FSSAI Import License Requirements Food Products India 2026 | BEFACH International
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FSSAI Import License Requirements for Food Products in India 2025
May 4, 2026
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FSSAI Import License Requirements for Food Products in India 2025
Import Duty Calculation & FSSAI Import License Requirements for Food Products in India 2026
Import Duty Calculation & FSSAI Import License Requirements for Food Products in India 2026
Understanding your landed cost before you place that purchase order can save you lakhs, whether you're importing machinery or navigating FSSAI import license requirements for food products in India. Import duty calculation isn't just about the Basic Customs Duty (BCD) rate you see on the DGFT website. The actual amount you pay includes multiple layers—Social Welfare Surcharge, IGST, cess, and handling charges—that can push your total duty liability to 40% or more of the CIF value.
This guide breaks down exactly how import duty works in India for 2026, with real HS codes, current rates, and a step-by-step calculation method you can use for any product.
What Makes Up Your Total Import Duty in India
When your shipment arrives at an Indian port, customs calculates duty on the CIF value—Cost of goods + Insurance + Freight up to the Indian port.
Component
Rate
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Example: Machinery from Germany (HS Code 8479.89, BCD 7.5%)
FOB Value: ₹10,00,000
Ocean Freight: ₹85,000
Insurance: ₹25,000
CIF Value: ₹11,10,000
Duty Calculation:
Component
Amount (₹)
CIF Value
11,10,000
Basic Customs Duty (7.5%)
83,250
Social Welfare Surcharge (10%)
8,325
Assessable Value for IGST
12,01,575
IGST (18%)
2,16,284
Total Duty Payable
3,07,859
Total Landed Cost
14,17,859
Your duty burden here is 27.7% of CIF value.
Understanding IGST on Imports
IGST replaced the old CVD and SAD system in 2017. Key points:
Input Tax Credit Available: You can claim IGST paid as input credit against your GST liability
Rate Depends on Product: Same as domestic GST rates—5%, 12%, 18%, or 28%
Calculated on (CIF + BCD + SWS): Called the "value for IGST"
> Watch Out: You cannot claim BCD or SWS as input credit. Only IGST is recoverable.
FSSAI Import License Requirements for Food Products in India
All food product imports require FSSAI clearance under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006. FSSAI import license requirements food products India regulations mandate that importers obtain an FSSAI Import License before shipment arrival.
Key Compliance Requirements:
FSSAI License: Importers must have a valid FSSAI Import License (Central License for import operations)
Bill of Entry Declaration: FSSAI License number must be declared on customs documents
Regulatory Compliance: Products must meet Food Safety and Standards (Import) Regulations, 2017
Shelf Life: Minimum 60% remaining shelf life or 9 months at import (whichever is less)
Health Certificates: Required from competent authorities in the exporting country
Non-compliance results in detention, destruction, or re-export costs. Food imports also attract IGST at applicable rates (5%, 12%, or 18%) plus BCD varying from 0% to 150% depending on the specific food category.
Documentation Checklist for Customs Clearance
Before your shipment arrives, ensure you have:
[ ] Bill of Entry (filed through ICEGATE)
[ ] Commercial Invoice (with accurate valuation)
[ ] Packing List
[ ] Bill of Lading/Airway Bill
[ ] Importer-Exporter Code (IEC) from DGFT
[ ] GST Registration (mandatory for IGST payment)
[ ] FSSAI Import License (mandatory for food products)
[ ] Insurance Certificate
[ ] Import License (if applicable for restricted items)
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: What are the FSSAI import license requirements food products India importers must follow?
A: Importers must obtain a Central FSSAI License before importing food products. Requirements include compliance with Food Safety and Standards (Import) Regulations 2017, proper labeling with FSSAI logo and license number, minimum 60% shelf life remaining, and health certificates from exporting countries.
Q2: How is IGST calculated on imported food products?
A: IGST is calculated on the assessable value (CIF value + BCD +
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