FSSAI License & Certificate Requirement – Use & Purpose

FSSAI license is required in India to ensure food safety, regulate food businesses, and protect public health through legally enforced standards.

FSSAI allows registrations in FSSAI Basic License, State FSSAI License, and Central categories, authorizing businesses to manufacture

, store, distribute, sell, or import food products in India.

The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) is a statutory body under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India, responsible for framing regulations and standardizing food safety norms nationwide.

FSSAI Latest News and Notifications:

1) FSSAI issued draft amendments: in January 2026, proposing changes in return filing, penalties, record-keeping, and stock management norms. Source

2) NDMC removed the health trade licence requirement: FSSAI-registered restaurants can now operate without getting a health licence. Source

Why Was FSSAI Created in India? Roles & Regulation

Indian food laws and regulations faced a problem of an unregulated market. Before FSSAI was created it was hard to check the food safety level of retail food products. There were many different acts for different types of food products. To reduce the risk of unsafe and bring the whole food industry under one single act, the Indian government created FSSAI on 5 September 2008 as Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006. It unified 7 major food laws into one framework which were:

Earlier Food Law / Order	Year
Prevention of Food Adulteration Act	1954
Fruit Products Order	1955
Meat Food Products Order	1973
Milk and Milk Products Order	1992

Core Values of FSSAI are:

• Laying down science-based food standards

• Regulating manufacture, storage, distribution, import, and sale of food

• Accrediting food testing laboratories

• Advising the Central Government on food safety

• Promoting food safety awareness

Why FSSAI certificate is used for food?

The FSSAI certificate is used to legally validate food businesses and ensure food safety compliance.

For consumers, it indicates:

• Food safety compliance

• Accountability of the seller

• Standardized quality norms

For businesses, it provides:

• Legal permission to operate

• Protection from penalties

• Market credibility

Why is FSSAI license is required today?

FSSAI license is required today because food systems are large-scale, digital, and high-risk without regulation.

Modern food business realities include:

• Cloud kitchens and online delivery

• Packaged and processed foods

• Inter-state and international food trade

FSSAI ensures that public health is protected at scale, not left to informal practices.

Who Requires FSSAI License Registration?

Any entity involved in the food supply chain must obtain FSSAI registration or license.

Food businesses that require FSSAI:

Food Business Type	FSSAI Required
Restaurants & Cafes	Yes
Cloud Kitchens	Yes
Home-based Food Sellers	Yes
Food Manufacturers	Yes
Wholesalers & Distributors	Yes
Online Food Sellers	Yes
Food Importers & Exporters	Yes

The requirement applies regardless of whether food is sold offline or online.

What Is the Legal Use of FSSAI for a Food Business?

The real use of FSSAI is to convert a food activity into a legally compliant business.

Key benefits:

• Mandatory for Swiggy, Zomato, Amazon, Flipkart onboarding

• Prevents business shutdowns and legal action

• Builds customer trust

• Enables expansion and funding opportunities

Without FSSAI, a food business remains legally vulnerable.

Who Needs FSSAI Registration vs License?

FSSAI requirement depends on the size and nature of the business.

• FSSAI Registration: Small or petty food businesses

• FSSAI License: Medium and large food businesses, manufacturers, importers, exporters

This tiered system ensures proportional regulation without overburdening small operators.

What Happens If a Food Business Operates Without FSSAI?

Operating without FSSAI is illegal under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006.

Possible consequences include:

• Heavy monetary penalties

• Immediate closure of business

• Seizure of food products

• Platform delisting

• Legal proceedings

Types of FSSAI License Penalty

Violation	Penalty Outcome
Operating without FSSAI	Fine + closure
Selling unsafe food	Severe penalties
Incorrect food labelling	Monetary fines
Obstructing Food Safety Officer	Legal action
Food adulteration	Criminal liability

Penalties vary based on violation severity and risk to public health.

How to Apply for FSSAI Online Registration

FSSAI registration or license is applied online through the official FSSAI portal.

Step 1: Go to the online FSSAI website fosco.fssai.gov.in.

Step 2: Select the General License option on the home screen.

Step 3: Select the type of license.

Step 4: Register the official mobile number and email id.

Step 5: Upload documents like adhaar card, pan card, etc.

Step 6: Pay the official FSSAI fees and submit the form.

FAQs

Q. Is fssai license mandatory for cloud kitchens?

Ans: Yes, for Cloud kitchens it is mandatory to have a valid FSSAI registration or license to sell food products even without a physical restaurant.