Starting a food business is an exciting journey, but it also comes with legal responsibilities. One of the most important things every food startup in India must do is register with the FSSAI — the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India. This article will help you understand FSSAI registration, why it’s necessary, how to get it, and how it benefits your food startup.
What is FSSAI Registration?
FSSAI Registration is a food license given by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India. It proves your food business is safe and approved to operate.. It is mandatory for any business that deals with food, whether you are manufacturing it, processing it, packaging it, transporting it, storing it, or selling it.
Every food startup, regardless of size, must have some form of FSSAI registration or license. This 14-digit license number must be printed on all your food packages or displayed at your place of business.
Why is FSSAI Registration Important for Startups?
Here’s why your food startup should not ignore FSSAI registration:
1. Legal Requirement
According to Indian law, you must have an FSSAI registration before starting any food-related business. Without this registration, you risk facing heavy fines and even the closure of your business. It’s a legal requirement that ensures your food business follows safety standards and protects consumers from unsafe or unhygienic food products.
2. Builds Consumer Trust
Displaying the FSSAI logo and license number on your food products builds strong consumer trust. It assures customers that your food meets safety and quality standards. This confidence encourages them to choose your products over others, knowing they are safe to eat. Trust from customers is key to growing your food business successfully.
3. Helps in Brand Building
An FSSAI license helps your startup build a strong, trustworthy brand. It shows customers that you care about food quality and follow safety standards. This boosts your brand image, especially when you're just starting. With FSSAI approval, people are more likely to trust your products and choose your brand over others.
4. Access to Funding and Investment
Having an FSSAI license builds trust with banks and investors. It proves your food startup follows safety rules and is legally compliant. This makes it easier to get business loans, attract funding, or bring in new partners. Investors feel more confident putting money into a business that’s officially registered and professionally managed.
5. Easier to Expand
With an FSSAI license, growing your food business becomes easier. You can smoothly expand into other states, list your products on platforms like Amazon or Flipkart, and even enter export markets. It shows that your food is safe and approved, making it easier to build trust and reach more customers anywhere in India or globally.
Types of FSSAI Registration
FSSAI offers three types of licenses based on your business size and turnover:
- Basic FSSAI Registration: For small startups or food businesses with an annual turnover of up to ₹12 lakhs. This is for petty retailers, small-scale manufacturers, or home-based kitchens.
- State FSSAI License: For businesses with a turnover between ₹12 lakhs and ₹20 crores annually. Medium-sized food manufacturers, restaurants, and units that operate within a single state fall into this category.
- Central FSSAI License: Required for businesses with a turnover above ₹20 crores or those involved in import/export or operating across multiple states. Large food chains, e-commerce food platforms, and food processing industries generally apply for this.
Who Needs FSSAI Registration?
If your startup falls into any of the categories below, you need FSSAI registration:
- Home-based food businesses
- Cloud kitchens
- Food processing units
- Packaged food manufacturers
- Restaurants and cafes
- Food delivery services
- Food sellers on platforms like Swiggy, Zomato, or Amazon
- Dairy, meat, or bakery startups
- Street food vendors and stalls
How to Apply for FSSAI Registration
You can apply for FSSAI registration in these simple steps:
- Visit the FSSAI Website: Go to the official FSSAI registration portal online.
- Fill in Basic Details: Enter your personal and business details like your name, phone number, email, business name, type of food you deal with, business type, and full address.
- Upload Your PAN Card: Add a scanned copy or photo of your PAN card as part of the application.
- Double-Check and Submit: Review all your information to ensure it’s correct, then click the "Submit" button.
- Pay the Registration Fee: Pay the applicable fees online using UPI, debit/credit card, or net banking. The fee depends on your license category.
- OTP Verification Call: Our team will call you to verify your mobile number or email using a one-time password (OTP).
- Inspection (If Needed): In some cases, FSSAI officers may visit your premises for a quick inspection.
- Get Your License: Once everything is approved, your FSSAI license will be available for download from the official website.
Note: You can also Apply for Tatkal FSSAI Registration from our website
Conclusion
If you’re starting a food business, getting FSSAI registration is one of the most important steps you’ll take. It’s not just about following the law; it’s about building a strong, trustworthy brand that can grow and succeed in the competitive food industry.
Registering with FSSAI helps you stay legal, earn customer trust, and access big growth opportunities like selling online or exporting food. Whether you’re a small kitchen or a growing food startup, don’t skip this vital step.
