Labelling Requirements for Imports India

When This Applies

This guide applies to all imported products sold in India that require labelling under FSSAI, Legal Metrology, BIS, CDSCO, or customs regulations. Proper labelling is not optional — incorrect or missing labels are one of the top reasons for customs holds and rejections.

Documents Needed

• Label mock-ups for each product variant
• Translation of foreign language labels into English (mandatory)
• Legal Metrology registration for packaged goods
• FSSAI licence number for food products
• BIS logo and licence number for BIS-regulated products
• CDSCO registration number for drugs and cosmetics
• MRP declaration in Indian Rupees

Common Mistakes

• Labels only in a foreign language — English is usually required for imported consumer goods
• Missing MRP in INR — required for all pre-packaged goods
• Incorrect net quantity units (using imperial instead of metric)
• Missing importer name and address on the label
• Using expired or incorrect BIS/FSSAI/CDSCO licence numbers

Estimated Timeline and Process

Label design (1–2 weeks): Prepare compliant labels before production or before shipment if relabelling is needed.

Regulatory approvals (parallel): LMPC, FSSAI, BIS, and CDSCO registrations may all require label review as part of their processes.

Customs clearance (ongoing check): Customs and port officers routinely check labels during examination.

How Sea Air Cargo Systems Can Help

We review labels for compliance before cargo ships, identifying missing elements and flagging regulatory issues. For cargo already held at customs, we coordinate relabelling and resubmission. Contact us for labelling compliance support.

Pre-Import Checklist

• Identify which labelling laws apply: Legal Metrology, FSSAI, BIS, CDSCO, or Customs
• Verify all text is in English (other languages are permitted but English is mandatory)
• Check MRP is printed in Indian rupees on every retail pack
• Ensure net quantity is stated in metric units
• Confirm country of origin, manufacturer details, and consumer care information are present

Mandatory Label Elements by Product Type

• General goods: MRP, net quantity, country of origin, manufacturer, month/year of manufacture, consumer care
• Food: FSSAI logo and licence number, ingredient list, allergen declaration, veg/non-veg symbol, storage conditions
• Electronics: BIS CRS mark and registration number, voltage rating, country of origin
• Drugs/Cosmetics: Manufacturing licence number, batch number, expiry date, storage conditions, ingredient list

Cost Factors to Plan For

Non-compliant labels can result in customs detention, re-labelling charges (₹5–₹20 per unit), and penalties up to ₹25,000 under Legal Metrology. It is cheaper to get labels right before shipment than to fix them at the port. Use our Compliance Checker to verify label requirements for your product.

Common Delays and How to Avoid Them

• Missing MRP — every retail pack must show the maximum retail price
• Imperial units — ounces, pounds, and gallons are not accepted; use grams, litres, and metres
• English missing — while bilingual labels are allowed, English is mandatory
• Wrong font size — Legal Metrology specifies minimum heights for MRP and net quantity

When to Contact a CHA

A CHA can review your labels before shipment, arrange re-labelling at a customs warehouse if needed, and ensure your Bill of Entry references the correct compliance certificates. Contact Sea Air Cargo Systems for labelling compliance support.

Frequently Asked Questions