Import Clearance of Food Products in India

India is the world’s most populous country. Due to this, the consumer market for diverse food products in India is rapidly expanding and demand is growing, leading to rising food imports. Today, India’s food sector is one of the largest industries worldwide and it will grow more. To ensure people get safe and high quality food, the Indian government strictly regulates import clearance of food products which requires food commodities to come out clean on the safety guidelines and standards.

Understanding Food Import Clearance Regulation in India

Importing food products in India requires approval by the authoritative bodies of India like FSSAI. Food Safety and Standards Authority of India ensures that all imported food items comply with safety & quality standards before they reach the Indian market. If any imported food product fails to meet these standards, entry will be denied into the country.

This guide will help you understand the process for import clearance of food products in India, how food commodities get approved by the FSSAI and other types of customs clearance for foods. Let’s move forward!

Is it Necessary to Get an Importer License in India for Shipping Food Products?

No, it is not needed to get an importer’s license to ship food products to India but you are required to obtain various documentation and clearance. Here is what you must have for import clearance of food products:

Obtain a food import permit from the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, which is required for all imported food products.
Other food products like meat and poultry require a separate permit from the Ministry of Agriculture.
A Sanitary and Phytosanitary certificate is required along with every food product which ensures compliance with Indian standards for safety and quality.
Get approval from customs to allow your food products to arrive in India. The process of customs clearance depends on the type and shipment value.

Generally, the import clearance of food products process is simple with proper documentation. However, consulting with a professional shipping company custom broker is the best choice to ensure everything is good before shipping the goods.

How to apply for an FSSAI License? A Guide for Food Importers

When it comes to import clearance of food products, it is required to get a license from the country of origin. To obtain it, you need to submit supporting documentation that the relevant authorities demand which may be different depending on the country.

For import clearance of food products in India, the FSSAI authority issues a license. Here is how to apply for a license from FSSAI:

Visit the FSSAI website.
On the website, you will find a dedicated section for food import clearance licenses. (The necessary information about the required documents and the process to fill out the form is also explained there.)
Submit an application form
Attach the supporting documents including:

List of Food Products To Be Imported
Details of the Manufacturing Process of the Food Items
Certificate of Analysis Issued By an Accredited Laboratory

Once FSSAI approves your application, you get a license.

One-Time Registration vs. Annual License: Which Is Right for Your Food Imports?

There are two options available to obtain a license for import clearance of food products in India; one-time registration and annual license. You can choose any option that suits the best for your business.

One-Time Registration:

Ideal for businesses importing food products occasionally.
Suitable for those importing a limited number of food items.
Does not require license renewal, making it a cost-effective option for infrequent imports.

Annual License:

Best suited for businesses importing food products regularly.
Recommended for those dealing with a large number of food items.
Requires yearly renewal, making it a more expensive but flexible option for frequent imports.

Where to Get Import Clearance Application Forms?

Looking for the application form for import clearance of food products in India? Follow these steps:

Visit the Indian Customs and Excise Department website.
Forms are available in both English and Hindi.
You can either download the forms online or request them by mail.

Types of Import Custom Clearance for Food Items

Indian government regulates the various types of import clearance of food products but one of the most common types of clearance is SPS (Sanitary and Phytosanitary). It is required for all imported food products. Besides this, the other types of import customs clearance for food commodities are:

PQ (Plant Quarantine) Clearance: This ensures the food items will not harm Indian plants and products.
AQ (Animal Quarantine) Clearance: This ensures the food items do not harm Indian animals or products.
FSS (Food Safety and Standards) Clearance: This ensures your food products meet Indian regulations for food safety and quality.

Obtaining these approvals and clearance of food products are required to import the goods to the Indian market. Without compliance and regulation, your products may refuse to ship into India.

Custom Clearance Shipment Modes for Food Items

When it comes to import clearance of food products in India, there are various shipment modes available:

Air Shipment
See Shipment
Road Shipment

Looking for quick air customs clearance services for food products? Falcon has been working in the industry for years. With excellent knowledge, we remain up-to-date with customs procedures to handle your shipment smoothly & fast.

The Process of Import Food Items Customs Clearing in India

The import clearance of food products in India is not only a time-consuming process but also a bit daunting. However, it is indispensable that all food commodities meet the standard compliance of safety and quality to be imported into India. Here is the step-by-step guide explaining the procedure to get approval for your food items and ship them to India.

Obtain an IEC (Import Export Code) from DGFT (Directorate General of Foreign Trade.
After getting an IEC, obtain an NOC (No Objection Certificate) from AQCS (Animal Quarantine and Certification Service of the Ministry of Agriculture). It is required when importing meat, poultry, or dairy products.
Apply for an import license from the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India. It is also required to acquire product labels approved by FSSAI.
Once you get all the required certificates and approvals for the food items, you can proceed with shipping your food products to enter the Indian market.

If you want to know more about the import clearance of food products process, contact us at +91-9311595648 or [email protected].