Starting a Food Business in India — Complete Guide
Everything you need to start and run a food business in India — FSSAI license types, GST, Shop Act registration, and food safety compliance.
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Starting a Food Business in India — Complete Guide
Prepared by TaxClue's CA/CS team. Updated for FY 2025–26.
FSSAI — First Step
Every food business operator (FBO) must get FSSAI registration/license. Petty FBOs (turnover < ₹12L): Basic Registration. Medium: State License. Large/national: Central License.
GST Registration
GST required if turnover > ₹40L (goods). Restaurant services: GST @ 5% (no ITC). Packaged food (branded): 12–18% GST.
Business Structure
Proprietorship (simplest), Partnership, LLP, or Private Limited Company. Choose based on scale, liability preference, and investor needs.
Shops & Establishments
All food establishments must register under state Shops & Establishments Act within 30 days of starting operations.
Labour Compliance
Shops Act, Minimum Wages Act, PF/ESI (if 10+/20+ employees), POSH compliance, and food handler medical fitness certificates.
Import/Export
For importing food products: IEC + FSSAI import license required. For export: RCMC from APEDA/EPC + FSSAI central license.
Packaging & Labelling
FSSAI label compliance: product name, ingredients, allergens, net weight, MRP, manufacturing date, expiry, FSSAI license number on pack.
Quality & Testing
Regular food safety testing from FSSAI-approved lab. FOSTAC training for food handlers. Maintain hygiene records for FSSAI inspection.
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