FSSAI License For Exporters - Process, Documents Required, Fee

An FSSAI export license is a significant necessity in the business of exporting Indian food products. FSSAI export registration is an assurance that food products meet safety and quality requirements, which is required to maintain credibility in foreign markets. One of the questions frequently asked by many businesses is whether an FSSAI license is necessary when exporting- yes it is compulsory because the majority of international purchasers and regulatory bodies demand the provision of an FSSAI certificate when exporting products to guarantee their safety and quality compliance.

In the case of exporters with large scale operations, a central FSSAI license to export is typically necessary since it deals with interstate and international food trade. In instances where an exporter is not manufacturing but only trading, they may also need an FSSAI Merchant Exporter's license, depending on the specific operations of their business. Learning the process of obtaining FSSAI license to export is essential in order to prevent delays, rejection and compliance problems during the export process.

By understanding the required documentation relating to FSSAI export licenses, along with the regulations that comply with these licenses, exporters will make the application process faster and easier. Holding a valid license is not just enabling compliance, but also protecting the brand’s reputation, trust amongst buyers and facilitating easy international business growth.

Table of Content

Process for FSSAI license for Exporters
Documents Required for FSSAI License for Exporters
FSSAI License Fee for Exporters
What is FSSAI License for Exporters
Why is an FSSAI license necessary for Exporters
FSSAI labeling & packaging compliances for Exporters
Validity and renewal of FSSAI license
Types of FSSAI License Required for Export
Apply for FSSAI Export License with Professional Utilities
FAQs

Process for FSSAI License for Exporters

Obtaining an FSSAI Export License is done easily online via the FoSCoS Portal by following the proper steps. Companies have to undertake the necessary process in order to comply and have their FSSAI certificate for export.

Check Eligibility: Companies dealing with export of food need to be within FSSAI regulations. They can be registered by FSSAI to export, depending on the scale of operations.
Determine the License Type: The majority of exporters require a central FSSAI licence to carry out an export, particularly when dealing with large business or interstate. Merchant exporters or small businesses need to check whether an FSSAI license for merchant exporter is necessary.
Register on FoSCoS Portal: To start the application process online, one has to create an account on the official FSSAI FoSCoS portal.
Fill Application Form (Form B): Fill out the application form B with business information, export operations and product categories. This is one of the essential steps in acquiring an FSSAI certificate for export.
Upload Required Documents: Provide all documents required for an FSSAI export license such as business registration, address certification and food safety information.
Pay Application Fees: You are required to pay the fees applied to the license depending on the validity and category. This incorporates the FSSAI central license for export charges.
Verification and issuance of license: The authorities examine the application and may seek clarification. The FSSAI exporter license is granted after approval and exportation of food products is permitted.

Documents Required for FSSAI License for Exporters

Suppose you want to start your food export business. In that case, you will require this set of documents for the FSSAI central license and additional permission and certification to export food articles from India.

Certificate of company incorporation
Legal identity proof like Aadhar
Authorized address proof
form -B and form IX must be duly filled with all required details
Declaration
Ownership proof of premise
Blueprint of layout in detail
Ministry of commerce certificate for 100% Export oriented units
List of directors/executive members/partners

Required Documents For Exporters

IE-code issued by the directorate general of foreign trade (DGFT)
Product approval certificate from FSSAI
Certification from the ministry of agriculture
Certification from the narcotic department
The permit from the ministry of animal husbandry
Spice board registration in case of spice export business.

FSSAI License Fee for Exporters

FSSAI license cost for exporters is ₹7,500 on the basis of Central License since exporters are expected to get a central-level approval to international food trade. Here, the given government and professional fees are mentioned.

Fee Category	Particulars	Amount (₹)
Government Fee	Central FSSAI License	₹7,500 per year + 18% GST
Professional Fee	Central FSSAI License	₹13,000 + 18% GST

Note:

An initial payment of ₹1,000 + GST is required during application.
The remaining fee must be paid within 30 working days after approval.
Non-payment leads to automatic rejection.

What is FSSAI License for Exporters?

FSSAI is an autonomous authoritative body formed in 2006 under the Ministry of health and family welfare to regulate the food business in India. It is solely responsible for approving and setting guidelines for food businesses in India, such as food exporters, manufacturers, retailers, and wholesalers.

All Export-oriented FBOs are liable to get a 14-digit FSSAI registration number which contains details of FBOs, location and other necessary details.

Why FSSAI License Necessary for Exporters?

Exporting sub-standard food products can affect India's foreign trade relationship and reputation in the international forum. Therefore, FSSAI central license has been made obligatory for all food exporting businesses. It gives confidence that the quality and hygiene benchmarks have been met for those food articles exported from India.

FSSAI Labeling & Packaging Compliances for Exporters

The name of the brand and company must be printed
Full description of the food product in detail and name of ingredients
Nutritional values and information on the package
Expiry date/ best before the date of must be provided
Details about the nature of food articles such as vegetarian or non-vegetarian food items
Full details of exporters in India
Labeling language should be as per the guidelines of FSSAI packaging and labelling regulations 2011

Food business operators are liable to hefty penalties and punishment for non-compliance with FSSAI regulations.

Validity and Renewal of FSSAI License

FSSAI license endowed under the FSS regulation shall be valid for 1-5 years.
Can fill renewal of the license 30 days before the date of expiry.
If failing to renew the FSSAI license, no food Exporter is entitled to carry their business further after the day of expiry.To avoid such hurdles you can use our FSSAI license number status checker tool to get the exact validity of your license.
IF the renewal of the FSSAI license is not filed till 30 days before the expiry date, a late fee of Rs. 100 per day is to be paid along with the standard renewal fee.
In the case of FBOs filing for renewal from the 1st to 90th-day after the due date, then they shall be charged 3 times more than the standard annual fee, and 5 times if renewal after the 90th day from the day of expiry.
No new renewal shall be done after 180 days from the original day of expiry. You can check your licence validity using our FSSAI license status checking tool to avoid cancellation or late renewal fines.

NOTE: FSSAI License for exporters has two subtypes- manufacturers of food products for export and Exporting traders. A food business operator can apply for either of them.

Types of FSSAI License Required for Export

In the case of food exporters, the license required depends on the scale of business:

Central FSSAI License
- Required for large-scale exporters
- Mandatory for international food trade
- International food trade is obligatory
- Suitable for manufacturers and exporters
FSSAI Registration (Basic/State)
- Applicable for small businesses with lower turnover
- Can be adequate for some merchant exporters.
Merchant Exporters
- Depending on the operations and the needs of the buyers, businesses that trade in food might need an FSSAI license for merchant exporter.

Apply for FSSAI Export License with Professional Utilities

An FSSAI license for export is crucial because it helps you comply with standards, ensure food safety, and establish an international reputation. Whether it is FSSAI registration for exporters or a central FSSAI license for export, having the right license helps your business to operate smoothly and meet the needs of global customers.

Professional help can be the difference in order to have a hassle free process. Professional Utilities offers high-quality services regarding documentation, application and approval, ensuring that you receive your FSSAI certificate for exports within the shortest possible time.