Importing food products? You need a mandatory Central License and FICS clearance. We manage sampling, lab testing, and NOC generation to prevent shipment rejection.
Verify product category eligibility.
The Food Import Clearance System (FICS) is an online platform integrated with the customs ICEGATE system. Every consignment of food products imported into India must be cleared through FICS by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI).
Upon arrival, FSSAI officials inspect the documents and visual condition of the cargo. Samples are drawn and sent to NABL-accredited labs for testing against Indian standards. Only after a "Pass" report is generated, a No Objection Certificate (NOC) is issued for customs clearance.
For Importers, the choice is clear.
Issued by Central Licensing Authority
All Importers keeping stock or importing food products for trade must obtain a Central License. The State License is NOT valid for import activities. Your IEC Code must be linked to this license.
For Domestic Retailers Only
These licenses are for local manufacturers, small retailers, and petty food business operators (FBOs). They are not valid for clearing shipments at customs ports.
CHA files Bill of Entry. Data flows to FICS. Fees paid online.
FSSAI Officer inspects labeling and packaging at the port.
Two samples are drawn randomly and sealed for lab testing.
NABL Lab tests for safety parameters and ingredients.
Non-Objection Certificate issued if test passes. Cargo cleared.
Most rejections happen due to labeling errors. Imported products must strictly adhere to FSSAI (Packaging and Labeling) Regulations.
Full Consultancy
+ GST (Excl. Govt Fees)
*Govt Fee for Central License is ₹ 7,500/year approx.
Food is "Perishable" and "High-Risk." Every day stuck in Customs isn't just a storage cost; it's a threat to your product's shelf life.
In 2026, the Unified Dashboard on ICEGATE pulls your FSSAI license data in real-time. CloudDesk ensures your Kind of Business (KoB) on FoSCoS is perfectly synced with your DGFT IEC. We prevent the "Data Mismatch" errors that currently block 15% of food imports at the port.
Is your product "Proprietary Food," "Health Supplement," or "Novel Food"? Each has a different approval path. CloudDesk performs a Technical Screening of your ingredients against the FSS (Food Product Standards) Regulations to ensure you apply for the correct category, avoiding the dreaded "Non-Specified Food" trap.
Imported food must have a minimum 60% residual shelf life at the time of import. CloudDesk reviews your artwork to ensure mandatory declarations (Veg/Non-Veg logo, FSSAI number, Batch No., Expiry) are in the correct font size and contrast as per the 2026 Labelling & Display Rules.
Once the cargo arrives, we manage the Food Import Clearance System (FICS) workflow. This includes scheduling the Visual Inspection, coordinating with Authorized Officers (AO), and managing the NABL Lab Sampling process to get your No Objection Certificate (NOC) faster.
If a sample fails, you can apply for a re-test at a referral lab. If that also fails, the shipment gets a Non-Conformance Report (NCR) and must be re-exported or destroyed. It cannot be cleared for consumption.
Yes, even 100% Export Oriented Units must obtain a Central License under the category of "Exporting FBO". However, import clearance procedures may be simplified if the goods are for re-export.
Generally, labels should be affixed before shipment. However, FSSAI allows rectification of labeling deficiencies (like adding Importer details or Veg/Non-Veg logo) at the Customs Bonded Warehouse under officer supervision for a fee.
In 2026, all Importers and Exporters must obtain a Central License, regardless of turnover. State Licenses are only for domestic-only traders/manufacturers with turnover between ₹12 Lakh and ₹20 Crore.
The government fee is ₹7,500 per year. You can apply for up to 5 years (₹37,500) to avoid annual renewal hassles.
No. FSSAI is Premise-Based. You can have a "Head Office" license to manage the brand, but every warehouse or cold storage facility must have its own license/registration.
Under SWIFT 2.0, this is automatic. When you file your BE on ICEGATE, the system fetches your FSSAI details using your IEC. CloudDesk ensures this mapping is active before you ship your first container.
If the sample is non-conforming, a Non-Conforming Report (NCR) is issued. You have the right to appeal for a "Second Referral" to a Referral Lab. CloudDesk manages this appeal process (Form 6) to save your shipment.
Yes, for certain missing details like the FSSAI Logo, Importer Name/Address, or Veg/Non-Veg symbol. You can fix these in a Customs Bonded Warehouse before the NOC is issued. However, "Date of Manufacture" or "Expiry" are NOT rectifiable.
Every licensed manufacturer and importer must file the annual return by May 31st for the previous financial year.
In 2026, the late fee is ₹100 per day from the date of expiry. If you don't renew within 30 days of expiry, the license is permanently terminated and you must apply for a fresh one.