Import Food License: What It Is and How to Get One for Your Food Import Business

Everything you need to know about import food licenses. Learn what a food import license is, who needs it, key requirements, and step-by-step instructions to obtain one.

Bringing international flavors to new markets is an exciting business, but before your shipment of specialty foods can clear customs, there’s one critical step - licensing. Whether you’re importing Japanese matcha, Vietnamese coffee, or Mediterranean olives, an "import food license" is your gateway to legal and successful food import operations.

This guide explains what a food import license is, when you need one, the key requirements (with a focus on the USA), and how to secure your food import license - so you can take the right steps from the start.

What Is an Import Food License?

Sample Import Food License

Depending on your country and the specific food product, licensing might involve several steps - facility registration, special certifications for certain food groups, import permits, and compliance with health and labeling laws.

Why is it important?

Verifies compliance with food safety and public health standards
Minimizes risk of product hold-ups, seizures, or fines at customs
Protects consumers and ensures traceability

A valid food import license demonstrates that your business is operating legally and reliably - a must when working with customs officials, international suppliers, and large buyers.

Who Needs an Import Food License?

Importers bringing food into the USA, EU, UK, Canada, Australia, and most other countries for commercial resale
Distributors managing the import and sale of food products between foreign exporters and local markets
Online retailers importing packaged processed foods for direct-to-consumer sales
Restaurants or cafes that import specialty food or beverage ingredients directly
Grocery chains importing food products under their own brand (private label/imported label)

Note: Individuals occasionally bringing in food for personal consumption may be exempt from formal licensing, but commercial import is always regulated.

Import Food Licensing in the USA: Key Requirements

In the United States, there’s no single “import food license.” Instead, permissions are established through several key registrations, depending on your products.

1. FDA Facility Registration

Nearly all domestic and foreign food facilities that manufacture, process, pack, or hold food for U.S. distribution must register with the FDA. This is mandatory BEFORE importing.

Free, online registration
Must be updated every two years
Applies even if you’re a warehouse, not a manufacturer How to register: FDA Food Facility Registration

2. Prior Notice of Imported Foods

Every food shipment coming to the USA requires prior notification to the FDA via the Prior Notice System Interface (PNC portal).

3. Importer of Record (IOR) & Customs Registration

You must be recognized as the "Importer of Record" by U.S. Customs and Border Protection. This involves:

Having a business entity (LLC, corporation, etc.)
Obtaining an Employer Identification Number (EIN)

4. Special Licenses and Certifications

USDA Permits: For meat, dairy, eggs, or certain produce, additional USDA permits are required. See USDA APHIS Imports
Organic Certification: If importing organic foods, products must be certified to USDA Organic standards.
Alcohol or Beverage Permits: Importing alcohol, including sake or soju, requires a TTB (Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau) import permit. Learn more about TTB Import Permits

5. State and Local Licenses

Some states require food warehousing, wholesaling, or distributing licenses in addition to federal registrations. Check your state Department of Agriculture and local regulations.

Import Food License in Other Countries

EU: Register your food business with your country’s food safety authority (e.g., FSA in the UK, BfR in Germany). Imports must comply with EU food hygiene rules and have traceable documentation.
Canada: Food importers must have a license through the Safe Food for Canadians Regulations (SFCR) via the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA Licensing Portal).
Australia: Register as an importer with the Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment (Australian Food Import Requirements).

How to Get an Import Food License: Step-by-Step Guide (USA Example)

1. Incorporate Your Business

Register your business entity (LLC, corporation, or partnership)
Obtain an EIN from the IRS

2. Register with the FDA

Use the FDA Food Facility Registration portal
Ensure both your business and your foreign supplier are registered

3. Obtain Special Permits (If Required)

Apply for USDA permits for animal/dairy products
Get TTB permits for alcohol

4. Register as Importer of Record with Customs

Usually managed by your customs broker or freight forwarder

5. Comply with Local/State Health Departments

Apply for any storage, handling, or food wholesaler licenses in your state or city

6. Prepare for Prior Notice

Set up access to the FDA Prior Notice System

7. Prepare Product Labels and Documentation

Ensure all labels are in English and meet FDA standards, including ingredients, allergens, nutritional info, and expiration dates

8. Consult a Customs Broker (Recommended)

An experienced broker helps file documents, avoid delays or fines, and navigate changing regulations.

Common Questions About Food Import Licenses

Q: How long does it take to get licensed to import food?

A: Federal (FDA) registration is quick - often same-day. USDA or liquor-related permits can take weeks. State/local licensing timeframes vary. Plan ahead for required paperwork.

Q: Do I need a license for every food category?

A: Some categories (meat, dairy, organic, alcohol) require additional permits. For basic packaged foods, standard FDA registration is usually enough.

Q: What happens if I import food without a license?

A: Shipments can be refused entry, seized, destroyed, or subject to fines and investigation.

Final Thoughts

Getting the right import food license is your essential ticket to a legal, reputable, and successful food import business. While it can seem daunting at first, careful planning and compliance make the process straightforward - setting you up to deliver the world’s favorite foods without disruption.

If you’re exploring packaged goods like coffee, chocolate, or snacks, MR.VIET offers retail-ready products and support with labelling, documentation, and logistics — making your first shipment a lot easier.