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India food labeling for imported food (FSSAI): importer details, logo, shelf life

Pre-packaged food imported into India must meet the Food Safety and Standards (Labelling and Display) Regulations, 2020, and the labeling rules of the Food Safety and Standards (Import) Regulations, 2017. The label carries the Indian importer's name and address with the FSSAI logo and licence number, and food reaching the border needs enough shelf life left to clear.

Checked against official sources: 2026-10

At a glance

LawFood Safety and Standards (Labelling and Display) Regulations, 2020, plus the Food Safety and Standards (Import) Regulations, 2017
ImporterName and complete address of the importer in India on the package
FSSAI logoThe importer shows the FSSAI logo and its licence number with its name and address
OriginName and address of the manufacturer or packer, including the country of origin
Veg or non-vegThe vegetarian or non-vegetarian symbol on the label
Shelf lifeAt least 60% of the shelf life, or three months before expiry, whichever is less, left at import
Label faultsListed faults may be corrected with a non-detachable sticker in a customs-bonded warehouse
Next changeAmendments published in 2026 take effect on 1 July 2027

What an Indian label must show on imported food

The Labelling and Display Regulations, 2020 set the general label for pre-packaged food: the name of the food, the list of ingredients, nutrition information, the vegetarian or non-vegetarian symbol, net quantity, the date marks and the name and address of the manufacturer or packer, including the country of origin for imported packages. Labeling of imported products is also governed by the Food Safety and Standards (Import) Regulations, 2017.

For imported food, the package also carries the name and complete address of the importer in India. The importer displays the FSSAI logo and its licence number next to that name and address. Food made abroad and repacked or bottled in India also shows the country of origin and the packing premises.

India food label checklist for exporters

Shelf life, stickers and the 2027 changes

Customs does not clear imported food unless it has at least 60% of its shelf life, or three months before expiry, whichever is less, left at the time of import. Shelf life is counted from manufacture to the best-before or expiry date printed on the label, so long sea transits and slow clearance eat into it.

FSSAI keeps a list of label faults that can be rectified: the importer may correct them with a non-detachable sticker placed next to the principal display panel, in a customs-bonded warehouse, under the Import Regulations. Faults outside the list are not covered. FSSAI published amendments to the Labelling and Display Regulations in 2026 for pre-packaged food; they take effect on 1 July 2027, and labels printed for sale from that date must follow the amended text.

Step by step

  1. Agree with the Indian importer on the label text, including its name, address and FSSAI licence number.
  2. Add the FSSAI logo, the vegetarian or non-vegetarian symbol and the country of origin.
  3. Check the ingredients, nutrition information, net quantity and date marks against the 2020 regulations.
  4. Plan production and shipping so at least 60% of the shelf life, or three months before expiry if less, is left at import.
  5. Check the label against the amendments that take effect on 1 July 2027.

Documents you usually need

Common problems and how to avoid them

The label has no Indian importer's name, address or FSSAI licence number.

What to do: Add them with the FSSAI logo, or correct them in a customs-bonded warehouse if the fault is on FSSAI's rectifiable list.

The shipment arrives with too little shelf life left.

What to do: Ship fresher stock: at least 60% of the shelf life, or three months before expiry if less, must be left at the time of import.

The vegetarian or non-vegetarian symbol is missing.

What to do: Print the correct symbol on the label before shipping.

A sticker is stuck over the original label away from the main panel.

What to do: Use a non-detachable sticker placed next to the principal display panel, as FSSAI allows for rectifiable faults.

Sources

  1. Food Safety and Standards (Labelling and Display) Regulations, 2020: compendium (version VIII, 9 September 2025) Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI)
  2. Food Safety and Standards (Import) Regulations, 2017: compendium (version VI, 2 January 2024) Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI)
  3. FAQ: rectifiable labelling deficiencies Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI)
  4. India: India Amends Its Food Labeling and Display Rules (May 2026) USDA Foreign Agricultural Service

Rules change often. This note is practical guidance based on the sources above, not legal advice. Confirm current requirements with the authority, your importer or a licensed customs broker before you ship.

Port codes by country

India port codes (UN/LOCODE)

Food label requirements by country →

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Common questions

Does imported food in India need the importer's details on the label?

Yes. The package must show the name and complete address of the importer in India, with the FSSAI logo and the importer's licence number.

How much shelf life must imported food have in India?

At least 60% of its shelf life, or three months before expiry, whichever is less, must be left at the time of import.

Can label mistakes be fixed after the food arrives in India?

Only faults on FSSAI's rectifiable list, with a non-detachable sticker next to the principal display panel, in a customs-bonded warehouse.

Which law sets food labeling rules in India?

The Food Safety and Standards (Labelling and Display) Regulations, 2020, with the Food Safety and Standards (Import) Regulations, 2017 for imported food.

Are India's food label rules changing?

Yes. Amendments published in 2026 take effect on 1 July 2027.

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