Quick answer: To import bubble tea ingredients from Taiwan to India, the importer must first register with India’s Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) and hold an Importer Exporter Code (IEC), as well as a food import licence from the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI). When the goods arrive, the import is declared on ICEGATE, Indian Customs’ electronic filing platform. Consignments that need FSSAI clearance are referred to FSSAI’s Food Import Clearance System (FICS), where they go through document scrutiny, visual inspection and laboratory testing; a No Objection Certificate (NOC) is issued only if they pass. At the time of import, food must have a remaining shelf life of at least 60% or three months before expiry, whichever is less.
Four Key Requirements for Importing into India
| Item | Requirement | Source |
|---|---|---|
| IEC | Food importers must register with the DGFT and hold a valid IEC | FSSAI Import Regulations 3(2) |
| FSSAI import licence | No one may import any food without an import licence from the Central Licensing Authority | FSSAI Import Regulations 3(1) |
| Remaining shelf life | At import, remaining shelf life must be at least 60% or three months before expiry, whichever is less; otherwise Customs will not clear it | FSSAI Import Regulations 5(6) |
| Packaging and labelling | Food must be packaged and labelled under the regulations that apply to it; consignments that fail visual inspection can be rejected outright | FSSAI Import Regulations 6(1), 6(10) |
What Is an IEC?
The IEC is India’s Importer Exporter Code. The FSSAI Import Regulations require food importers to register with the DGFT and hold a valid IEC (3(2)); if the IEC is suspended, revoked or cancelled, the FSSAI import licence is deemed cancelled as well (4(4)). For how to apply for and update an IEC, please refer to the DGFT’s official notices.
Clearance in Four Key Steps
- Declaration: The importer or customs broker files a Bill of Entry on ICEGATE, Indian Customs’ electronic filing platform. Consignments that need FSSAI clearance are referred to FSSAI’s Food Import Clearance System (FICS).
- Document scrutiny: An FSSAI Authorised Officer reviews the documents submitted by the importer.
- Visual inspection and sampling: The consignment is inspected at the port for remaining shelf life, packaging and labelling. Samples are drawn only if it passes; if it does not, a Non-Conforming Report (NCR) is issued without sampling.
- Testing and release: If the samples conform to the standards, a No Objection Certificate (NOC) is issued; if not, an NCR is issued.
Which Documents Are Needed for Clearance?
The FSSAI Food Imports Manual lists the documents required for all food imports:
- Bill of Entry
- Country of Origin Certificate
- Bill of Lading
- FSSAI import licence
- Invoice
- Packing List
- Ingredient List
- Product Label
- End Use Declaration
Depending on the product, other documents may also be required, such as a Certificate of Analysis.
What If the Label Does Not Comply?
Rectifiable labelling deficiencies can be corrected in the customs bonded warehouse by affixing a single non-detachable sticker (or by another non-detachable method) next to the principal display panel (FSSAI Import Regulations 6(4)). The following can be added this way:
- Name and address of the importer
- FSSAI logo and licence number
- Veg or Non-Veg logo
- Category or sub-category, with the generic name, nature and composition for proprietary food
- Any other labelling information as instructed by the Food Authority
Corrections must not alter or mask the original label information in any way (6(5)); if they are not made within the specified time, clearance may be refused (6(7)).
Please note that these are only the items that can be added by sticker, not a complete list of India’s labelling requirements. For the full list of mandatory label information, check India’s packaging and labelling regulations.
What Should You Watch for When Importing Tapioca Pearls?
Tapioca pearls, popping boba and similar ingredients all carry a shelf life, and remaining shelf life is checked at clearance. Before ordering, confirm the production date, estimated lead time and transit time with your supplier so that the goods still meet the 60% or three-month threshold when they reach India. When several items share one container, prepare a clear stuffing list for inspection as well (FSSAI Import Regulations 6(2), 6(3)).
What Tang Sugar Can Prepare for Importers
- A certificate of origin and COA are prepared for every shipment and available on request.
- Ingredient lists, test reports and other documents needed for clearance.
- Quotations on EXW, FOB, CIF, DDP and other terms; if you are not sure which suits you, our sales team can advise.
- Tea, syrups, tapioca pearls, powders and other products can be shipped together in one consignment.
- Free samples are available for most products, so you can try before you decide.
→ Request free samples | Contact us for a quote
For the general buying process, see How to Import Bubble Tea Ingredients from Taiwan.
FAQ
Do I need a licence to import food into India?
Yes. Under FSSAI Import Regulations 3(1), no one may import any food without an import licence from the Central Licensing Authority. The importer must also register with the DGFT and hold a valid IEC (3(2)).
How is remaining shelf life calculated?
From the date of import (based on the Import General Manifest) to the “Best Before” or expiry date on the label. At clearance, it must be at least 60% or three months before expiry, whichever is less.
Can I appeal if the test result is unsatisfactory?
Yes. A review application can be made to the Review Officer within 15 working days of receiving the rejection report.
Further Reading
- Documents to Request Before Importing Bubble Tea Ingredients
- How to Read a Certificate of Analysis (COA)
- International Trade Documents Explained
- What Is DDP (Delivered Duty Paid)?
- Importing Bubble Tea Supplies from Taiwan to the US and to Canada
References (accessed 30 October 2026)
- FSSAI, Food Safety and Standards (Import) Regulations, 2017 — Compendium Version VII (06.11.2025): https://fssai.gov.in/upload/uploadfiles/files/Compendium_Import_VII_06_11_2025.pdf
Note: Regulations change. This article summarises official information available on 30 October 2026; the latest notices from the Indian authorities prevail. This article is not legal advice.
