FSSAI Certificate FAQ

Yes. Every individual or entity engaged in any food business activity in India — manufacturing, processing, packaging, storage, distribution, import, export, or sale — must obtain FSSAI registration or license. This includes restaurants, cloud kitchens, home bakers, street food vendors, food manufacturers, retailers, and importers. Penalty for operating without FSSAI: up to ₹5 lakh and business closure.

FSSAI (Food Safety and Standards Authority of India) is the statutory food regulatory body under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India. An FSSAI certificate means your food business has been verified and is legally permitted to operate. Your 14-digit FSSAI number must be displayed on your premises and food packaging.

FSSAI Registration (Basic) is for petty food businesses with turnover below ₹12 lakh — it's simpler and doesn't require physical inspection. FSSAI License (State or Central) is for larger food businesses — requires physical inspection of premises and more documentation. Both give you a valid FSSAI number, but they differ in the level of scrutiny and the scale of operations they permit.

Cloud kitchens need FSSAI State License (for most turnover levels). The license is for the kitchen premises — one license covers multiple virtual brands operating from the same location. Zomato and Swiggy mandatorily require FSSAI number. During onboarding, they may accept the application acknowledgment while the full license is being processed.

Yes! Selling homemade food online (Instagram, WhatsApp, Swiggy) or to any customer constitutes a food business. Basic Registration (₹100 government fee) is sufficient for home bakers with annual revenue below ₹12 lakh. Without it, you risk penalties and platform suspension. We process home baker registrations in 7 days for ₹499.

No. Food exporters must have a Central License. The Central FSSAI License is mandatory for any entity importing or exporting food products in India. Customs authorities verify FSSAI Central License at ports. State License does not permit export activities. We specialise in Central License applications for exporters and importers.

Basic Registration: Aadhaar, passport photo, address proof. State License: Above + business registration certificate, premises rent/ownership document, kitchen layout plan, list of food products, water quality report (for manufacturers), NOC from local authority (some states). Central License: Above + additional certifications depending on food category. We provide a tailored checklist for your specific business.

Basic Registration: 7–10 working days (no inspection). State License: 30–60 working days (includes physical inspection). Central License: 60–90 working days. These are approximate timelines — they can vary by state, food category, and document completeness. We provide regular updates on your application status.

FSSAI certificates are issued for 1 to 5 years (your choice at time of application). You must apply for renewal at least 30 days before expiry. Operating with an expired certificate is illegal. We send renewal reminders to all clients and handle the renewal process for ₹1,499.

All State and Central license holders who manufacture, pack, or import food must file Annual Return (Form D1/D2) on FoSCoS portal by 31st May every year. Basic Registration holders and food retailers/distributors are generally exempt. Penalty for non-filing: up to ₹1 lakh. We file Annual Return for ₹999.

Operating with an expired FSSAI certificate is legally the same as operating without one — it is an illegal food business operation. You risk a penalty up to ₹5 lakh, immediate business closure by Food Safety Officers, and removal from delivery platforms like Zomato and Swiggy. Contact us immediately if your license has expired — we handle emergency renewals.