FSSAI Central Licence for Food Importers

A food importer must hold an FSSAI Central Licence. It is mandatory for every importer regardless of turnover, and is required before consignments can be cleared at customs. Importers also need a valid Import-Export Code (IEC). CAREALL prepares the Central Licence application, aligns your product categories, and files it for you.

Yes. Importing food into India requires both a valid Import-Export Code (IEC) issued by the DGFT and an FSSAI Central Licence. The two work together — the IEC authorises you to import, while the Central Licence confirms your food business is compliant. CAREALL handles the FSSAI Central Licence filing and guides you on aligning it with your IEC.

An FSSAI Central Licence no longer carries a fixed 1–5 year term. Once issued it stays valid indefinitely, provided the annual fee is paid to keep it active; if that fee lapses the licence is deemed suspended and you cannot clear consignments until it is paid. Licences issued before April 2026 may still show an expiry date during the transition — we keep your annual fee paid so your licence stays active. CAREALL files your application, tracks it to issuance, and keeps it active so your consignments are never held for an inactive licence.