How to Get an FSSAI License for Exporting Food Products?
To export food products from India businesses must fulfill different regulatory demands by attaining an FSSAI license. FSSAI ensures food safety standards for Indian food businesses, which may align with international regulations but are primarily based on national guidelines. Food export businesses can follow the instructions in this blog to obtain an FSSAI license.
Why is an FSSAI License Required for Food Export?
FSSAI licensing is a necessary requirement for all exporting businesses involved in food operations to achieve regulatory compliance in food safety. Obtaining an FSSAI license creates international market credibility while maintaining FSSAI rules that regulate food exports. Food exporters must achieve these main objectives by obtaining FSSAI certification:
Ensuring the safety and quality of food products
Meeting the legal requirements of importing countries
Enhancing the reputation of the exporter
Reducing risks related to food safety violations
A food business operating without a valid FSSAI registration will encounter customs rejection, legal consequences, and loss of market opportunities
Step-by-Step Process to Get an FSSAI License for Exporting Food Products
1. Determine the Type of FSSAI License Required
Organizations engaged in international food trade must obtain a Central FSSAI license from the relevant authority. A Central FSSAI license is issued by the central authority to allow large food exporters to operate legally.
2. Obtain an Import-Export Code (IEC)
Exporters need both an FSSAI license for food safety compliance and an Import-Export Code (IEC) from the Directorate General of Foreign Trade for export purposes. The IEC serves as a one-of-a-kind trading identification for international business operations.
3. Prepare the Required Documents
To apply for an FSSAI certification, the following documents are required:
Business registration certificate
Food safety management plan
List of food products to be exported
Test reports from a recognized lab
FSSAI Form B (duly filled and signed)
Details of the manufacturing unit
Water test report (if applicable)
Nomination of authorized person
Proper documentation ensures a smooth approval process for your food business license.
4. Submit the Application Online
Applicants must submit their food business license application along with the required paperwork on the official FSSAI portal. FSSAI authorities review applications, while designated officers conduct inspections to ensure compliance.
5. Compliance Inspection by FSSAI
After submitting the FSSAI application, an inspector evaluates the business premises to ensure compliance with FSSAI export requirements. The inspection process verifies the conditions of hygiene and examines both food processing units and storage facilities and packaging units.
6. Issuance of the FSSAI License
The FSSAI license is issued after successful inspection and verification, which is valid for domestic and export markets. The review process for the license typically takes between 30 and 60 days for approval.
FSSAI Packaging and Labeling Rules for Exported Food
To meet FSSAI packaging and labeling rules for exported food, exporters must ensure:
Proper labeling with product name, ingredients, and expiry date
Compliance with international packaging standards
Clear mention of allergens and nutritional information
Usage of tamper-proof packaging
Batch numbers, manufacturer details, and necessary regulatory certifications must be displayed as per importing country requirements.
Failure to comply with packaging and labeling regulations can result in rejection at international borders.
Common Reasons for FSSAI License Rejection for Food Exports
Several factors can lead to rejection of an FSSAI export license, including:
Incomplete or incorrect documentation
Non-compliance with food safety compliance norms
Incorrect information in the application
Failure to meet FSSAI compliance checklist for food exporters
Poor hygiene standards in the food processing unit
Both document verification and compliance assessments must be performed to prevent rejection by regulatory authorities.
How to Renew an FSSAI Export License?
Being aware of new FSSAI regulations helps businesses comply with Indian food safety standards and international requirements. Renewing the license should begin at least thirty days before expiration because submitting an online renewal application prevents penalties from occurring. The renewal process involves:
Submission of an online renewal form
Providing updated business details
Compliance verification by FSSAI authorities
The late renewal of FSSAI certification generates operational interruptions together with potential legal complications for the business.
Export Documentation Required for FSSAI License
Apart from the FSSAI export license, food businesses must maintain essential export documentation, including:
Export contract agreement
Proper documentation helps in smooth customs clearance and builds trust with international buyers.
Latest FSSAI Regulations for Food Export Businesses
Exporters must obtain the latest FSSAI regulations for their food export business through visits to the FSSAI official website as well as trade notifications. Some recent updates include:
Introduction of a digital FSSAI license system
Stricter guidelines for processed and packaged foods
Mandatory traceability systems for exported food products
Being aware of new regulatory changes enables businesses to execute operations without complications while fulfilling global food safety regulations.
An FSSAI export license serves as a fundamental requirement to conduct safe food exports which establishes international food criteria and enables businesses to access global market opportunities. The step-by-step exporting procedure for food from India helps businesses prevent legal problems while enhancing their market trustworthiness.
Users seeking FSSAI licenses for food businesses, along with compliance and export documentation management, should contact The Legal Dost. The experts at the company provide complete management that guides your FSSAI compliance needs for efficient export of food products.
