FSSAI Licence for Food Businesses
Who needs one, the three types, and how to apply - even for home kitchens
If you sell food in any form - from a home kitchen, a tiffin service, a cloud kitchen, a dairy or a small shop - there's one licence you cannot skip: the FSSAI food licence. Many small business owners assume it's only for big restaurants or factories. It isn't. Here's what every food business owner should understand.
An FSSAI licence is mandatory for every food business
Under India's food safety law, any business involved in making, storing, selling or distributing food needs to be registered with the FSSAI (Food Safety and Standards Authority of India). This includes home-based cooks, tiffin providers, cloud kitchens, home bakers, caterers and small retailers. Operating without one can lead to penalties.
There are three types, based on your turnover
FSSAI has three tiers, and which one you need depends mainly on your annual turnover.
Basic Registration - for small businesses with turnover up to ₹12 lakh a year. This suits most home kitchens, tiffin services and small outlets.
State Licence - for mid-sized businesses (turnover roughly ₹12 lakh to ₹20 crore)
Central Licence - for large businesses, importers, exporters, or those operating across several states
Most small local businesses fall under Basic or State.
Your FSSAI number must be displayed
Once you're registered, you receive a 14-digit FSSAI number. This number must be displayed on your premises and on your food packaging or menu. It's not just a rule - it builds trust, because customers increasingly look for it.
How to get started
Applying involves choosing the right category, preparing a few documents (ID, address proof, and details of your food business) and filing on the FSSAI portal. Basic registration is quick and inexpensive; State and Central licences need a little more documentation.
Note: FSSAI categories, fees and rules can be updated, so always confirm the current requirements on the official FSSAI portal before applying.
Need help getting your FSSAI licence? At P&H Compliance & Design, we guide you to the right category and handle the whole process for you.
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