or expired documents

Blurry scans, expired identity proofs or outdated certificates lead to queries from the licensing officer. Every document, including the PAN card, GST registration and water analysis report, must be legible, valid and within the portal's format and size limits. Check the validity of no-objection certificates from the municipality or pollution control board before upload. Under Regulation 2.1.4, a query must be answered within 30 days or the application stands rejected.

Mismatch between applied food categories and actual export items

The license must cover the activities, and for manufacturers the food categories, that the business actually carries on. A new activity or product line needs a modification of the license before it starts. Some products need more than the license: proprietary food and non-specified food or ingredients fall under separate FSSAI regulations, and non-specified food needs product approval before the license application. Check that invoices and shipping documents describe the same products that the license and any approvals cover.

Consequences of exporting without FSSAI license

Shipping food products without a valid FSSAI license exposes exporters to legal penalties, shipment delays and lasting damage to buyer relationships.

Shipments may be held at the port

A consignment that lacks the documents or labelling that authorities or the buyer expect can be held, and port storage and demurrage charges, set by terminals and shipping lines, build up while it waits. Perishable cargo such as fresh fruit, seafood or dairy products may lose value or spoil during the delay. Obtaining a license after the event does not help quickly: under the Licensing Regulations the authority has up to 60 days to issue one.

Operating without a license can lead to prosecution and a fine of up to ₹5 lakh

Under Section 63 of the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, a food business operator who is required to hold a license but manufactures, sells, stores, distributes or imports food without one can be punished with imprisonment of up to six months and a fine of up to ₹5 lakh. Separately, under Section 32 a Designated Officer can issue an improvement notice to a licensed business that fails to comply, and suspend or cancel its license if the notice is not followed.

Loss of buyer trust and blacklisting by international importers

Overseas buyers check supplier licenses before placing repeat orders. A compliance failure that disrupts a buyer's supply can end the relationship and draw scrutiny from the buyer's own food safety authorities.

Conclusion

An FSSAI license is a basic requirement for any Indian business that exports food, and for exporters it is a Central License whatever the turnover. The 2026 amendment made licenses issued from 1 April 2026 valid until suspended, cancelled or surrendered, and raised the turnover thresholds for domestic businesses, but it did not change the rule for exporters. Keep the license details consistent with the IEC, GST and shipping documents, apply for a modification before adding activities or products, and pay the annual fee on time. Exporters looking for buyers can list products on a B2B marketplace such as Global Trade Plaza and share their license details with buyers who ask for them. Treat FSSAI compliance as part of export readiness, alongside the destination country's own food rules.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to get an FSSAI license for export?

Regulation 2.1.4 of the FSS (Licensing and Registration of Food Businesses) Regulations, 2011 requires the Licensing Authority to issue a license within 60 days of issuing the application ID for a complete application. If an inspection is ordered, the authority decides within 30 days of receiving the inspection report, excluding the time taken to fix any defects. Queries must be answered within 30 days or the application stands rejected. Exporters apply for a Central License, so the shorter registration timelines do not apply to them.

Can I export food with only FSSAI registration and no license?

No. FSSAI's FoSCoS guide for exporters lists registration and State License as not applicable to the three exporter kinds of business: 100% Export Oriented Units, Exporter – Manufacturer and Trader/Merchant – Exporter. Each needs a Central License, with no turnover threshold. A small producer that sells to a merchant exporter can hold a registration for its own premises if its turnover is within the ₹1.5 crore limit that applies from 1 April 2026, but the business that exports needs the Central License.

Is FSSAI license required for exporting spices and dried fruits?

Yes. Spices and dried fruits are food under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, so the exporter needs an FSSAI license, and under the FoSCoS eligibility criteria every exporter kind of business needs a Central License regardless of turnover. A processor that also sells in India must add the appropriate domestic manufacturing kind of business. The license does not replace the destination's rules: shipments must still meet the importing country's limits for pesticide residues and aflatoxins, which are among the issues most often reported in EU RASFF notifications.

Do I need a separate FSSAI license for each food product I export?

No. One license can cover several products and activities, provided they are declared in the application. Manufacturers list the food categories they produce, and adding a new activity or product line needs a license modification before it starts. For the exporter kinds of business, FSSAI's West Region Public Notice 5/2026 says authorities should not insist on product-specific food categories in the license. Some products have their own requirements: proprietary food and health supplements need a Central License, and non-specified food needs product approval from FSSAI.

Can I use my FSSAI certificate for both domestic sales and export?

Yes, provided the license covers both activities. The exporter kinds of business on FoSCoS cover export, and FoSCoS tells manufacturers who also supply the domestic market to select the appropriate non-exporting manufacturing kind of business as well. Check that your license certificate lists every kind of business you carry on, and apply for a modification before starting a new one. Products sold in India must also meet FSSAI product standards and the FSS (Labelling and Display) Regulations, 2020, which may not apply to exported products.

What is the difference between FSSAI registration and license for exporters?

Registration, filed in Form A, is for small food businesses with a turnover of up to ₹1.5 crore from 1 April 2026 and costs ₹100 a year. A license, filed in Form B, is issued by the State or Central Licensing Authority after scrutiny and, where ordered, an inspection. For exporters the difference is decisive: FoSCoS lists registration and State License as not applicable to the exporter kinds of business, so exporters need a Central License, which costs ₹7,500 a year.

Do I need FSSAI license if I am exporting through a merchant exporter?

Yes. The manufacturer or processor must hold an FSSAI license or registration for its own premises and activity even when a merchant exporter files the shipping bill. The merchant exporter needs its own Central License under the Trader/Merchant – Exporter kind of business, regardless of turnover, according to FSSAI's FoSCoS eligibility criteria. Keep the manufacturer's license number in your supplier records so that each batch can be traced to a licensed source if a buyer or authority asks.

How do I check the status of my FSSAI license application?

Log in to the FoSCoS portal and track the application from the homepage using the 17-digit reference number printed on the payment receipt, as FoSCoS's guide for exporters describes. If the Licensing Authority raises a query, Regulation 2.1.4 of the Licensing Regulations gives you 30 days to supply the information, or the application stands rejected. Keep the email address and mobile number on the application current, because the authority sends all communication to those contact details.

Can I apply for FSSAI license before obtaining IEC?

The two are separate registrations: the IEC comes from DGFT and is needed to export, while the FSSAI Central License comes from the Central Licensing Authority and is needed for the food business. FoSCoS's guide for exporters asks for GST, PAN or CIN details as applicable and does not describe the IEC as a precondition, but check the current Form B fields before you apply. Most new exporters apply for both early and keep the business name and address identical across the IEC, GST and FSSAI records.

Is FSSAI license required for exporting food samples or trial shipments?

If the samples are sent by a food business as part of its export trade, the business should already hold its FSSAI Central License, because the license requirement applies to the business and its activity rather than to the size of a shipment. How samples are cleared, including the documents and any duty, is decided by customs rules and the importing country, not by FSSAI. Check the requirements for courier or cargo samples with your customs broker and the buyer before sending them.

What is the penalty for exporting food with an expired FSSAI license?

Licenses issued on or after 1 April 2026 do not expire: FSSAI's FAQs on the 2026 amendment say they remain valid unless suspended, cancelled or surrendered. Carrying on a food business that requires a license without a valid one is punishable under Section 63 of the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006 with imprisonment of up to six months and a fine of up to ₹5 lakh. Holders of licenses issued before that date should confirm their status and validity on FoSCoS.

Do foreign buyers ask for FSSAI certificate during import clearance?

Many importers ask for a copy of the exporter's FSSAI license during supplier approval, and FSSAI's licensing FAQ says exporters should show the FSSAI logo and license number on the label for traceability. Import clearance itself follows the importing country's rules, so its authorities may ask for other documents, such as health certificates issued by the Export Inspection Council for certain products. Missing or inconsistent license details can lead to questions from the buyer and delays in closing the order.