Indian import policy
As of 2026-11: food flavours need an FSSAI Central licence and FICS clearance per consignment and must comply with FSSAI's food-additive and flavouring standards and labelling. Fragrance compounds for cosmetics are raw materials (finished cosmetics need CDSCO registration); flammable compounds ship as dangerous goods and fall under the MSIHC Rules. Duty: verify on ICEGATE (not checked this session). Sources: https://fics.fssai.gov.in; https://cdscoonline.gov.in; research/06-compliance-logistics.md.
Check the current DGFT, BIS and CBIC notifications before contracting.
Importing flavour & fragrance compounds into India: requirements
| Requirement | Authority | Document |
|---|---|---|
| Importer-Exporter Code; GST; ICEGATE | DGFT / GSTN / CBIC | IEC; GSTIN; ICEGATE DSC registration |
| Import policy classification | DGFT | ITC(HS) policy: Free/Restricted/Prohibited/STE; import authorisation if Restricted |
| Customs declaration & duty | CBIC / ICEGATE | Bill of Entry; BCD + AIDC + SWS(10% of BCD) + IGST |
| Mandatory BIS certification | BIS / DPIIT & line ministries | BIS licence (ISI, FMCS for foreign plants) or CRS registration |
| Import clearance NOC | FSSAI | FICS NOC after Bill of Entry; FSSAI Central licence |
| Cosmetic import registration | CDSCO | COS-1 application / COS-2 registration |
| Trusted trader status | CBIC | AEO-T1/T2/T3/LO |
Import trend
Comtrade ch.33 USD 1.52 bn CY2025 (finished + ingredients); cocoa from Indonesia USD 0.68 bn CY2025; ingredient-only and food-ingredient totals unavailable
Where Indian buyers are
Maharashtra — Mumbai, Thane, Pune. FMCG, beverage and personal-care manufacturers
Gujarat — Ahmedabad, Vapi. Snack, detergent and home-care makers
Karnataka — Bengaluru, Mysuru. Agarbatti (incense) industry and food brands
Uttar Pradesh — Kannauj, Noida. Kannauj perfumery cluster; FMCG plants
Tamil Nadu — Chennai, Coimbatore. Snacks, bakery and personal care
Frequently asked questions
Do imported food flavours need FSSAI clearance?
Yes. The importer needs an FSSAI Central licence, and each consignment needs an FSSAI NOC through FICS; the flavour must comply with FSSAI's flavouring and labelling rules.
Do fragrance compounds need CDSCO registration?
CDSCO registration applies to finished cosmetics, not to fragrance raw materials. Compounds must still meet chemical-safety and dangerous-goods rules where applicable.
What is an IFRA certificate?
A statement that a fragrance complies with the International Fragrance Association standards for use levels in specific product types; personal-care brands usually require it.
What is the minimum order for imported flavours?
Distributors often supply from 5–25 kg per formula; principals usually ship by the drum.
Import routes
Source flavour & fragrance compounds for India
Tell us specification, volume and delivery city in India.